Debt Validation Letter in Maine
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 Maine law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. The Maine Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regulates debt collectors, including collection agencies, debt buyers, repossession companies, and creditors that collect their own debts under a different name. It largely mirrors the federal FDCPA and adds state rules, such as limits on medical debt collection. Prohibited practices: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/32/title32sec11013.html. Original creditors collecting in their own name are generally excluded. |
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| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for most civil actions, including suits on written or oral contracts. 20 years only for contracts under seal or promissory notes signed in front of an attesting witness. § 751: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec751.html Source: 14 M.R.S. § 752; 14 M.R.S. § 751 |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | For contract debts, an acknowledgment or new promise extends the time to sue only if it is express, in writing, and signed by the person who owes the debt. An acknowledgment by one co-signer does not affect the others. Whether a partial payment alone restarts the period is not addressed by § 860 and depends on case law. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 860 |
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 · Maine 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.