Vermont
Vermont Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. · 16 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Vermont gives personal injury plaintiffs 3 years to sue under 12 V.S.A. § 512, while most general civil actions fall under a 6-year default period set by 12 V.S.A. § 511. Murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping carry no criminal filing deadline under 13 V.S.A. § 4501.
Understanding Vermont's statute of limitations is essential for anyone considering a lawsuit or facing criminal charges in the Green Mountain State. These deadlines determine how long you have to file a civil claim or how long prosecutors have to bring criminal charges. Missing a filing deadline typically means losing your right to pursue the case entirely.
Vermont organizes its civil limitation periods primarily under Title 12, Chapter 23 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.), while criminal deadlines fall under 13 V.S.A. § 4501. The time limits vary widely depending on the type of case, ranging from 1 year for ski injuries to no limit at all for murder and certain sex offenses.
Hurt in Vermont? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Vermont personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Vermont's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations
Vermont's civil statutes of limitations set the maximum time a person has to file a lawsuit after a legal dispute arises. If you fail to file within the allowed period, the opposing party can ask the court to dismiss your case. Once dismissed on statute of limitations grounds, the claim is lost permanently.
The general rule in Vermont is that most civil actions must begin within 6 years after the cause of action accrues, unless a more specific statute applies (12 V.S.A. § 511).
Personal Injury Claims
Vermont allows 3 years to file personal injury lawsuits. Under 12 V.S.A. § 512, actions for injuries to the person must be started within three years after the cause of action accrues. The cause of action accrues on the date you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury, not necessarily the date the injury occurred.
Ski injuries are an exception. Under 12 V.S.A. § 513, actions to recover for injuries sustained while skiing must be filed within 1 year after the cause of action accrues.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims follow special rules under 12 V.S.A. § 521. You must file within the later of:
- 3 years from the date of the medical incident, or
- 2 years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered
However, Vermont imposes an absolute outer limit (statute of repose) of 7 years from the date of the incident. After 7 years, claims are barred regardless of when the injury was discovered.
There is one exception: if the healthcare provider engaged in fraudulent concealment that prevented the patient from discovering the negligence, no time limit applies.
Wrongful Death
Vermont's wrongful death statute of limitations is found in 14 V.S.A. § 1492. The personal representative of the deceased person must file suit within 2 years from the discovery of the death. If the defendant is outside the state, the action may be started within 2 years after the person returns to Vermont.
In cases where the death resulted from circumstances leading to homicide charges, the deadline extends to 7 years after the discovery of the death, or 2 years after the criminal judgment becomes final, whichever is later.
Contract Disputes
Vermont applies different time limits depending on the type of contract:
| Contract Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Specialties (sealed instruments only) | 8 years | 12 V.S.A. § 507 |
| Ordinary written contracts, oral contracts, other general civil actions | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
| Sale of goods (UCC) | 4 years | 9A V.S.A. § 2-725 |
| Witnessed promissory notes | 14 years | 12 V.S.A. § 508 |
| Judgments (renewal or revival) | 8 years | 12 V.S.A. § 506 |
The 8-year period in § 507 applies to "actions on specialties," a term of art for an instrument under seal. An ordinary written contract that is not a sealed instrument is not a specialty, so it falls under the general 6-year period in § 511 alongside oral contracts.
For UCC sale-of-goods contracts, the parties may agree to reduce the period to as little as 1 year, but they cannot extend it beyond 4 years.
Property and Real Estate Claims
Actions for the recovery of land or possession of real property must be brought within 15 years after the cause of action accrues (12 V.S.A. § 501). This 15-year window also governs adverse possession claims in Vermont.
Actions for damage to personal property must be filed within 3 years under 12 V.S.A. § 512.
Subsection 512(5) reaches only damage to personal property. Damage to real property, including trespass to land, is not listed anywhere in § 512, so it falls under the general 6-year period in 12 V.S.A. § 511.
Fraud
Fraud claims in Vermont must be brought within 6 years after the cause of action accrues (12 V.S.A. § 511).
