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Indiana Collections Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Small Claims, Collections and Real Estate Law for Indiana on
Q: Received court letter for eviction case from 2004, scheduled for June 2025. Concerned about statute of limitations.

I was evicted in March 2004, and I recently received a letter from the court and credit adjusters regarding a motion for proceeding supplemental, with a court appearance scheduled for June 18, 2025, in small claims court. They have been trying to contact us since April 2006, and I believe... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You have ten years from the original entry to renew a judgment by affidavit. If the eviction judgment from 2004 was not renewed before March 2014, it is no longer enforceable.

You can file a motion to vacate or set aside the judgment for lack of renewal or improper service under the civil...
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1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Gov & Administrative Law for Indiana on
Q: Are there exceptions to Indiana's 6-year statute of limitations on medical debt?

I am being sued for a medical debt that was incurred in Indiana over 10 years ago. I have read that the statute of limitations for medical debt collection in Indiana is 6 years. Are there any exceptions or tolling provisions that might apply in my situation, allowing for this lawsuit to proceed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

You’re right that Indiana has a 6-year statute of limitations for written contracts, which typically includes medical debt. That means creditors usually have six years from the date of default to sue for collection. If more than six years have passed, and no exceptions apply, the case could be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Civil Litigation for Indiana on
Q: Can 10-year-old medical debt be sued for past the statute of limitations in Indiana?

I am being sued for a 10-year-old medical debt in Indiana, despite the state's 6-year statute of limitations. Previously, there was a lawsuit regarding this debt that was dismissed without prejudice over 2 years ago. I never made any payments or acknowledged the debt in that time, and there... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 5, 2025

You might be surprised, but in Indiana the legal window to file a suit on medical debt is six years from when the debt became due or from your last payment. This means that after six years, a creditor loses the legal right to sue over that debt.

Filing a lawsuit does not extend that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Indiana on
Q: Can a hospital collect a judgment after 11 years in Indiana?

Can a hospital still collect a judgment after 11 years in Indiana? I made a $19,000 judgment payment with the last payment of $15,000 made on 4/30/18. Since then, I haven't received any new information or notices from the hospital. Is there a possibility or limit to pursue the remaining amount?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

In Indiana, a judgment is generally enforceable for up to 20 years, which means the hospital can still collect the remaining amount even after 11 years. However, the statute of limitations for collecting a judgment can be extended if the creditor takes certain actions, such as renewing the judgment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Collections, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Indiana on
Q: Do I have grounds for legal action against my landlord for improper debt reporting and breach of contract regarding rental history?

I had a dispute with my past landlord, Sterling Group, starting in 2023, over inaccurate charges for alleged unpaid rent and fees after I moved out. Despite my lease terms and final payment records indicating otherwise, Sterling Group plans to report a balance to collections. I have multiple emails... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

You may have grounds for legal action if your landlord is reporting inaccurate debt and causing harm to your rental history. The fact that you have documentation, such as emails and a ledger showing a zero balance, strengthens your case. If the landlord is intending to report false information to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Consumer Law for Indiana on
Q: What type of lawyer should I contact for student loan default and credit company issues?

I have been in default on my student loan, which was being handled by a central credit company. For years, I have been making payments to them, but recently they started sending my checks back and are no longer taking my calls. I have not contacted a lawyer yet. What kind of lawyer should I consult... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

You should contact a lawyer who handles debt collection issues, particularly someone who has experience with student loans and consumer protection. This type of lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of defaulted student loans and ensure that your rights are protected against the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Traffic Tickets for Indiana on
Q: Do I have to pay a 20-year-old speeding ticket from Indiana, now pursued by an Illinois collection agency?

I recently received a phone call from a collection agency in Illinois regarding a speeding ticket from Indiana that dates back 20 years. I currently reside in West Virginia. The agency said they would send me documentation by mail. I believed a friend paid this ticket years ago, but it seems they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Getting a call about a 20-year-old ticket is stressful, especially when you're not sure if it's even valid anymore. In most cases, debts like old traffic fines don’t just disappear, even after many years. Indiana may have kept it active in their records, and now a collection agency in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Civil Litigation for Indiana on
Q: Motion for relief from judgment due to improper service in debt case.

I need to file a motion for relief from judgment regarding a debt collection case for a vehicle from over 20 years ago. The hearing took place in September 2024, and I was not notified as the paperwork was sent to an incorrect address. I have filed a motion for an extension to prepare a defense for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It’s great that you’re staying proactive about this issue, and your situation definitely warrants attention. To file a **motion for relief from judgment**, you’ll want to focus on the fact that you weren’t properly served and that the judgment was made without your knowledge. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Collections for Indiana on
Q: What do I have to do to get a infraction thrown out after it's been defaulted ,I was arrested on 08-14-22 in Lakeville,

Indiana for being htv,five days later the cop issued me an infraction in another town court with no court date ,I was never told about the ticket after letting the cop re issue the infraction under a different case number stating the first one was incorrect,they opened as a new case,almost three... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2025

It sounds like you’re dealing with a serious legal issue that could impact your ability to drive. Since the infraction was defaulted without your knowledge and later reissued under a different case number, you may have grounds to challenge it. One possible argument is that the ticket violates... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Indiana on
Q: Can a debt collection atty take me to court for a judgement awarded to a law firm .

Can a debt collection atty take me to court for a judgement awarded to a law firm .

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 3, 2024

Of course. What difference does it make that the judgment is in favor of a law firm?

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Intellectual Property for Indiana on
Q: When sending the intent to file letter does it have to be certified or can it be priority mail with signature required
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2023

When sending a letter of intent to file a claim, it does not necessarily have to be sent via certified mail; however, it is often advisable to do so. Certified mail provides proof of mailing and delivery, which can be important in legal proceedings to establish that the recipient was indeed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Indiana on
Q: In Porter County Indiana, can a Plaintiff get reimbursed for the attorney fees associated with enforcing a judgment?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 15, 2023

In Indiana, the general rule is that each party is responsible for their own attorney's fees unless there is a specific statute or contract provision that allows for the recovery of attorney's fees. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

If a contract between the parties...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Collections for Indiana on
Q: I have a storage unit it gets auction tomorrow I found out that today I'm being extorted

I got no notice for sale or rent raised twice been locked out from being able to vacate unit I have paid all past due balance now this months rent is keeping me from getting my stuff I want to move out why do I have to pre pay for the month if I want to leave they are extorting me for my possessions

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 2, 2023

It is important to understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement you signed for the storage unit. If you have been delinquent on rent payments or if the unit was abandoned, the facility may have the right to auction off the contents of the unit to recoup the unpaid balance. However,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Collections for Indiana on
Q: What can I do if I can't find a lawyer? I need to respond to the court within 20 days but I have a few days left to do

I received a notification from the court of a lawsuit and I have 20 days to respond after the notification, but it's been approximately 11 days and I still can't find a lawyer. If I can't find one, what can I do?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 13, 2023

An Indiana attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks, and time is of the essence in your matter. As a general course of action nationwide, one could request an extension to arrange for an attorney. Most plaintiff firms would grant that courtesy. Reach out to local... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Collections for Indiana on
Q: I had a package delivered to a hotel. The manager discard it and promise a refund. How to deal with this matter overseas
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 13, 2023

Submit a claim for reimbursement to both the hotel and shipper.

This is only general legal information and is not legal advice. You may not rely on this general information for your legal situation. There is no attorney client relationship established by this answer.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Indiana on
Q: agree on payment contract for an certain amount say 150.00 monthly and if i happen to not have 150 they dont accept 75

plus keep adding 35 late fee and addtional interest

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jan 21, 2023

Yes. The minimum is $150.00. It is NOT anything less, regardless of the reason.

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Collections for Indiana on
Q: In the state of Indiana can a storage facility auction off your things without notice
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 8, 2023

No, the storage facility must first send written notice via certified mail to the renter’s last know address.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Collections, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Indiana on
Q: My roommate is refusing to pay their half of the rent. What can I do to get them to pay? Both our names are on the lease

I moved into an apartment with my girlfriend, both our names are on the lease. She ended up cheating on me and moving out after 2 weeks of living here. She says that she will not pay any rent and so far has refused to. The leasing office informed us on during the signing process on numerous... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 18, 2022

It's possible that you have a suit against her for contribution, but just because you can sue someone doesn't mean that you are going to get anything from her. See a local lawyer for advice. This is not a criminal matter.

I hope you can cover the rent on your own.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Indiana on
Q: I missed a court date for a civil case. It was yesterday and I'm not sure what to do about it.
Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 14, 2022

Depends on what it was. Sometimes a missed hearing can serious consequences to your case, sometimes not.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Collections, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Indiana on
Q: Can I fight judgement interest if I wasn't notified of the judgement?

I received proceedings supplemental in May of this year for $9000 the original judgement was for $6000 dollars. I had no idea about the judgment as I was never served papers and never notified of any judgement against me. Will I be able to fight the interest accrued?

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 30, 2022

If you were not served, yes. Otherwise, likrly not.

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