40+ Year Old School Debt (non-federal)

[Flicka]

In 2022 started receiving dunning letters from a college I attended for a so-called debt. No explanation of how the debt was incurred. Attended 40+ years ago. Have not responded, but just received a random bill (they don't come every month) that as of August 22 has a recurring "interest" charge...the same amount every month. My state's statute of limitations is 6 yrs. The state where the college is located os 5 yrs...a domestic judgement is 5 yrs and renewable every 5 yrs. However, there has been no judgement of which I am aware. I hesitate to engage as this could restart the stature of limitations clock. Can they legally come after me after more than 40 years?

[BV80]

5 hours ago, Flicka said:

In 2022 started receiving dunning letters from a college I attended for a so-called debt. No explanation of how the debt was incurred. Attended 40+ years ago. Have not responded, but just received a random bill (they don't come every month) that as of August 22 has a recurring "interest" charge...the same amount every month. My state's statute of limitations is 6 yrs. The state where the college is located os 5 yrs...a domestic judgement is 5 yrs and renewable every 5 yrs. However, there has been no judgement of which I am aware. I hesitate to engage as this could restart the stature of limitations clock. Can they legally come after me after more than 40 years?

Inquiring about the alleged debt will not restart the SOL as long as you don’t admit it’s yours and offer to pay. Have you checked the courts in both states and in every location you have resided?  You could try sending a DV request even though the 30-day limit has passed, and the collection agency may respond.  Just be sure to dispute it and demand a copy of a judgment, if one exists.