leaving the country to escape debt

Hi, I am originally from the US and am currently working in Australia. I recently got in a car accident a now have a $6000 dollar debt to the insurance company. As my visa expires in a couple of months and I'm planning on moving back to either the US or Canada, I was wondering if there was any chance of a debt this size being pursued overseas. I plan on making small payments until I leave Australia but am curious if I should continue paying after I leave for good. Thanks for you help!

I highly doubt that this debt would follow you overseas, since the debt was most likely written off anyway. This is not an international issue, its an American Consumer Issue.

International collections is becoming more prevelant....there is now and agreement between canada and the US. Really depends on the creditor.

Australia would be the better choice.

I guess I should have asked if the insurance debt is from Australia or the u.s.
Guest, could you clarify where the debt was incurred?

the debt was incurred in australia and im planning on moving to the US or Canada soon

Well, we have no agreement with the Aussies to enforce or assist in enforcing consumer issues, so once you leave the Land Down Under, you will be out from under their B.S.

I am getting sued in the US for around $100,000 by an illegal immigrant who got drunk and wrecked my truck. He claims no responsability and says he cant work because of "pain". Unfortunatly you cannot disprove pain so even though he didnt even break a bone and is lying he can get money from me.

But I have citizenship for both Brazil, and Australia. Since Australia has no agreement (as stated above) with the USA they cannot get any money while im staying there? I heard Brazil was a good money laundering country, does that mean the debt collectors cant find any assets i might have there?

Anything on your name in Brazil can be traced.

Debts do not stop at borders and civil suits for recovery can be filed in many countries. This is a global world with computers and you can be across the world and still in touch.

I second many of the post above. First of all I have a friend who was in your situation that decide to take the route your planning on. Before making any rational decision, he decided to see bankruptcy attorney, I tagged along .

This is what the attorney said. A debt from another country will not follow you as each countries work on different method of issuing credit card. For example, USA uses your social while India uses alternative method to identify individual. No border law's exist to allow creditors to collect debt.

You may even file bankruptcy to forgive your debt in Austria ( Currently where you reside). Also beware of leaving contact information with friends and family members in Austria.

My friend escaped $150,000 debt to India. It's been over 10 years and hes back in US , no problem while entering US or collection call.

Good luck to you .

Ben

Ben...does your friend realize the SOL tolled (the clock froze) while he was out of the country? He may not have escaped.

So...I have an issue with this. I'm in germany now...wanting to become a citizen. Does my US debt follow me here? (credit cards, school loans, etc)

U.S Debt stays within U.S, no matter what has to say. There is really no way to collect if a debtor is living abroad. Better yet, there is no distinct law governing debt collection from debtors residing overseas. Just like any form of debt from abroad would not follow you into the U.S. You can sleep well

Think you might wanna google "international debt collection". It may open your eyes how the times have changed.

The US and Canada have reciprocal agreements as well.

hi Germerican. i don't think being a citizen of germany will help you to get out of your debts account in US. as i know, there is some debt collection agencies in US that help many creditors in collecting money of their debtors, and this can be done internationally. so, im afraid you can run from this situation easily. who don't you try to consult with your creditor and find if there is another best way out for both side?hope this helps.