Sued by a debt buyer in the District of Columbia

The extra rules for debt buyer suits, and how to use them in your answer.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A debt buyer is a company that bought an old debt and now sues to collect it. D.C. has some of the strictest rules in the country. In a consumer debt case filed by a debt collector, the complaint must attach the signed contract or application (or other proof of your liability), state the type of debt, the basis for interest and fees, the current owner and every prior owner with transfer dates, and that the suit was filed in time, and include a printed notice that some income (like Social Security) may be protected.

Time limit to sue (written contract)
3 years
Time to answer
21 days

The District of Columbia rules for debt buyer lawsuits

  • D.C. has some of the strictest rules in the country.
  • In a consumer debt case filed by a debt collector, the complaint must attach the signed contract or application (or other proof of your liability), state the type of debt, the basis for interest and fees, the current owner and every prior owner with transfer dates, and that the suit was filed in time, and include a printed notice that some income (like Social Security) may be protected.
  • Before any default or other judgment, the collector must file authenticated business records proving the amount.
  • A debt buyer must also file affidavits from the original creditor, from each seller, and showing the chain of title.
  • The judge must check these rules on its own before entering judgment and may dismiss the case, and must dismiss it with prejudice for substantial or willful noncompliance.
  • In Small Claims, a plaintiff that is not the original creditor must name the original creditor, and a credit card claim must come with an account statement.

Law: D.C. Code § 28-3814(q)-(t); Sm. Cl. R. 19(b)

Defenses to know in the District of Columbia

You can raise any violation of D.C. Code § 28-3814 as a defense. A consumer debt lawsuit filed on or after Sept. 1, 2021 must be filed within 3 years, whatever the type of claim. If the contract does not set a percentage, attorney's fees are presumed to be no more than 15% of the debt.

Law: § 28-3814(t)(2); § 28-3814(o)

Time limits and debt buyers in the District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, the time limit to sue on a written contract is 3 years. A debt older than that can be a defense, but you must raise it in your answer.

A debt collector must not sue you, or threaten to sue you, on a debt that is too old to sue on.

Law: 12 CFR 1006.26(b)

More on old debts at Debt Collector Map

In nearby states

Your next steps in the District of Columbia

  1. Find the plaintiff

    A company you never dealt with may have bought the debt. Its name is on the summons.

  2. Ask for the paperwork

    Send a documents request letter to the plaintiff's lawyer.

  3. Answer on time

    In the District of Columbia: Small Claims: in most cases you do not have to file a written answer.

  4. List your defenses

    Point out any missing proof of ownership or amount.

Federal rules in every state

  • Where a collector must sue. A debt collector that sues you over a consumer debt must file where you signed the contract or where you live when the suit starts. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1692i(a)(2)
  • If the collector broke the law. You can sue a debt collector that broke the federal debt collection law within 1 year, for your losses, up to $1,000 more and your lawyer's fees. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1692k

Where to get free help in the District of Columbia

Questions about debt buyer suits in the District of Columbia

What does the District of Columbia require of debt buyers who sue?

D.C. has some of the strictest rules in the country. In a consumer debt case filed by a debt collector, the complaint must attach the signed contract or application (or other proof of your liability), state the type of debt, the basis for interest and fees, the current owner and every prior owner with transfer dates, and that the suit was filed in time, and include a printed notice that some income (like Social Security) may be protected. Before any default or other judgment, the collector must file authenticated business records proving the amount. A debt buyer must also file affidavits from the original creditor, from each seller, and showing the chain of title. The judge must check these rules on its own before entering judgment and may dismiss the case, and must dismiss it with prejudice for substantial or willful noncompliance. In Small Claims, a plaintiff that is not the original creditor must name the original creditor, and a credit card claim must come with an account statement.

How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in the District of Columbia?

Small Claims: in most cases you do not have to file a written answer. Go to the first court date on your notice and tell the judge why you disagree. You must file in writing only for a set-off or counterclaim, or a verified answer if you want a jury trial (on or before the first court date). Civil Actions Branch: 21 days after you are served.

Can a debt buyer sue on an old debt in the District of Columbia?

In the District of Columbia, the time limit to sue on a written contract is 3 years. A debt older than that can be a defense, but you must raise it in your answer.

Related the District of Columbia pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources