Hi - my spouse stopped paying a credit card almost two years ago. How long are the collection agencies able to pursue him, and how long do they have to take legal action ? He owns nothing in his name - everything is in my name and I am concerned if we buy anything they will put a claim on it. We live in Ontario Canada.

The statute of limitations is 2 years. But that only means they can no longer take legal action and it is unclear as to when the clock starts running.

But the debt never expires and they can pursue collection until its paid

Thanks ScottGem - I just wanted to be sure that after 2 years they cannot touch anything he ends up owning - i.e. if he purchased a car outright do the debt collectors have the right to put a lien on it. Sounds like after 2 years he is in the clear ! That is good. Obviously it will affect his credit rating, but happily, mine is (so far) sterling :)