Q: What is the statute of limitations on collecting credit card debt judgment in Virginia?
I recently became aware of a credit card debt judgment from September 29, 2019, when my bank account was garnished on January 14, 2025. I spoke to a collection representative today for the first time, and there is a court hearing scheduled for tomorrow. What is the statute of limitations on collecting this debt judgment in Virginia, and what steps should I consider taking?
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A:
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for collecting a credit card debt judgment is generally 20 years. This means that the creditor or collection agency has 20 years from the date of the judgment to collect the debt, either through garnishment or other collection methods. Since the judgment was issued in September 2019, you are still within the time frame for them to take action, such as garnishing your bank account.
If you were unaware of the judgment until recently, it might be helpful to review court records or speak with the court to confirm the details of the case. If there are any discrepancies or if you believe the garnishment was done incorrectly, you can raise these issues in the upcoming court hearing. Additionally, you may want to explore your options for negotiating a settlement or setting up a payment plan with the creditor or collection agency.
At the hearing, you can explain your financial situation and work with the judge or creditor to find a reasonable resolution. If you are facing financial hardship, it could be useful to bring supporting documents to show your inability to pay the full amount immediately.
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