A creditor's lawsuit must be filed within the time-frame provided for under law.  That is called a Statute of Limitations (SOL).  As it pertains to loans, credit and charge account obligations in Ohio, it is a six (6) year duration measured from the last payment on account, or when the balance became over due.  

However, sometimes a creditor may initiate a case beyond the SOL.  In those circumstances the Defendant must then effectively respond to the Complaint and provide the Court evidence that this occurred.  The Judge will subsequently issue an Order dismissing proceedings, and equally bar the creditor from refiling the lawsuit.