statute of limitations in VA

[lydiap10]

What is the name of your state? Currently living in Florida

I received a warrant in debt to appear in VA for a medical bill ($591) from back in 1993 that I had completely forgotten about.

Do I have to fly out to VA for this? What is the statute of limitations for collecting medical bills in VA? Can a judgement be granted for a bill that is 12 years old? I moved to FL in 2000 and have gotten my life back together and I'm afraid that a judgement would be granted if I don't pay (which I can't right now) and put a negative mark on my credit. Any response would be appreciated.

[Ladynred]

1993 ??? Statute of Limitations ran out a LONG time ago ! SOL in VA is 5 years for a written contract, 3 for an open account (credit card). The SOL on this debt expired in 1998 !!

You need to respond to the summons in the time specified by filing an Answer with the court. Your FIRST defense should be that the debt is time-barred, the statute of limitations has expired.

Here's some info on how to Answer a lawsuit on a time-barred debt:
[url]http://whychat.5u.com/answer.html[/url]

Modify it as necessary to fit your case.

You should be able to get this taken care of w/o going to VA and if it DOES come down to a court date, then you can ask to appear by phone - or you could file for a change of venue to move the case to FL.

[lydiap10]

Thank you so much for your reply and the help. I thought the SOL had expired, but I wasn't sure.

[Ladynred]

I'm not a red-head at all I just love to wear red.