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Debt Collection Laws in Kentucky

Patrick Austin, J.D. | September 12, 2023

Patrick Austin
Attorney from George Mason
Patrick Austin, JD

Patrick Austin is a licensed attorney with a background in data privacy and information security law. Patrick received his law degree at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief for the National Security Law Journal.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Kentucky's debt collection laws have specific time limits for collecting different debts. However, Kentucky has limited protections for residents against debt collectors. So, residents mostly rely on the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for protection against aggressive collectors.

Being hounded by an unscrupulous debt collector is oftentimes a stressful, anxiety-inducing experience. If you are being pursued by such a debt collector and reside in the Bluegrass State, do not give up hope. There are federal legal protections in place designed to assist you when engaging with a debt collector about a delinquent account.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of debt collection laws in Kentucky, including laws pertaining to the statute of limitations.

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Kentucky debt collection laws protect consumers like you

Debt collection laws in Kentucky are designed to protect consumers from unfair and abusive practices by debt collectors. These laws outline the rights and responsibilities of both debtors and creditors, providing a framework for fair and ethical debt collection practices. It is important for individuals and businesses involved in debt collection activities to understand the key provisions of these laws. Below are some of the key provisions of debt collection laws in Kentucky.

Prohibited practices

Debt collectors in Kentucky are prohibited from engaging in certain practices that are considered abusive or deceptive. These practices include harassment, threats of violence, using obscene language, falsely representing the amount owed, or misrepresenting their identity or affiliation. Debt collectors are also prohibited from contacting debtors at inconvenient times, such as early morning or late at night.

Validation of debt

Kentucky law requires debt collectors to provide debtors with written notice within five days of their initial contact. This notice must include information about the debt, such as the amount owed, the name of the original creditor, and the debtor's rights to dispute the debt. If the debtor disputes the debt within 30 days of receiving the notice, the debt collector must validate the debt by providing additional documentation or evidence.

Remedies for violations

If debt collectors in Kentucky violate any provisions of the debt collection laws, debtors have the right to take legal action against them. Debtors may be entitled to damages, including compensation for any actual damages suffered as a result of the violation, as well as statutory damages and attorney's fees. It is important for debtors to keep detailed records of all communication and documentation related to the debt collection process in case they need to pursue legal remedies.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act stops aggressive debt collectors

In addition to state law, debt collectors in Kentucky must comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA provides additional protections for consumers, including restrictions on communication, disclosure of debt information, and debt validation procedures. Debt collectors must ensure that their practices align with the requirements of the FDCPA to avoid legal liability

The Kentucky statute of limitations on debt can stop an old debt lawsuit

The statute of limitations is a specific period of time, typically established by each state’s legislature, governing how long something can be the subject of a potential civil action. The statute of limitations for debt is different in each state, including Kentucky.

It is important for residents of Kentucky to understand the statute of limitations applicable to consumer debt since it can serve as a way to protect yourself in the event you are sued by a debt collector in an effort to collect on a delinquent account.

Here are the statute of limitations for consumer-related debt in Kentucky:

The table below further illustrates the statute of limitations on different types of debt in Kentucky:

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Kentucky
Debt Type Deadline
Oral contract 5 years
Written contract 10 years
Credit card 10 years
Mortgage 10 years
Auto loan 10 years
Student loan 10 years
Personal loan 10 years
Judgment 15 years
Source: Ky. Rev. Stat. §413.120, §413.160, and §413.090

Debt collectors must follow the FDCPA in Kentucky

Debt collection activities in Kentucky are subject to certain responsibilities and limitations that debt collectors must adhere to, which are governed by the federal law under the FDCPA. These regulations aim to protect debtors from unfair or abusive practices and ensure that the debt collection process is conducted ethically. Debt collectors in Kentucky have the following responsibilities and limitations.

KY debt collectors cannot harass you

Debt collectors in Kentucky are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices when attempting to collect a debt. This includes practices such as using threats, harassment, or intimidation, making false statements, or misrepresenting the amount owed. Debt collectors are also prohibited from contacting debtors outside of reasonable hours or contacting them at their workplace if they have requested not to be contacted there. These prohibitions are in place to protect debtors from undue stress or harassment during the debt collection process.

