Kentucky Debt Collection Laws
How long a creditor can sue you in Kentucky, how much of your paycheck is protected, and where to get help.
Kentucky debt rules at a glance
The key numbers. Details and the exact law are below.
How long can a creditor sue you in Kentucky?
10 years for newer written contracts
Written contracts made after July 15, 2014 get ten years. Older written contracts get fifteen. Contracts not in writing get five.
How much of your paycheck can be garnished?
25% cap
Garnishment can take no more than the lesser of 25% of your weekly disposable earnings or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage.
What debt collectors can't do in Kentucky
Federal debt collection rules
Debt collectors everywhere must follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the CFPB's Regulation F. A collector may not sue or threaten to sue you on a debt that is past the time limit.
Collectors can't sue on expired debt
Under the federal debt collection rule (Regulation F), a debt collector must not bring or threaten to bring a lawsuit to collect a time-barred debt, meaning a debt whose statute of limitations has run out.
When a debt collector contacts you
A practical order of operations.
Don't pay or promise anything on the first call
Ask for the collector's name, company, mailing address and the amount they claim. In some states a payment or promise can affect an old debt, so check the rules above first.
Ask for validation in writing
Federal law gives you the right to a validation notice listing the debt, the creditor and your right to dispute. Dispute in writing within the validation period if the debt isn't yours or the amount is wrong.
Check the date of your last payment
Compare it with your state's time limit above. If the time limit has passed, a collector may not sue or threaten to sue you.
Never ignore a lawsuit
If you are served with court papers, respond by the deadline, even on an old debt. Being out of time is usually a defense you have to raise in court. Legal aid can help.
Report abuse
Threats, harassment and calls at odd hours break federal and state law. File complaints with your state regulator and the CFPB (links below).
Free help in Kentucky
Government complaint lines and nonprofit counseling. Be wary of anyone who charges upfront fees to settle debt.
Kentucky Attorney General - Office of Consumer Protection
File a complaint: ag.ky.gov
CFPB complaint
File a complaint about a debt collector with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Nonprofit credit counseling
Find an NFCC member agency: NFCC agency finder. If you are considering bankruptcy, use an agency on the U.S. Trustee approved list.
Links checked September 24, 2026.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these laws and official resources, checked on September 24, 2026. Read the current text before you act.
Primary sources
- KRS 413.160 - ten-year limit (Justia mirror of KY law)
- KRS 413.090 - fifteen-year limit (Justia mirror)
- KRS 413.120 - five-year limit (Justia mirror)
- KRS 427.010 - garnishment cap
- Kentucky Attorney General - consumer complaints
- 12 CFR 1006.26 - Collection of time-barred debts (Regulation F)
- 15 U.S.C. 1673 - Federal limit on wage garnishment
- CFPB - Debt collection help
- FTC - Debt collection FAQs
Debt collection laws in other states →
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