Old Debts And Time Limits
G.L. c. 260, § 2 — six years on a contract, and three on an injury
| Claim | Time to sue |
|---|---|
| ClaimA contract, other than one for personal injuries | Time to sueSix years after the cause of action accrues |
| ClaimA tort, a contract for personal injuries, or replevin | Time to sueThree years after the cause of action accrues |
Most crimes: 6 years. In Massachusetts, unless a longer period is set, an indictment for a crime is found and filed within 6 years after it was committed, and any time the defendant is not usually and publicly a resident of the state does not count. Murder has no limit, and certain listed offenses carry 10 years, 15 years or none.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.L. c. 260, § 2 — Six years for contract actions
- G.L. c. 260, § 2A — Three years for tort actions
- G.L. c. 277, § 63 — Time limits for criminal prosecutions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.