It sure seems like it. There are many examples of hard-wired human instincts that help keep us alive. Perhaps the most obvious case is the fight-or-flight response, coined by Harvard University physiologist Walter Cannon in 1915.
There is no time limit on that debt. A collection agency can legally pursue you until the debt is paid in full.   However, there is a time limit on the negative consequences of not paying the debt. In most circumstances that limit is seven years. Seven years from the time you became delinquent with your original creditor.
Arrearage/Arrears. The total unpaid support obligation owed by a person under a court order to pay support. * COURT ORDERED ARREARAGES. The total amount of monies past due and owing under a court order. * STATE ASSIGNED ARREARAGES. The total amount of support monies past due and owing under a court order, that have been assigned to the State.