| Your estimated deadline | |
|---|---|
| Limitations period | |
| Date of incident | |
| Estimated filing deadline | |
| Time remaining | |
Verify with a local source before relying on this date. Statutes of limitations have exceptions and tolling rules — the clock can pause or restart for minors, out-of-state defendants, partial payments, written acknowledgments of debt, the "discovery rule," government defendants (much shorter notice deadlines), and more. Some periods have also changed recently in some states. Confirm your deadline with your state court's self-help center or a licensed attorney.
Don't let the clock run out.
Filing is what stops the statute of limitations. Get your complete court-ready package — state-specific complaint form, word-for-word judge script, and evidence checklist — for a one-time $19, ready to file this week.
Get My Court-Ready Package — $19 →How statutes of limitations work
- The clock usually starts on the date of the incident, the breach, or the missed payment — not the day you decided to sue.
- Different claims, different clocks. Written contracts usually get the longest window; personal injury and property damage are often much shorter.
- Filing stops the clock. What matters is when your claim is filed with the court, not when the hearing happens. If your deadline is close, file first and prepare after.
- Suing a government body? Special notice-of-claim rules apply with deadlines as short as 30–90 days. Don't rely on the general periods above.
Not sure the case is worth filing? Run the numbers with the free worth-it calculator, and send a free demand letter — just don't let a settlement attempt eat your remaining time.
This tool provides general information based on standard published limitations periods and is not legal advice. Deadlines vary by claim details, can change by statute, and are subject to exceptions and tolling. SmallClaimsHelper is not a law firm. Always verify your deadline with your local court or a licensed attorney — especially if it appears close or passed.