KY debt collectors must disclose who they are

Debt collectors in Kentucky must provide debtors with certain disclosures and information regarding their rights and the debt itself. When initially contacting a debtor, debt collectors are required to provide clear and accurate information about the debt, including the amount owed and the identity of the original creditor. They must also inform debtors of their right to dispute the debt and request verification. Clear and transparent communication ensures that debtors are fully informed and able to exercise their rights.

KY debt collectors must validate your debt

If a debt is disputed by the debtor within 30 days of receiving written notice, debt collectors in Kentucky are required to provide additional documentation or evidence to validate the debt. This validation process ensures that debtors have the opportunity to review the debt and confirm its accuracy. Debt collectors must halt collection activities until they have provided appropriate verification or documentation. This requirement protects debtors from erroneous or inaccurate debt claims.

KY debt collectors must respect your privacy

Debt collectors in Kentucky must respect the privacy and confidentiality of debtors. They are prohibited from discussing the details of the debt with third parties, except for the debtor's attorney or spouse. This protects debtors from potential embarrassment or harm that could result from the disclosure of their financial situation to others. Debt collectors must handle debt-related information with sensitivity and confidentiality.

Resolve your debt in Kentucky

Debt collectors and creditors have the right to take legal action if you refuse to communicate with them about your debt. However, that doesn’t mean that all debt lawsuits have merit. Luckily, SoloSuit was created with this in mind.

SoloSuit can help you respond to a debt lawsuit in Kentucky, stand up for your rights, and buy yourself time to work out a debt settlement plan. The surest way to get debt collectors off your back is by paying what you owe. And if you go about this wisely, you can usually settle your debt for less than you originally owed.

In a debt settlement, you offer your creditor a portion of the total amount due, usually at least 60% of the debt’s value. In exchange for a lump-sum payment, the creditor agrees to drop its legal claims against you and release you from the remaining balance.

If you decide to settle your obligation, you’ll want to ensure you get the terms of your agreement in writing and pay the creditor before your court date. If you’ve never tried debt settlement before, consider working with a professional organization that will guide you through the process.

To learn more about how to settle a debt in Kentucky, check out this video:

SoloSettle, powered by SoloSuit, is a tech-based approach to debt settlement. Our software helps you send and receive settlement offers until you reach an agreement with the collector. Once an agreement is reached, we’ll help you manage the settlement documentation and transfer your payment to the creditor or debt collector, helping you keep your financial information private and secure.

Read also: How to Settle a Debt in Kentucky

Key takeaways

Debt collection laws in Kentucky, and at the federal level passed by Congress, are available to help even the proverbial playing field when a consumer is being hounded by an overly aggressive debt collector. Here are some key takeaways on this article on Kentucky debt collection laws:

  • Kentucky debt collection laws prohibit abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices by debt collectors, such as harassment, threats, misrepresentation, and contacting debtors at inconvenient times.
  • Debt collectors must provide written notice to debtors within five days of initial contact, detailing the debt and the debtor's rights. If disputed within 30 days, collectors must validate the debt.
  • The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) complements state laws, offering additional protections on communication, disclosure, and debt validation. Debt collectors must align with FDCPA requirements to avoid legal repercussions.
  • The statute of limitations on debt is typically five years in Kentucky. These statutes help protect consumers from having to pay off old debts and can serve as a major defense in a debt lawsuit.
  • Debtors can pursue legal action against collectors violating these laws in Kentucky, potentially earning damages, statutory damages, and attorney's fees.
  • SoloSettle can help you resolve your debt before going to court, saving you money and clearing your name of the debt.

If you’ve been sued for a debt in Kentucky, respond to the case with SoloSuit’s Debt Answer form and increase your chances of winning. Check out this video to learn more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afFCOkpotJo&t=7s

What is Solo?

Solo makes it easy to resolve debt with debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt. SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

SoloSettle can help you contact your debt collector or creditor and negotiate the debt to settle for less, all online. It simplifies and streamlines the process to settling your debt.

No matter where you find yourself in the debt collection process, Solo is here to help you resolve your debt.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

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