Have you ever wondered how long you can be chased for a debt or how long you have to recover your unpaid debts?
In most states in Australia, the limitation period for debts is for six (6) years, except in Northern Territory where it is for three (3) years. This means that the creditor can pursue the debt from six (6) years from the date of when:
- The debt became due and payable; or
- The last date a payment was made towards the debt; or
- The date the debtor acknowledged in writing that they owed the debt.
It is imperative that you get the calculations correct, as failure to establish the limitation period, may mean that you will be unable to successfully recover your debt and the debt will become statute-barred.
A statue-barred debt is when the debt becomes older than the limitation period in your State or Territory (being six (6) years in all states in Australia, except in Northern Territory where it is three (3) years). Therefore, a creditor will no longer have legal right of recovery for a statue-barred debt. However, if the debtor acknowledges the debt in writing, or makes any payments towards the debt, then this resets the clock on the six (6) year limitation period.
References:
- Section 10 of the Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (QLD)
- Section 35(3) of the Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (QLD)
- Section 36 of the Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (QLD)
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
