Sued by a debt buyer in Ohio

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. If a claim is based on an account or other written document, a copy of the account or document must be attached to the complaint, or the complaint must explain why it is not attached.

Time limit to sue (written contract)
6 years
Time to answer
28 days

Ohio rules for debt buyer lawsuits

  • If a claim is based on an account or other written document, a copy of the account or document must be attached to the complaint, or the complaint must explain why it is not attached.
  • A collection agency that sues on an assigned debt must have a written, voluntary assignment that states its effective date and the price paid, must sue in the county where you live, and must be represented by an Ohio lawyer (R.C. 1319.12(C), (D), (E)).
  • Assignees and agents cannot use small claims court (R.C. 1925.02(A)(2)(a)(ii)).

Law: Civ.R. 10(D)(1)

Defenses you can raise in Ohio

The statute of limitations, payment, and discharge in bankruptcy are affirmative defenses that you must list in your answer. For consumer debt, Ohio's time limit is 6 years, counted from 30 days after the last charge or payment (R.C. 2305.07(C)). A collection agency must sue in the county where you live (R.C. 1319.12(D)). A missing account or contract that the complaint relies on can be raised under Civ.R. 10(D)(1).

Law: Civ.R. 8(C)

Too old to sue on?

Ohio allows 6 years to sue on a written contract. If the debt is older, say so in your answer: the court usually won't raise it for you.

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 Ohio

  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

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

  3. Don't miss the deadline

    Deadline in Ohio: 28 days after you are served with the summons and complaint.

  4. Raise every defense

    Missing ownership papers and old debts are common defenses.

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 legal help in Ohio

Questions about debt buyer suits in Ohio

What does Ohio require of debt buyers who sue?

If a claim is based on an account or other written document, a copy of the account or document must be attached to the complaint, or the complaint must explain why it is not attached. A collection agency that sues on an assigned debt must have a written, voluntary assignment that states its effective date and the price paid, must sue in the county where you live, and must be represented by an Ohio lawyer (R.C. 1319.12(C), (D), (E)). Assignees and agents cannot use small claims court (R.C. 1925.02(A)(2)(a)(ii)).

What is the deadline to answer a debt suit in Ohio?

28 days after you are served with the summons and complaint. If you were served by publication, 28 days after publication is complete.

How old is too old for a debt buyer suit in Ohio?

Ohio allows 6 years to sue on a written contract. If the debt is older, say so in your answer: the court usually won't raise it for you.

Keep reading about Ohio

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources