old debts statute barred??

millymollie

Hi everyone

My husband has lots of old debts from when he was with his ex wife, all in his name.
We think that some of them may be statute barred as my husband is certain that the last time he paid them was years ago. He is constantly getting letters from different debt collectors offering large discounts if he pays something (which we cannot afford)

I have read that the only way to be sure if they are statute barred is to access his credit reports, however will this be noted on his credit reports and will he start getting harrassed by debt collectors more?

Thanks in advance xx

fermi

Only way to be sure is to work out when he last paid or acknowledged the debts in writing.

Credit reports may possible help with the first of those 2, but they are notoriously unreliable. Payment history may not be complete on them, or debts may be missing entirely. And if they are missing, that doesn't necessarily mean they are statute barred.

I would not rely on info from credit report for this purpose.

millymollie

Hi Fermi,
Thanks for the info.
Do you think we would be better just sending a letter saying that he doesnt acknowledge the debt etc?
Cheers xx

taffy056

They are statute barred if after 6 years (5 in scotland) that the debt debt hasn't been paid, acknowledged in writing or there is no judgement on the debt. He needs to sit down and have a think about if it has been that amount of time first. Then come back for further advice.