Statute of Limitations Checker

Generally from the date of the breach — when the contract was actually violated (a missed payment, undelivered goods) — not the date you signed the contract. Some situations use a "discovery rule," starting the clock when you reasonably discovered the breach instead, but the breach date is the standard starting point for most contract claims.

No — this tool covers written contracts specifically. Most states set a shorter statute of limitations for oral (unwritten) agreements than for written ones, precisely because they're harder to prove. Check your specific state's rule for oral contracts separately.

The court will almost certainly dismiss your case if the other side raises the statute of limitations as a defense — it doesn't matter how strong your underlying claim is once the deadline has passed. There are limited exceptions (the discovery rule, certain tolling provisions for minors or active-duty military), but don't count on one applying to your situation without confirming it first.

In many states, parties can agree to shorten the statute of limitations in the contract itself (though rarely extend it), as long as the shortened period is reasonable. Check the contract's own terms in addition to your state's default rule.