Childhood Sexual and Physical Abuse (No Time Limit)
In 2019, Vermont passed landmark legislation eliminating the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Under 12 V.S.A. § 522, a civil action for recovery of damages for injury suffered as a result of childhood sexual or physical abuse may be filed at any time after the alleged act.
This law applies retroactively. Claims that were previously barred by an earlier statute of limitations have been revived. For retroactive claims against entities (such as schools, churches, or organizations), the plaintiff must prove gross negligence on the part of the entity that employed, supervised, or had responsibility for the person who allegedly committed the abuse.
Complete Civil Statute of Limitations Table
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512(4) |
| Ski injuries | 1 year | 12 V.S.A. § 513 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years from incident or 2 years from discovery (max 7 years) | 12 V.S.A. § 521 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years from discovery of death | 14 V.S.A. § 1492 |
| Libel/slander | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512(3) |
| False imprisonment | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512(2) |
| Assault and battery | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512(1) |
| Injury to personal property | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512(5) |
| Product liability | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512(4) |
| Trespass to land / damage to real property | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
| Fraud | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
| Specialties (sealed instruments) | 8 years | 12 V.S.A. § 507 |
| Ordinary written contracts, oral contracts, general civil actions | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
| Sale of goods (UCC) | 4 years | 9A V.S.A. § 2-725 |
| Witnessed promissory notes | 14 years | 12 V.S.A. § 508 |
| Collection of debt on account | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
| Judgments (renewal/revival) | 8 years | 12 V.S.A. § 506 |
| Recovery of land | 15 years | 12 V.S.A. § 501 |
| Childhood sexual/physical abuse | No limit | 12 V.S.A. § 522 |
Vermont Criminal Statute of Limitations
Vermont's criminal statute of limitations determines how long prosecutors have to file charges after a crime is committed. These deadlines are set by 13 V.S.A. § 4501.
Crimes with No Statute of Limitations
Vermont does not impose any time limit on prosecuting the following offenses:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Arson causing death
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault of a child
- Sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 3258(c)
- Human trafficking
- Aggravated human trafficking
These crimes are considered so serious that the state may prosecute them at any point, regardless of how much time has passed.
Extended Criminal Deadlines
Some felonies carry longer limitation periods than the general 3-year rule:
40 years: Maiming, sexual exploitation of children under 13 V.S.A. chapter 64, and sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult under 13 V.S.A. § 1379(b). A separate, lesser variant, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult under § 1379(a), carries only a 6-year deadline (see below).
11 years: Arson (not causing death) and first-degree aggravated domestic assault.
6 years: Lewd and lascivious conduct, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult under 13 V.S.A. § 1379(a), grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, bribery offenses, false claims, fraud under 33 V.S.A. § 141(d), and felony tax offenses.
General Felonies and Misdemeanors
All other felonies not listed above must be prosecuted within 3 years after the commission of the offense. Misdemeanors also carry a 3-year limitation period.
Crimes Against Children
Vermont provides additional protections for child victims:
- No limit: Aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 3258(c), and sexual assault against a minor (sexual assault carries no statute of limitations in Vermont regardless of the victim's age)
- 40 years: Lewd and lascivious conduct against a minor, lewd or lascivious conduct with a child, and sexual exploitation of children under 13 V.S.A. chapter 64
These extended periods reflect the reality that child victims often need years or decades before they are able to report abuse.
Complete Criminal Statute of Limitations Table
| Crime Category | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Murder, manslaughter, arson causing death, kidnapping | No limit | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault | No limit | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking | No limit | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in § 3258(c), aggravated sexual assault of a child | No limit | 13 V.S.A. § 4501(a) |
| Maiming, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult (§ 1379(b)) | 40 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Lewd and lascivious conduct against a minor, lewd conduct with a child, sexual exploitation of children (chapter 64) | 40 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501(c) |
| Arson (not causing death), first-degree aggravated domestic assault | 11 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult (§ 1379(a)) | 6 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Forgery, bribery, false claims, fraud under 33 V.S.A. § 141(d), felony tax offenses | 6 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Lewd and lascivious conduct | 6 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| All other felonies | 3 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Misdemeanors | 3 years | 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
Tolling Provisions in Vermont
Vermont law recognizes several situations where the statute of limitations clock is paused (tolled). Under 12 V.S.A. § 551, the clock stops running when the person entitled to bring an action:
- Is a minor at the time the cause of action accrues. The limitations period does not start until the person turns 18.
