Georgia Debt Collection Laws: Know Your Rights in 2025
Georgia debt collection laws protect you from harassment, deception, and abuse by collectors. You have the right to request debt validation, dispute time-barred debts, and file complaints against collectors who violate the FDCPA or Fair Business Practices Act. When facing a debt lawsuit in Georgia, respond within 30 days to protect your rights and avoid default judgment.
Answer Your LawsuitDebt collection notices arrive without warning. They bring frustration and anxiety, especially when money is tight.
More letters will follow. So will phone calls and emails from collectors.
Sued for Debt in Georgia? Respond Before the 30-Day Deadline
Georgia courts give you only 30 days to respond to a debt collection lawsuit. Missing this deadline results in automatic judgment against you. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file a proper Answer to protect your rights.
Respond to LawsuitYou need to know your rights under Georgia debt collection laws. Collection agencies cannot lie, harass, or intimidate you into paying. When a collector crosses the line, you can fight back.
Georgia law protects you from abusive debt collectors. Armed with knowledge, you can defend yourself and your finances.
Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act Protects You
The Fair Business Practices Act (FBPA), codified in O.C.G.A. § 10-1-391, regulates collection agencies in Georgia. The FBPA prohibits deceptive practices when collectors pursue consumer debts.
Collection agencies in Georgia cannot:
- Pretend to be law enforcement officers or government officials
- Fail to identify themselves in written or verbal communications
- Obtain your information from credit reporting agencies under false pretenses
Georgia also enforces federal debt collection rules under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
What the FDCPA Prohibits in Georgia
The federal FDCPA gives you strong protections. Debt collectors cannot take these actions:
- Contact you at work after learning your employer prohibits such calls
- Tell friends, family, or colleagues about your debt
- Continue contacting you after receiving a written cease communication request
- Use obscene, profane, or abusive language when discussing your debt
Collection agencies can still pursue legal action even after you tell them to stop contacting you. However, they must cease all other communication attempts.
If a collector harasses you or uses deceptive tactics, file complaints with the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations on Debt
Georgia’s statute of limitations laws create deadlines for legal action on debts. After the deadline passes, the debt becomes time-barred.
Collection agencies cannot sue you for time-barred debts. Here are Georgia’s statute of limitations periods:
| Debt Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Credit Card | 4 years |
| Medical | 6 years |
| Student Loan | 6 years |
| Auto Loan | 6 years |
| Mortgage | 6 years |
| Personal Loan | 6 years |
| Judgment | 7 years |
If a collector tries suing you for a time-barred debt, they violate the FDCPA and Georgia law. You should file an Answer with the court stating the debt is time-barred.
Include evidence supporting your claim. Also file complaints with the FTC and Georgia’s Consumer Protection Division.
When facing a debt lawsuit in Georgia, our partner Solo can help you respond to the summons and protect your rights.
How to Handle Debt Collection Notices
Approach debt collection notices objectively, despite your frustration. Read each letter carefully and determine if you recognize the debt.
The letter must include the original creditor’s name and account identifying information. Compare the amount requested with your own records.
Collection agencies sometimes inflate amounts owed, accidentally or deliberately. Document any discrepancies you discover.
Request Debt Validation Within 30 Days
The FDCPA gives you 30 days to request debt validation from receipt of the initial notice. After 30 days pass, collectors assume the debt is valid.
Your debt validation letter should request:
- Proof the collection agency has legal rights to collect from you
- Calculation of additional fees and interest charges
- Confirmation the debt isn’t past Georgia’s statute of limitations
- Records of your last transaction on the account
After receiving your debt validation request, collectors must stop collection activity until they provide the requested information.
What Happens After Debt Validation
When the collection agency validates the debt with proper documentation, you face an important decision. If the debt isn’t past the statute of limitations, the agency may sue you for non-payment.
You have three options to resolve the debt and avoid court: payment arrangements, full repayment, or settlement.
Payment Arrangements
Payment arrangements allow you to make regular installment payments. Payments continue until you’ve repaid the full balance.
Full Repayment
Full repayment requires paying the entire balance at once. You’ll eliminate the debt completely and avoid future collection attempts.
Full repayment proves difficult when you lack savings or extra income.
Debt Settlement
Debt settlement involves negotiating a lower payoff amount. Collection agencies may accept less than the full balance when full collection seems unlikely.
Consider this example: Bluelight Collection Agency validates a $1,000 credit card debt Tony owes. The debt isn’t time-barred, and Tony fears a lawsuit is coming. Tony offers $500 to settle and close the account. Bluelight accepts the settlement offer and reports the account as settled to credit bureaus.
Settlement can save you money, but settled accounts affect your credit report. Weigh the benefits against the credit impact before proceeding.
Responding to Debt Lawsuits in Georgia
If a collection agency sues you in Georgia, you must respond within 30 days. Failing to respond results in a default judgment against you.
Your Answer to the lawsuit should include affirmative defenses. Common defenses include statute of limitations, mistaken identity, and incorrect debt amounts.
Our partner Solo can help you draft a proper Answer and file it with the court. You don’t have to face debt collectors alone in court.
Filing Complaints Against Abusive Collectors
Georgia debt collection laws protect you from harassment and abuse. Collection agencies must follow strict rules when pursuing debts.
When collectors violate these rules, file complaints with enforcement agencies. The Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division handles state law violations.
The FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau handle federal FDCPA violations. Document each violation with dates, times, and details of what occurred.
You may also have grounds for a lawsuit against the collector. The FDCPA allows you to sue for damages and attorney fees.
Protect Your Rights Under Georgia Law
Georgia follows federal debt collection guidelines established by the FDCPA. Additional state protections exist under the Fair Business Practices Act.
Watch for potential violations when collectors contact you. Don’t hesitate to file complaints when collectors step out of bounds.
Your complaint puts the collection agency on notice. They must stop actions that violate your legal rights.
Know the statute of limitations for your type of debt. Time-barred debts cannot result in lawsuits against you.
If you receive a lawsuit summons, respond promptly. You have 30 days to file an Answer in Georgia courts.
Don’t let debt collectors intimidate you into paying debts you don’t owe. Verify every debt before making any payments.