Free Legal Tool
Calculate the deadline to commence a legal proceeding in Ontario under the Limitations Act, 2002 — including the 2-year basic period, 15-year ultimate period, and special rules for minors and incapable persons.
For general guidance only. Not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines with a lawyer before relying on this tool.Contract disputes, property damage, personal injury, professional negligence, unpaid debts
If unsure, use the same date as the act/omission. Discovery is when you first knew (or ought to have known) of the loss, its cause, and that a legal proceeding would be appropriate.
| Claim Type | Basic Limitation | Ultimate Limitation | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Civil Claims | 2 years from discovery | 15 years from act/omission | Discoverability applies — s.5 |
| Breach of Contract | 2 years from discovery | 15 years from breach | May also run from demand if applicable |
| Personal Injury | 2 years from discovery | 15 years from act/omission | Discovery includes knowledge of severity |
| Professional Negligence | 2 years from discovery | 15 years from act/omission | Discoverability often key — s.5 |
| Real Property Recovery | 10 years from discovery | 10 years from act/omission | Real Property Limitations Act may also apply |
| Judgment Enforcement | 2 years from judgment | 10 years from judgment date | Separate limitation from underlying claim |
| Sexual Assault | No limitation | No limitation | s.16(1)(h) — claim may be brought at any time |
| Assault by Person in Authority | No limitation | No limitation | s.16(1)(h.1) — no limitation period |
| Minor Claimant | Suspended until age 18 | 15 years from act/omission | s.6 — clock does not run while under 18 |
| Incapable Person (no guardian) | Suspended during incapacity | 15 years from act/omission | s.7 — clock suspended during incapacity |
| Environmental Claims | 2 years from discovery | May not apply | s.17 — ultimate period may be extended |
| Pre-2004 Claims (transition) | 2 years from Jan 1, 2004 or discovery | 15 years from act/omission | s.24 — transitional rules apply |
Most Ontario civil claims must be commenced within 2 years of the date the claim was discovered — the date you first knew or ought to have known of the loss and its cause.
Even if a claim was not discovered, no proceeding may be commenced more than 15 years after the act or omission that gave rise to the claim.
The 2-year basic limitation is suspended while a claimant is under 18 or legally incapable without a litigation guardian. The 15-year ultimate period still applies.
If a limitation period expires, the defendant can raise it as a complete defence. A court has no jurisdiction to extend the basic or ultimate period except in limited statutory circumstances.
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</p>Missing a limitation period can permanently extinguish your right to sue. Our Toronto lawyers offer a free 30-minute consultation to assess your situation.
Limitation periods are strict — missing one can permanently end your right to sue. Speak with one of our Toronto lawyers today for a free 30-minute consultation.
A calculator is a starting point — for advice on your specific situation, speak with an experienced Ontario lawyer. Free consultation.