How long can someone Legally bill me for a debt my husband owed?

[murray1987]

What is the name of your state?I live in SC.

In the beginning of last year my husband had a nervous breakdown resulting in a permanent chemical imbalance. We lost our business of 10 years. I sold most everything we owned to pay all of the medical bills. Our landscape suppliers we still owed. Some were wonderful and considered his debts paid in full. Others went to magistrate court, but my husband could not go and a letter from his psychiatrist confirmed his health situation.

The least amount of stress can set him back so I have to handle everything myself. After selling everything we had, people donated items to me to sell, so I could stay home to take care of him and our young children. That is the only income we have had. Once my 4 year old starts school I plan to work outside the home, but that's not for another year. But until that time I am making enough money to cover his medical needs (over $1000/month) and our necessities only. We did not have disability insurance (very dumb).

Anyway, a landscape supplier sent me a letter today (18 months later) wanting to clear up the matter of owing him money. It's only $400.

My questions are:

1) Do I contact the supplier and tell them my situation hasn't changed but when I have the money I will pay him? Or tell them my situation hasn't changed and leave it at that and not mention that I will pay him?

2) How long can he legally ask for this money? I'm not the one who owes it, but my husband can not deal with a situation like this and personally he will never be able to pay it. I need to protect my husband at all costs.

Thanks for any advice anyone can give me!
God bless you!

 

[Ladynred]

1) Do I contact the supplier and tell them my situation hasn't changed but when I have the money I will pay him? Or tell them my situation hasn't changed and leave it at that and not mention that I will pay him?

You can write the supplier that kind of letter but there's obviously no guarantee they'll be reasonable. It is a rather small amount, but some people just won't cut anyone any slack for any reason. I'd simply say your situation hasn't changed, his condition is such that he cannot work and you must devote all your efforts to his care and that of your family. They could still sue, hopefully they won't take it that far for just $400.

2) How long can he legally ask for this money? I'm not the one who owes it, but my husband can not deal with a situation like this and personally he will never be able to pay it. I need to protect my husband at all costs.

They can ASK until the cows come home, but after 3 years (with no payments at all), the Statute of limitations expires and that will make it hard for them to legally ENFORCE collection of the debt.