My husband was the co-signer on my son’s private student loans. My son stopped making payments in 2019, and a few years later Navient charged off the loans.

Tragically, my son passed away by suicide in 2021. Later that same year, my husband received a call from a collection agency (I don’t remember which one). I answered because my husband was having hip surgery at the time. I informed them that my son had passed away, and they said it didn’t matter. I told them I would pass the message along.

After that, we didn’t hear anything, no calls, no letters, for almost five years. Then last month, all negative marks related to these loans dropped off my husband’s credit report. About a week later, he suddenly received three collection letters from Asset Recovery Solutions regarding 3 out of the 7 loans, giving him until April 24th to respond or pay.

From what I understand, the statute of limitations in our state is up to 10 years for this type of debt, so they could still sue. What I don’t understand is the timing, why wait all these years, go silent, let it fall off his credit report, and then suddenly start collecting again?

I’m also aware not to make any payments right now, since that could reset the clock.

A couple of questions:

1. Why would a collection agency suddenly pursue this debt after so many years of no contact?

2. Why only go after 3 of the 7 loans, are they not aware he had 7?

3. Is this common behavior once something falls off a credit report?

For context, the three loans they’re contacting us about total just over $20,000 so I don't think continuing to ignore it might be an option.

Any insight would be appreciated.