- Lacks mental capacity to protect their interests due to a mental condition or psychiatric disability.
- Is imprisoned at the time the cause of action accrues.
Once the disability is removed, the person has the full limitations period to file their claim.
Absence from the State
Under 12 V.S.A. § 552, if a person is out of Vermont when a cause of action of a personal nature accrues against them, the action may be commenced within the normal limitation period after that person comes into the State.
If the person instead becomes absent from and resides outside Vermont after the cause of action accrues and before the statute has run, the time of that absence is left out of the limitation period only where the person "has not known property within the State which can by common process of law be attached." A defendant who moves away but leaves attachable property behind does not get the clock paused. Section 552 also does not extend a cause of action that accrued in another state or government while both parties were residents of that other state.
Section 552 sits in Title 12, Chapter 23 and applies by its terms to civil causes of action. Vermont's criminal limitation chapter, 13 V.S.A. chapter 151, contains no comparable provision tolling a prosecution deadline while a suspect is out of state.
Military Service
Vermont also tolls the statute of limitations for members of the armed services under 12 V.S.A. § 553.
Discovery Rule
For certain claims, Vermont uses a "discovery rule" that delays the start of the limitations period until the plaintiff discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury. This applies to personal injury claims under 12 V.S.A. § 512 and medical malpractice claims under 12 V.S.A. § 521.
How the Statute of Limitations Works in Practice
When the clock starts depends on the type of case. For most civil claims, time begins on the date the cause of action "accrues," which generally means the date the wrongful act occurred. For personal injury cases, accrual starts on the date of discovery of the injury.
If you file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can raise it as an affirmative defense by filing a motion to dismiss. Courts will almost always grant the dismissal, and your claim will be permanently barred.
There is no way to restart the clock once it expires, with the limited exception of the 2019 revival provision for childhood abuse claims under 12 V.S.A. § 522.
Tips for Protecting Your Legal Rights
- Act quickly. Do not wait until close to the deadline to file. Gathering evidence, finding witnesses, and preparing legal documents takes time.
- Track your dates carefully. Note the exact date of the incident, when you discovered the injury, and when the statute of limitations expires.
- Consult a Vermont attorney. An experienced lawyer can confirm which limitation period applies to your specific situation and identify any tolling exceptions that may extend your deadline.
- Keep records. Save all documents, correspondence, medical records, and photographs related to your claim.
State laws are always subject to change. While this guide reflects Vermont law as of 2026, consider consulting with a Vermont attorney or reviewing the official Vermont statutes to verify the current law.
More Vermont Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Vermont?
Vermont allows 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit under 12 V.S.A. § 512. The clock starts on the date you discover or reasonably should have discovered the injury. Ski injuries are an exception and must be filed within 1 year under 12 V.S.A. § 513.
Is there a statute of limitations on murder in Vermont?
No. Under 13 V.S.A. § 4501(a), Vermont has no statute of limitations for murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, arson causing death, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, or sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 3258(c), and prosecutors may bring those charges at any time. Sexual exploitation of children under 13 V.S.A. chapter 64 is a separate offense group and carries a 40-year deadline under § 4501(c).
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Vermont?
It depends on the contract type. Ordinary written contracts and oral contracts both fall under the general 6-year period in 12 V.S.A. § 511. The 8-year period in 12 V.S.A. § 507 applies only to specialties, meaning instruments under seal, and not to written contracts generally. Sale-of-goods contracts under the UCC allow 4 years under 9A V.S.A. § 2-725.
