Getting Started
Statutes of Limitations
The deadline to file a case — and why it's the very first thing to check.
Local rules vary: Deadlines differ by state and claim type and can be as short as one year. Look up the specific limit for your exact claim in your state.
What it is
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event that you can file a case. If you file after the deadline, the other side can ask the court to dismiss your case — no matter how strong it is.
It depends on the claim
Different claims have different deadlines. A breach-of-contract claim, a personal-injury claim, and a property-damage claim may each have their own clock, sometimes years apart.
When the clock starts
The clock usually starts when the harm happens or when you discover it. Some situations pause ("toll") the clock — for example, if the defendant is a minor or leaves the state.
How to find yours
Look up the statute of limitations for your specific claim type in your state. State legislatures publish their statutes online, and many courts list common deadlines in self-help materials.
Don't cut it close
Filing takes preparation. If your deadline is in a few weeks, treat it as today's priority — gathering forms, paying fees, and serving the other side all take time after you file.