Ohio’s Statute of Limitations Reduced for Lawsuits Based on Contracts in Writing

Effective September 28, 2012, Ohio’s statute of limitations for lawsuits based on agreements, contracts or promises in writing (Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.06) was reduced from fifteen years to eight years.  Legislators reasoned the 15-year statute of limitations, which dates back to 1803, made Ohio uncompetitive among the states (with only Kentucky having a comparable statute of limitations), as lawsuits are decided more fairly and efficiently the more quickly they are tried. Reducing the statute of limitations is also intended to enable a party sued to defend claims more effectively, since witnesses will have fresher memories and records will be more easily accessible.