Sued for Debt in New York? Here’s What to Do.

Statute of limitations

3 years in New York

New York’s statute of limitations on debt is 3 years, codified at CPLR § 214. The clock typically runs from: date of last payment or charge-off date, whichever is later.

If the time-bar has run, the debt may not be legally collectible in court — but you generally have to raise the defense yourself. It is not raised automatically.

Your rights

What New York law gives you

• New York General Business Law § 601 (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 601 et seq.) gives you state-level protections beyond federal debt-collection law.
• CPLR § 3016(j) requires debt buyers to attach assignment documents proving ownership when filing suit.
• New York courts enforce arbitration clauses in credit card agreements under the Federal Arbitration Act.
• Cases in New York are heard in New York Supreme Court or Civil Court.

The one thing most people miss