Child Support

questions & answers

Question: Is there a statute of limitations to collect past medical bills, orthodontic bills? Mother received receipts for all within 24 hours after child received care.

Answer: The statute of limitations on medical bills is the statute of limitations on written contracts ( Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 12-543).  The limitation period is 6 years.  When you sign those forms in the doctor's office or the conditions of admission at the hospital, you are entering into a written contract to be the person ultimately responsible to pay the bill.  The law on this issue is slightly more complicated than the statute would suggest.  The medical provider can file a debt collection action against you and obtain a judgment.  Did that ever happen?  If they got their judgment within the 6 year period, they have another 5 years to collect.  However, if diligent, the provider can renew the judgment after 5 years.  Judgments give them a long time to collect.  Talk to a lawyer about the specifics of your case.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You wil need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is  $75 per  hour.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers its 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.