Question
I was notified that an unpaid credit card was “charged off,” but now a debt collector is trying to collect on the account. Can they legally do that?
Answer
Yes, a charged-off debt can still be collected.
Key points to understand:
Charge-off is an accounting term – It means the creditor wrote off the debt as a loss for tax purposes, but you still legally owe the money.
Collection efforts continue – The original creditor may still try to collect, or they may sell the debt to a third-party collection agency or debt buyer.
Statute of limitations still applies – Even after charge-off, collectors can sue you within the statute of limitations (varies by state, typically 3–6 years from last payment or default). After that, they can’t win a lawsuit, but they can still ask you to pay.
Credit report impact – A charge-off can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years from the first missed payment, but that doesn’t erase the debt or legal obligation.
Bottom line: A charge-off does not cancel the debt. You can still be contacted, sued (within time limits), or have wages/bank accounts garnished if a court orders it.
Question
If I have a Last Will and Testament, does my estate still have to go through probate?
Answer
Yes, if and when you die and if you have singly-owned assets (assets in your name alone that are not joint with others), the probate court must still be involved. Probate is the process of legally re-titling assets from ownership by your estate to ownership in those that you have designated to receive them.
Question
If I get a speeding ticket in another state, will it impact my Connecticut driver’s license?
Answer
Likely, yes. Connecticut participates in an interstate compact with most other states, pursued to which the state motor vehicle departments exchange information with one another. Points incurred for an offense in one state are reported to the driver’s home state agency.
Question
I received a traffic ticket for a moving violation in Connecticut and entered a not guilty plea. In response, I have gotten an invitation to participate in online mediation, rather than go to court. What should I do?
Answer
Generally, the offers that are made through online mediation, result in the reduction of the monetary fine associated with the alleged offense. Typically, there is no reduction in the points that are assessed against your license. Therefore, we suggest that you ignore the invitation to participate in the online resolution process and wait for the assignment of a court date. In court, a seasoned traffic attorney can often negotiate a better outcome for you, reducing the impact on your driver, history and insurance rates.
Question
I am thinking of breaking it off with my live-in partner, who moved into my place a few months ago, but it is just not working out. Can I rekey the locks and put their stuff on the porch while they are at work if they will not leave voluntarily?
Answer
No! That would be an “illegal lockout,” which is an actionable crime. In Connecticut, to remove the unwanted party, you must rely on civil summary process proceedings, in other words landlord-tenant law. This is true even if they are not on the lease. For legal advice on how to proceed, you should consult with an experienced attorney who can provide you with guidance on how to evict your estranged partner.
Shelton: