My dad got a letter from a lawyers office in attempt to collect a debt that hasn't been paid on since 2000. Does he need to pay it since it's been 7 years?
What type of debt is it?
What state was the debt created in?
What state does your father currently reside in?
Debts do not go away just because of time...but there can be consequences to making a payment on an old debt. The debt may pop up on a credit report, or extend the life of an existing entry by seven years. A partial payment would restart the statute of limitations, permitting the collector to file a lawsuit in order to recover the balance due + legal fees. If the SOL has expired, your father does have the right to send a cease and desist letter (you have this right at any time when dealing with 3rd party collectors, it isn't advisable, however, if the SOL is still in effect--doing so can often trigger a lawsuit to collect).
He can also send a letter demanding validation (not verification) to the collection agency.
What type of debt is it?
What state was the debt created in?
What state does your father currently reside in?
Debts do not go away just because of time...but there can be consequences to making a payment on an old debt. The debt may pop up on a credit report, or extend the life of an existing entry by seven years. A partial payment would restart the statute of limitations, permitting the collector to file a lawsuit in order to recover the balance due + legal fees. If the SOL has expired, your father does have the right to send a cease and desist letter (you have this right at any time when dealing with 3rd party collectors, it isn't advisable, however, if the SOL is still in effect--doing so can often trigger a lawsuit to collect).
He can also send a letter demanding validation (not verification) to the collection agency.