Debt Validation Letter in Louisiana
Ask a debt collector to prove a debt. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), if you dispute in writing within the validation period, the collector must stop collecting until it sends verification. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy.
What Louisiana law says
| State debt collection law | Yes, in part. Under the Louisiana Consumer Credit Law, a creditor (including an original creditor) may not contact third parties outside the debtor's household about the debt, with limited exceptions. If a debtor in default sends a written cease-contact notice by registered or certified mail, the creditor is limited to one mail notice per month and up to four personal contacts to settle the debt. Source: La. R.S. 9:3562 |
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| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 10 years for most contract claims ('personal actions'), whether the contract is written or oral, unless a shorter period applies. Debts on money lent and on open accounts have a shorter 3-year period. Louisiana calls limitation periods 'liberative prescription.' Art. 3494: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=110518 Source: La. C.C. art. 3499; art. 3494 |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | Yes. Prescription (the limitations period) is interrupted when the debtor acknowledges the creditor's right, and a new period begins. What counts as an acknowledgment (for example, a partial payment or a written promise) is decided by the courts. Source: La. C.C. art. 3464 |
Fill it in
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.
[today's date]
To: [collection agency name], [collector address]
Re: Account number [account or reference number]
I am writing in response to your [letter or call] dated [date of contact]. I dispute this debt and request validation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Please send me the name of the original creditor, the amount you claim and how it was calculated, and documents showing that you own or are authorized to collect this debt.
Until you provide this verification, please stop collection activity on this account, and contact me only in writing at the address below.
[your name], [your mailing address]
Debt Validation Letter for other states · Louisiana tenant rights
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.