Can I still file a lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont eliminated the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual and physical abuse under 12 V.S.A. § 522. You may file at any time, and this law applies retroactively to revive previously expired claims. For retroactive claims against entities, you must prove gross negligence.
What happens if the defendant leaves Vermont before I file my lawsuit?
Under 12 V.S.A. § 552, if the defendant becomes absent from and resides outside Vermont after your cause of action accrues, the time of that absence is left out of the limitation period, but only if the defendant has no known property in Vermont that can be attached by common process of law. If the defendant was already out of state when the claim accrued, you have the full limitation period once the defendant comes into Vermont. Section 552 is a civil provision, and Vermont's criminal limitation chapter has no equivalent absence tolling.
Updates
Corrected the Vermont limitation periods against the official statutes: trespass to land now shows the 6-year general period rather than the 3-year personal-property rule, the 8-year period is limited to sealed specialties rather than written contracts generally, the absence-from-state tolling rule now states its actual conditions and no longer claims a criminal equivalent, and sexual exploitation offenses are split between the unlimited and 40-year categories the statute actually creates.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Re-anchored the 15-year land-recovery/adverse-possession deadline from 12 V.S.A. section 505 (an 8-year deed-covenant provision on an unrelated topic) to section 501, the statute's actual land-recovery provision (confirmed against the official Vermont Legislature text). Also corrected the child sexual assault deadline: unqualified sexual assault against a minor has NO statute of limitations in Vermont (it was wrongly capped at 40 years), and clarified that sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult splits into a 6-year variant (section 1379(a)) and a 40-year variant (section 1379(b)) rather than a single categorical 40-year rule.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 12: Court Procedure, Chapter 23: Limitation of Time for Commencement of Actions, Subchapter: ACTIONS LIMITED
§ 511Civil actionIn force
A civil action, except one brought upon the judgment or decree of a court of record of the United States or of this or some other state, and except as otherwise provided, shall be commenced within six years after the cause of action accrues and not thereafter. (Amended 1959, No. 261, § 3.)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-14 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 150 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Fitzgerald v. Congleton (Supreme Court of Vermont 1990, 155 Vt. 283)“…512(4), but rather, the six-year statute of limitations, 12 V.S.A. § 511. 3 The trial court initial…”
- Lamell Lumber Corp. v. Newstress International, Inc. (Supreme Court of Vermont 2007, 182 Vt. 282)“…ely filed within six years of discovery of the injury under 12 V.S.A. § 511. Defendant argues that the court should…”
- In re Estate of Alden v. Alden v. Alden (Supreme Court of Vermont 2011, 190 Vt. 401)“…mitations for civil actions applied to the fraud claim. See 12 V.S.A. § 511; Lodge at Bolton Valley Condo. A…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 512Assault and battery; false imprisonment; slander and libel; injuries to person or propertyIn forcecited in 8 of our articles
Actions for the following causes shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues, and not after: (1) assault and battery; (2) false imprisonment; (3) slander and libel; (4) except as otherwise provided in this chapter, injuries to the person suffered by the act or default of another person, provided that the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue as of the date of the discovery of the injury; (5) damage to personal property suffered by the act or default of another. (Amended 1967, No. 32, § 2, eff. March 16, 1967; 1975, No. 248 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 110 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Fitzgerald v. Congleton (Supreme Court of Vermont 1990, 155 Vt. 283)“…al court that her claim for legal malpractice was barred by 12 V.S.A. § 512(4). We hold that plaintiff’s claim is n…”
- Cavanaugh v. Abbott Laboratories (Supreme Court of Vermont 1985, 145 Vt. 516)“…unrealistic interpretation of the term “accrues” as used in 12 V.S.A. § 512 (personal injury action must be commenc…”
