How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Missouri
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Missouri, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: 10 years for an action on a writing that promises to pay money. 5 years for other contract actions, including oral agreements. RSMo 516.110(1); RSMo 516.120(1)
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 10 years for an action on a writing that promises to pay money. 5 years for other contract actions, including oral agreements. 516.120: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120. Which period applies depends on whether the written document itself contains the promise to pay. Source: RSMo 516.110(1); RSMo 516.120(1) |
|---|---|
| How long a judgment lasts | A judgment is conclusively presumed paid 10 years after it was entered, unless it was revived (with personal service on the debtor) or a payment was made and entered on the court record, in which case the 10 years run from the revival or last recorded payment. Judgments for unpaid rent may be revived by publication instead of personal service (516.350.5). Source: RSMo 516.350 |
More Missouri debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Missouri
- Wage Garnishment in Missouri
- What Creditors Can't Take in Missouri
- All Missouri debt & collections rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Missouri?
10 years for an action on a writing that promises to pay money. 5 years for other contract actions, including oral agreements.
How long does a court judgment last in Missouri?
A judgment is conclusively presumed paid 10 years after it was entered, unless it was revived (with personal service on the debtor) or a payment was made and entered on the court record, in which case the 10 years run from the revival or last recorded payment.
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.