Can Frederick J. Hanna & Associates sue me if I live in CA?

Question

I'm not disputing the debt I'm just wondering if a law firm in GA can sue me in CA, thanks.

Answer 1

They would have to sue you where you live.

Make sure you check the statute of limitations on the debt as well.

Answer 2

of course!!!

Answer 3

This company is one of those notorious junk debt collection agencies and will try anything to get the money.

Here is a link to find out what has happened to other people.  You might find it interesting.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/searchresult...

Check to see if this debt is "time barred" (beyond California statute of limitations to seek civil suit)

Here are the SOL's for California

Open Account (credit card):  4 years (2 years if not in writing)

Written Contract:  4 years

Domestic Judgment: 10 years (can be renewed at 10 years)

Foreign Judgment: 10 years

If the debt is time barred then they can not do anything.

Hope this answers your question

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  The advice contained herein is for informational purposes only.  It is not to be construed as Legal Counsel nor Legal Advice.

Answer 4

Oh, they can and they will. They can tranfer/sell your 'account' to a firm in CA wherein further costs will be incurred; and you will be obliged to pay that too.

Your best bet is to contact this firm and set up a payment schedule now before they really come after you.

Answer 5

Wow, Ted...where'd you come up with all of that?  Got a source?

I'm not 100% certain on this....but in most states you must be licensed in that state to practice law.  So an attorney from GA couldn't sue you in California....but the certainly can hire a local attorney to do the filing.  So I wouldn't be looking for cover from this rule.

Answer 6

Yes they can sue you if they hire an attorney in your state.  I don't see anywhere in your post about you moving out of a jurisdiction so Ted's reply is irrelevant.  SOL is 4 years from last payment so if it has been that long and they sue you, you have an affirmative defense but only if you show up in court.

Answer 7

Forget the Statute of Limitations.  It gets suspended when you leave the jurisdiction.  They can sue you in Georgia and then record the judgment in California.  For that matter, foreign courts routinely enforce US court judgments.

Answer 8

Yes. You might have some legal issues that would prevent them from proceeding to trial, but the worst thing you can do is ignore a complaint. Go see an attorney ASAP if you have been served.