- Kinney v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (Supreme Court of Vermont 1976, 134 Vt. 571)“…re advised of this error and of the parties’ intent to cite 12 V.S.A. § 512(4). Although no formal amendment of the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Vermont Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim, Vermont Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026), Vermont Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights
§ 521Medical malpracticeIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
Notwithstanding section 512 of this title, and except as provided in sections 518 and 551 of this title, actions to recover damages for injuries to the person arising out of any medical or surgical treatment or operation shall be brought within three years of the date of the incident or two years from the date the injury is or reasonably should have been discovered, whichever occurs later, but not later than seven years from the date of the incident. No statute of limitations shall limit the right to recover damages for injuries to the person arising out of any medical or surgical treatment or operation where fraudulent concealment has prevented the patient’s discovery of the negligence. Where the action is based upon the discovery of a foreign object in the patient’s body, which is not discovered within the period of limitation under this section, the action may be commenced within two years of the date of the discovery of the foreign object. (Added 1977, No. 248 (Adj. Sess.).)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 20 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Lillicrap v. Martin (Supreme Court of Vermont 1991, 156 Vt. 165)“…determine the applicability of the statute of limitations, 12 V.S.A. § 521, to the facts of this case as well as t…”
- Campbell v. Stafford (Supreme Court of Vermont 2011, 189 Vt. 567)“…he medical malpractice three-year statute of limitations in 12 V.S.A. § 521 barred plaintiffs October 16, 2007, com…”
- Fercenia v. Guiduli (Supreme Court of Vermont 2003, 175 Vt. 541)“…limitations applicable to plaintiffs claim is set forth in 12 V.S.A § 521, which provides that “actions to recove…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Vermont (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Vermont Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide)
§ 522Actions based on childhood sexual or physical abuseIn force
(a) A civil action brought by any person for recovery of damages for injury suffered as a result of childhood sexual or physical abuse may be commenced at any time after the act alleged to have caused the injury or condition. The victim need not establish which act in a series of continuing physical abuse or sexual abuse or exploitation incidents caused the injury. (b) If a complaint is filed alleging an act of childhood sexual or physical abuse, the complaint shall immediately be sealed by the clerk of the court. The complaint shall remain sealed until the answer is served or, if the defendant files a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b) of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, until the court rules on that motion. If the complaint is dismissed, the complaint and any related papers or pleadings shall remain sealed. Any hearing held in connection with the motion to dismiss shall be in camera.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 21 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Earle v. State (Supreme Court of Vermont 1999, 170 Vt. 183)“…xual abuse,” for purposes of the retroactivity provision in 12 V.S.A. § 522. The trial court failed to recognize th…”
- A.B. v. S.U. (Supreme Court of Vermont 2023, 2023 VT 32)“…this case was designated as not publicly accessible under 12 V.S.A. § 522(b), which provides that a complaint all…”
- rw v. jm (Vermont Superior Court 2024)“…sexual abuse for which there is no limitation period under 12 V.S.A. § 522. Failing that, they do not dispute tha…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 513Skiing, injuries sustained while participating in sport ofIn force
An action to recover for injuries sustained while participating in the sport of skiing shall be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrues, and not after.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Beecher v. Stratton Corp. (Supreme Court of Vermont 1999, 170 Vt. 137)“…t under the applicable one-year statute of limitations. See 12 V.S.A. § 513 (action to recover for injuries sustain…”
- Sunday v. Stratton Corp. (Supreme Court of Vermont 1978, 136 Vt. 293)“…re involved, a special treatment accorded the ski industry. 12 V.S.A. § 513. In cases like this one, any accurate d…”
