19/06/2026
Did you know that old debt can legally expire in South Africa? π³
It is called a prescription, and it means that if a creditor has not come after you for a debt in 3 years, they may no longer be able to force you to pay it.
This applies if:
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No legal action has been taken against you
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You have not made any payments towards the debt
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You have not admitted to owing the debt in writing
Before you pay an old debt β or even respond to someone claiming you owe money β check whether it has expired first.
Important: This does not apply to all debt. Home loans and court judgments have different rules.
FPS Attorneys can check whether a debt claim against you is still valid.
π (021) 982 0665
π fpsattorneys.co.za