Statute of Limitations on Debt in Oregon: Your Complete Guide
Oregon's six-year statute of limitations protects you from lawsuits over old debts. If collectors sue you, you must file an Answer within the deadline and assert affirmative defenses like expired statutes. Acting quickly gives you the best chance to win your case or settle for less.
Answer Your LawsuitYou have rights when debt collectors contact you in Oregon. The statute of limitations protects you from lawsuits over old debts. Understanding these limits can help you fight back against invalid claims.
Oregon requires debt collectors to register with the state. They must follow strict state and federal fair debt collection laws.
Respond to Your Oregon Debt Lawsuit in 15 Minutes
Oregon cases under $50,000 go to mandatory arbitration. Settle before the hearing to avoid costly fees. Get your attorney-reviewed Answer filed today.
Start Your AnswerWhat Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Oregon?
Oregon gives creditors six years to sue you for most debts. After that deadline passes, the debt becomes time-barred. Collectors cannot take legal action to recover it.
The six-year statute of limitations covers these common debts:
- Credit card debt
- Medical debt
- Mortgage debt
- Written contract debts
- Oral contract debts
State tax debts have no statute of limitations. Collectors can pursue them indefinitely.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations (Years) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 1 |
| Written Contracts | 6 |
| Oral Contracts | 6 |
| Judgments | 10 |
Your Rights When Dealing with Oregon Debt Collectors
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive collection practices. Oregon law provides additional safeguards.
Debt collectors in Oregon cannot:
- Refuse to identify themselves when contacting you
- Lie about their identity or the agency they represent
- Misrepresent the amount you owe or legal actions available
- Use profane language or threaten violence
- Contact you at work after you tell them to stop
- Call you more than once per week
- Contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
If collectors violate these rules, our partner Solo can help you respond with the right legal defense.
How to Dispute a Debt in Oregon
You are not required to pay debts you do not owe. Oregon law gives you the right to dispute incorrect claims.
Collectors must send written notice within five days of first contact. The notice must include:
- The exact amount you allegedly owe
- The name of the original creditor
- Your deadline to dispute the debt
You have 30 days from receiving the notice to file a dispute. Send your dispute in writing to preserve your rights.
You can also request debt verification. Collectors must provide proof you owe the debt. They must include the original creditor’s name and address if the debt was sold.
Stopping Collector Contact
You can stop debt collectors from contacting you. Send them a written letter requesting they cease all communication.
After receiving your letter, collectors can only contact you to:
- Inform you of specific legal action they plan to take
- Confirm they will stop collection attempts
If collectors continue contacting you after your written request, file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice.
What Happens If You Don’t Dispute a Debt?
Ignoring a debt does not make it disappear. Failing to dispute could validate the collector’s claim.
You must act within 30 days of receiving the collection notice. Missing this deadline weakens your legal position significantly.
Collectors can interpret silence as admission of the debt. They may proceed with legal action more aggressively.
How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Oregon
You must file an Answer to fight a debt collection lawsuit. The Answer responds to the complaint served with your summons.
Oregon automatically assigns cases under $50,000 to mandatory arbitration. Our partner Solo can help you settle before arbitration to avoid extra costs.
Step 1: Respond to Each Claim
The complaint contains numbered paragraphs detailing the lawsuit. You must respond to each paragraph with one of three answers:
- Admit: You agree with the statement completely
- Deny: You disagree with the statement
- Lack knowledge: You cannot confirm or deny the claim
Answer honestly and carefully. Your responses shape the entire case.
Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses
Affirmative defenses explain why the lawsuit should be dismissed. You must include them in your Answer. Courts will not let you add them later.
Strong affirmative defenses for Oregon debt cases include:
- The statute of limitations has expired
- The debt does not belong to you
- The contract was terminated before the debt occurred
- You were not informed of your co-signer rights
- You already paid part or all of the debt
- The creditor forgave the debt
Each defense requires supporting evidence. Gather documents proving your claims before filing your Answer.
Step 3: File Your Answer with the Court
You must file your Answer with the court handling your case. Send a copy to the plaintiff’s attorney as well.
The filing process can be complex and confusing. Our partner Solo walks you through every step and files your Answer for you.
Settling Your Debt Before Court
You can negotiate a settlement at any time during the lawsuit. Many collectors prefer settlement over lengthy court battles.
Settlement offers several advantages:
- Avoid mandatory arbitration fees in Oregon
- Prevent a judgment on your record
- Often settle for less than the full amount
- Resolve the case faster than going to trial
Get settlement terms in writing before making any payments. Never provide bank account access to collectors.