- Dakoulas v. Kruk (Vermont Superior Court 2025)“…one year after the cause of action accrues, and not after.” 12 V.S.A. § 513. The statute is an industry-specific “c…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 507SpecialtiesIn force
Actions on specialties shall be brought within eight years after the cause of action accrues, and not after.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2018
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Alexander v. Gerald E. Morrissey, Inc. (Supreme Court of Vermont 1979, 137 Vt. 20)“…on that plaintiffs action is governed as to each of them by 12 V. S. A. § 507, which provides that an action on a spe…”
- Annette M. Besaw, Trustee of the Revocable Living Trust of Ernest P. Giroux v. Bryan Giroux (Supreme Court of Vermont 2018, 205 A.3d 518)“…limitations for specialties to the security agreement, see 12 V.S.A. § 507, and concluded that trustee’s May 2016…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 508Witnessed promissory noteIn force
An action brought on a promissory note signed in the presence of an attesting witness shall be commenced within 14 years after the cause of action accrues, and not after.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2018
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- C. Wayne Clark v. Richard A. DiStefano (Supreme Court of Vermont 2018, 195 A.3d 379)“…of limitations for witnessed promissory notes, located in 12 V.S.A. § 508. We affirm. ¶ 2. The undispu…”
- Clark v. DiStefano (Vermont Superior Court 2018)“…Note is a witnessed promissory note that is subject to the 12 V.S.A. § 508 fourteen-year limitations period and is…”
- Annette M. Besaw, Trustee of the Revocable Living Trust of Ernest P. Giroux v. Bryan Giroux (Supreme Court of Vermont 2018, 205 A.3d 518)“…things, that the fourteen-year statute of limitations under 12 V.S.A. § 508 for witnessed promissory notes applied…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 506JudgmentsIn force
Actions on judgments and actions for the renewal or revival of judgments shall be brought by filing a new and independent action on the judgment within eight years after the rendition of the judgment, and not after. (Amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 33, eff. March 29, 1972; 2009, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. May 29, 2010.)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 16 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Koerber v. Middlesex College (Supreme Court of Vermont 1978, 136 Vt. 4)“…r statute of limitation applicable to actions on judgments, 12 V.S.A. § 506, the lower court entered judgment in Ko…”
- H&E Equipment Services, Inc. v. Cassani Electric, Inc. & Nicholas Cassani (Supreme Court of Vermont 2017, 169 A.3d 1308)“…ment. Defendant argues that the action is time-barred under 12 V.S.A. § 506. Alternatively, he contends that there…”
- Nelson v. Russo (Supreme Court of Vermont 2008, 184 Vt. 550)“…uiring a separate action on the judgment in accordance with 12 V.S.A. § 506. We reverse and remand. ¶ 2. The…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 501Recovery of landsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Except as otherwise provided in 32 V.S.A. § 5263, an action for the recovery of lands, or the possession thereof, shall not be maintained, unless commenced within 15 years after the cause of action first accrues to the plaintiff or those under whom he or she claims. (Amended, 1959, No. 218, § 6.)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 57 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Russell held 15 years of adverse seasonal use created a prescriptive lake-access easement and allowed tacking without deed language. Roy held years of church ownership protected by § 462 cannot count toward § 501. Nesti held § 501 does not govern takings, trespass or nuisance claims.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Russell v. Pare (Supreme Court of Vermont 1974, 132 Vt. 397)✓Seymour Lodge's owners and predecessors seasonally fished, docked, launched boats and picnicked across a lakeside parcel. The court held 15 years under § 501 perfected a prescriptive easement in 1936 and permitted tacking through transfer even without deed language.
- Roy v. Woodstock Community Trust, Inc. (Supreme Court of Vermont 2014, 195 Vt. 427)✓Neighbors claimed landscaped strips by adverse possession. The court excluded years when the land was owned by a nonprofit church and dedicated to pious use under § 462, preventing the 15 years required by § 501, and affirmed rejection of those claims.
