Fiducia TogetherLimitation periods
How long you have to bring a claim before the right disappears.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
The Limitation Act 1980 sets time limits: generally six years for contract and tort, twelve for a contract executed as a deed, and shorter periods in specific regimes.
Why it matters
Once the period expires the claim cannot be brought however strong it is. Employment claims are much shorter — usually three months less a day.
What it looks like in practice
Time generally runs from the breach in contract and from the damage in tort, with special rules for latent damage and for fraud or concealment.
What to watch out for
Assuming a debt is uncollectable after a few years, or that an old defect claim has gone away. Six years is longer than most people assume.
Where to get proper advice
A solicitor as soon as a claim looks likely. Missing a limitation date is not recoverable.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.