Ala. Code § 6-2-32
Collection of Judgments
Efforts to collect money awarded in a prior court judgment.
Statute of Limitation in Alabama
The statute of limitations for enforcing a judgment is typically 20 years from the date the judgment was rendered.
Deadline Calculator
Exceptions & Conditions
An exception occurs if the judgment is renewed; this can extend the time limitation. Additionally, if the debtor leaves the state, the time limitation may also be tolled. Contact an attorney.
Example Scenario
If a judgment is rendered on May 1, 2020, the creditor must enforce the judgment by May 1, 2040.
Understanding Statutes of Limitations in Alabama
The statute of limitations for collection of judgments in Alabama acts as a critical deadline for filing a civil lawsuit. This legal time limit is established by Alabama state law to ensure disputes are resolved promptly while evidence is fresh and witnesses are available.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
If you attempt to file a lawsuit for collection of judgments after the 20-years period has expired, the defendant will likely file a motion to dismiss the case. In Alabama, courts generally enforce these time limits strictly. Once the statute of limitations has passed, you typically lose your legal right to pursue compensation or remedy for the specific incident, regardless of the merits of your case.
When does the "clock" start ticking?
Generally, the clock begins on the date the cause of action accrues—often the date of the incident (e.g., the date of the accident or breach of contract). However, Alabama law may include a "discovery rule," which delays the start of the timer until the injured party discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury or damage.
Why do these laws exist?
Statutes of limitations in Alabama serve to protect defendants from unfair prosecution for stale claims where evidence may have been lost over time. They also provide certainty for businesses and individuals, knowing that after a set number of years (20 years in this instance), potential liability is extinguished.
Can this be resolved in Alabama Small Claims court?