- Frances Nesti v. Agency of Transportation (Supreme Court of Vermont 2023, 296 A.3d 729)✓Nesti alleged a state drainage project caused runoff onto her land and argued § 501's 15-year period governed her taking, trespass and nuisance claims. The court held the six-year civil period applied to all three and affirmed judgment for the state.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Vermont Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 13: Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Chapter 151: Limitation of Prosecutions and Actions
§ 4501Limitation of prosecutions for certain crimesIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) Prosecutions for aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in subsection 3258(c) of this title, human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, murder, manslaughter, arson causing death, and kidnapping may be commenced at any time after the commission of the offense. (b) Prosecutions for lewd and lascivious conduct, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult under subsection 1379(a) of this title, grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, bribery offenses, false claims, fraud under 33 V.S.A. § 141(d), and felony tax offenses shall be commenced within six years after the commission of the offense, and not after. (c) Prosecutions for any of the following offenses shall be commenced within 40 years after the commission of the offense, and not after: (1) lewd and lascivious conduct alleged to have been committed against a child under 18 years of age; (2) maiming; (3) lewd or lascivious conduct with a child; (4) sexual exploitation of children under chapter 64 of this title; and (5) sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult under subsection 1379(b) of this title.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 19 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Delisle (Supreme Court of Vermont 1994, 162 Vt. 293)“…ee-year statute of limitations had run on that offense. See 13 V.S.A. § 4501. In the alternative, defendant requeste…”
- State v. Stewart (Supreme Court of Vermont 1981, 140 Vt. 389)“…issal in all four cases is that the statute of limitations, 13 V.S.A. §§ 4501 and 4503, bars the actions.…”
- State v. Petrucelli (Supreme Court of Vermont 1991, 156 Vt. 382)“…(b)(2) prohibits retroactive application of an amendment to 13 V.S.A. § 4501(c), which lengthened the statute of lim…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Vermont Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 14: Decedents Estates and Fiduciary Relations, Chapter 71: Actions by and Against Executors and Administrators, Subchapter: WRONGFUL DEATH
§ 1492Action for death from wrongful act; procedure; damagesIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) The action shall be brought in the name of the personal representative of the deceased person and commenced within two years from the discovery of the death of the person, but if the person against whom the action accrues is out of the State, the action may be commenced within two years after the person comes into the State. After the cause of action accrues and before the two years have run, if the person against whom it accrues is absent from and resides out of the State and has no known property within the State that can by common process of law be attached, the time of his or her absence shall not be taken as part of the time limited for the commencement of the action. If the death of the decedent occurred under circumstances such that probable cause is found to charge a person with homicide, the action shall be commenced within seven years after the discovery of the death of the decedent or not more than two years after the judgment in that criminal action has become final, whichever occurs later.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-06 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 68 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hay v. Medical Center Hosp. of Vermont (Supreme Court of Vermont 1985, 145 Vt. 533)“…uniary injuries resulting from [the death of a parent]...." 14 V.S.A. § 1492(b) (Supp.1984). In a case involving min…”
- Thayer v. Herdt (Supreme Court of Vermont 1990, 155 Vt. 448)“…owever, this Court has considered the tolling provisions of 14 V.S.A. § 1492 and concluded that they apply only to d…”
- Leo v. Hillman (Supreme Court of Vermont 1995, 164 Vt. 94)“…ffs argue that the wrongful death claim is not barred under 14 V.S.A. § 1492(a), which states in relevant part that:…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Motorcycle Accident Laws in Vermont (2026): Deadlines & Helmets, Truck Accident Laws in Vermont (2026): Deadlines & Liability, Vermont Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines & Who Sues
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 12: Court Procedure, Chapter 23: Limitation of Time for Commencement of Actions, Subchapter: COMPUTATION OF TIME; TOLLING OF STATUTE
§ 551Minority, incapacity, or imprisonmentIn force
(a) When a person entitled to bring an action specified in this chapter is a minor, lacks capacity to protect his or her interests due to a mental condition or psychiatric disability, or is imprisoned at the time the cause of action accrues, such person may bring such action within the times in this chapter respectively limited, after the disability is removed. (b) If a person entitled to bring an action specified in this chapter becomes unable to protect his or her interests due to a mental condition or psychiatric disability after the cause of action accrues but before the statute has run, the time during which the person is unable to protect his or her interests due to a mental condition or psychiatric disability shall not be taken as a part of the time limited for the commencement of the action. (Amended 1979, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. date, see note set out below; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 45.)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 21 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Pike v. Chuck's Willoughby Pub, Inc. (Supreme Court of Vermont 2006, 180 Vt. 25)“…s two issues: (1) whether the minority tolling provision of 12 V.S.A. § 551(a) applies to an action under the DSA,…”
