Statute of Limitations for Church Abuse Claims — State-by-State Guide

Why Deadlines Matter — and Why They May Not Bar Your Claim

Many survivors assume that because their abuse occurred years or decades ago, they have no legal options. This is frequently incorrect. A wave of state legislation since 2000 has significantly extended or removed filing deadlines for childhood sexual abuse civil claims, and several states have opened time-limited lookback windows.

States With Extended or Removed Deadlines

The summaries below were checked against official statutes on September 14, 2026. Each state page links to its sources.

• California: No time limit for childhood sexual assault that happened on or after January 1, 2024. Earlier abuse: generally by age 40, or within five years of discovery. The 2020–2022 revival window has closed.
• Colorado: No time limit for sexual misconduct against a minor on or after January 1, 2022, or for earlier claims that had not expired by then. In 2023 the Colorado Supreme Court held that the 2021 law for older abuse cannot revive claims that were already time-barred.
• Connecticut: Until 30 years after the survivor's 21st birthday (age 51).
• Florida: No time limit for claims related to sexual battery of a child under 16 (unless time-barred by July 1, 2010); other childhood abuse claims generally within seven years after turning 18, or four years after leaving the abuser's dependency or discovering the injury.
• Illinois: Any time, for claims that had not already expired by January 1, 2014.
• Louisiana: No time limit, and previously expired claims can be filed until June 14, 2027.
• Maryland: No time limit, including for claims that expired before October 1, 2023. The Supreme Court of Maryland upheld the law in February 2025.
• Massachusetts: Within 35 years of the abuse or seven years of discovery, whichever is later, including negligent-supervision claims against organizations.
• Michigan: By age 28, or within three years of discovery, whichever is later.
• Minnesota: Generally at any time, with shorter deadlines for vicarious-liability claims. A revival window closed in 2016.
• New Jersey: Until age 55, or within seven years of discovery, whichever is later. The 2019–2021 revival window has closed.
• New York: Until age 55. The Child Victims Act revival window closed in August 2021.
• Pennsylvania: Until age 55 (age 30 for abuse between 18 and 23). Revival window bills had not become law as of September 2026.
• Texas: Within 30 years after the claim accrues, generally by age 48.
• Washington: No time limit for abuse on or after June 6, 2024; earlier abuse generally within three years of the abuse or of discovery.

States With Standard Extended Deadlines

Many other states have extended their standard limitations periods for childhood sexual abuse cases, or apply the discovery rule, tolling for minors, or other doctrines. The only reliable answer for your situation is to consult an attorney about your specific state and circumstances.

Diocese Bankruptcy Deadlines Are Separate

Where a diocese has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a court-imposed proof of claim deadline governs — not state statute of limitations law. Missing these deadlines permanently bars a claim. If you believe your diocese may have filed for bankruptcy, seek legal advice immediately.