Washington Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

The statute of limitations is an established rule that sets a time limit within which a creditor is able to sue you for payment of a debt. The amount of time that a creditor has to sue you is different for each state and if the time that is allowed by your state has passed, a creditor is unable to sue you for the debt. Before a consumer agrees to pay off their debt, they should check what the statute of limitations is for their state to ensure that the debt is still due and payable.

In Washington, Title 4, Chapter 16 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) outlines the various statutes of limitations for debt collection in the state:

• Recovery of property and judgments can only be pursued in court with a 10-year time limit (RCW 4.16.020)
• Written contracts and accounts receivable: 6 years (RCW 4.16.040)
• Oral contracts: 3 years (RCW 4.16.080)

If you want to get any more information or if you have questions about the Statute of Limitations in Washington, contact The Consumer Advocacy Center at 312-782-5808.