- Goode v. State (Supreme Court of Vermont 1988, 150 Vt. 651)“…ourt found had run, was tolled by plaintiff’s insanity. See 12 V.S.A. § 551. On remand the trial court found that t…”
- Virginia Fila v. Spruce Mountain Inn (Supreme Court of Vermont 2005, 178 Vt. 323)“…l court applied an erroneous definition of “insanity” under 12 V.S.A. § 551. I respectfully disagree, however, with…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 552Absence from StateIn force
If a person is out of the State when a cause of action of a personal nature mentioned in this chapter accrues against him or her, the action may be commenced within the time limited therefor after such person comes into the State. If a person is absent from and resides out of the State after a cause of action accrues against him or her and before the statute has run, and he or she has not known property within the State which can by common process of law be attached, the time of his or her absence shall not be taken as a part of the time limited for the commencement of the action. The provisions of this section shall not extend to a cause of action accruing in another state or government, when the parties thereto at the time of the accruing of such cause of action are residents of such other state or government.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
Cited in 9 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Thayer v. Herdt (Supreme Court of Vermont 1990, 155 Vt. 448)“…cles shall not render inoperative the tolling provisions of 12 V.S.A. § 552 — which are virtually identical to thos…”
- Fortier v. Byrnes (Supreme Court of Vermont 1996, 165 Vt. 189)“…esponse, plaintiff argued that the statute was tolled under 12 V.S.A. § 552 3 because defendant had re…”
- Marine Midland Bank v. Bicknell (Supreme Court of Vermont 2004, 176 Vt. 389)“…ntrary to appellant’s assertion, Vermont’s tolling statute, 12 V.S.A. § 552, did not extend to this action because…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 553Member of Armed Services; tolling statute of limitationsIn force
When an inhabitant of this State is in the Military or Naval Service of the United States or is a member of the Vermont National Guard and has been ordered to State active duty and, at the time of entering such service or duty, had a cause of action against another person, or another person had a cause of action against him or her, the time spent in such Military or Naval Service outside this State or the time spent in State active duty shall not be taken as part of the time limited for the bringing of an action by or against him or her founded on such causes. The limitation period for a cause of action shall be tolled during the duration of the person’s out-of-state Military or Naval Service, or State Active Duty Service, plus an additional 60 days. (Amended 2011, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 5a.)
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.vermont.gov
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Sources and References
- 12 V.S.A. § 511 - Civil actions general 6-year limitation(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 512 - Three-year limitations for personal injury, property damage, libel, slander(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 513 - One-year limitation for ski injuries(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 521 - Medical malpractice limitations with discovery rule and 7-year repose(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 522 - No time limit for childhood sexual or physical abuse claims(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 14 V.S.A. § 1492 - Wrongful death action, 2-year limitation from discovery(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 507 - Eight-year limitation for specialties (written contracts)(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 506 - Eight-year limitation for judgments(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 508 - Fourteen-year limitation for witnessed promissory notes(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 501 - Fifteen-year limitation for recovery of land(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 9A V.S.A. § 2-725 - Four-year limitation for UCC sale-of-goods contracts(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 13 V.S.A. § 4501 - Criminal statute of limitations for all offense categories(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 551 - Tolling for minors, mental incapacity, and imprisonment(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 552 - Tolling for defendant absence from state(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 12 V.S.A. § 553 - Tolling for military service members(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- Vermont Title 12, Chapter 23 - Full chapter on limitation of time for commencement of actions(legislature.vermont.gov).gov
- 13 V.S.A. § 3258 - Sexual exploitation of a minor (the offense § 4501(a) makes unlimited, via subsection 3258(c))(legislature.vermont.gov)
- 13 V.S.A. chapter 64 - Sexual exploitation of children (the separate offense group carrying a 40-year deadline under § 4501(c)(4))(legislature.vermont.gov)
- 13 V.S.A. chapter 151 - Limitation of prosecutions, full chapter text (§§ 4501-4511; contains no absence-from-state tolling provision)(legislature.vermont.gov)