Sued by a debt buyer in Iowa

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. In a suit on a consumer credit transaction, the complaint must state the facts of your default, the amount claimed and how it was figured.

Time limit to sue (written contract)
10 years
Time to answer
20 days

Iowa rules for debt buyer lawsuits

  • In a suit on a consumer credit transaction, the complaint must state the facts of your default, the amount claimed and how it was figured.
  • A default judgment can be entered only if the complaint is verified by the creditor or sworn testimony (by affidavit or otherwise) shows the creditor is entitled to what it asks.
  • A debt buyer (assignee) takes the debt subject to the defenses you had against the original creditor, except where the Uniform Commercial Code applies.

Law: Iowa Code § 537.5114; Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.205

What can defeat the claim in Iowa

Time limits to sue: 10 years on a written contract and 5 years on an unwritten one. Check whether a consumer-credit complaint explains how the amount was figured.

Law: Iowa Code § 614.1(4)-(5); § 537.5114

Time limits and debt buyers in Iowa

In Iowa, the time limit to sue on a written contract is 10 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

What to do in Iowa

  1. Check who is suing

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

  2. Make them prove it

    A documents request letter asks for the contract and proof of ownership.

  3. File your answer

    Iowa's deadline: Small claims: file your Appearance and Answer within 20 days after you are served (60 days in some cases where an out-of-state defendant is served through the Secretary of State or the Department of Transportation).

  4. Raise every defense

    Say if the plaintiff hasn't shown it owns the debt, or if the debt is too old.

  5. Ask for free help

    Free help: Iowa Legal Aid (LawHelp network).

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

Free help in Iowa

Questions about debt buyer suits in Iowa

Are there special rules when a debt buyer sues in Iowa?

In a suit on a consumer credit transaction, the complaint must state the facts of your default, the amount claimed and how it was figured. A default judgment can be entered only if the complaint is verified by the creditor or sworn testimony (by affidavit or otherwise) shows the creditor is entitled to what it asks. A debt buyer (assignee) takes the debt subject to the defenses you had against the original creditor, except where the Uniform Commercial Code applies.

How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Iowa?

Small claims: file your Appearance and Answer within 20 days after you are served (60 days in some cases where an out-of-state defendant is served through the Secretary of State or the Department of Transportation). Regular District Court case: serve and file a motion or answer within 20 days after you are served.

Can a debt buyer sue on an old debt in Iowa?

In Iowa, the time limit to sue on a written contract is 10 years. A debt older than that can be a defense, but you must raise it in your answer.

More for Iowa

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources