How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Massachusetts
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Massachusetts, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: 6 years for contract actions, express or implied, written or oral. 20 years for contracts under seal. M.G.L. c. 260, § 2; c. 260, § 1
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for contract actions, express or implied, written or oral. 20 years for contracts under seal. § 1: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section1 Source: M.G.L. c. 260, § 2; c. 260, § 1 |
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| How long a judgment lasts | A judgment is presumed paid and satisfied 20 years after it was entered. Source: M.G.L. c. 260, § 20 |
More Massachusetts debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Massachusetts
- Wage Garnishment in Massachusetts
- What Creditors Can't Take in Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts debt & collections rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Massachusetts?
6 years for contract actions, express or implied, written or oral. 20 years for contracts under seal.
How long does a court judgment last in Massachusetts?
A judgment is presumed paid and satisfied 20 years after it was entered.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.