Michigan
Michigan 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. · 9 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Michigan law sets a 3-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits and a 6-year deadline for breach of contract claims under MCL 600.5805 and MCL 600.5807. Murder and first-degree criminal sexual conduct carry no time limit for prosecution under MCL 767.24.
Understanding the statute of limitations in Michigan is essential for anyone considering legal action. Whether you are dealing with a personal injury claim, a contract dispute, or a criminal matter, Michigan law sets strict deadlines. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your case from court.
Michigan's statutes of limitations are found primarily in the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 (MCL Chapter 600) for civil matters and in the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 767.24) for criminal cases. The filing periods vary based on the type of case and specific circumstances.
Hurt in Michigan? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Michigan personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Michigan's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
Michigan Civil Statute of Limitations
Michigan's civil statute of limitations establishes the maximum time you have to file a lawsuit after a legal dispute arises. These limits typically range from one to ten years, depending on the type of case.
Once the filing deadline passes, the opposing party can raise the statute of limitations as a defense and move to dismiss the case. Any legal claim will be permanently lost once a court grants that dismissal.
Personal Injury (3 Years)
Under MCL 600.5805(2), you have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan. This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, product liability claims, and most other negligence-based torts.
For wrongful death claims, the personal representative must file within 3 years of the date of death under the same statute.
Intentional Torts (2 Years)
Claims for assault, battery, and false imprisonment must be filed within 2 years of the incident under MCL 600.5805(3). This 2-year period does not apply to every assault or battery claim, however: MCL 600.5805(4)-(5) extends the deadline to 5 years for an assault or battery claim brought by a person against a spouse or former spouse, a co-parent, a current or former co-resident, or a current or former dating partner.
Civil Damages for Criminal Sexual Conduct (10 Years)
Michigan also provides a separate, longer civil deadline for criminal sexual conduct. Under MCL 600.5805(6), a lawsuit to recover damages sustained because of criminal sexual conduct must be filed within 10 years. This civil claim does not depend on whether a criminal prosecution was ever brought or, if one was brought, on whether it resulted in a conviction.
Defamation: Libel and Slander (1 Year)
Michigan gives plaintiffs just 1 year to file a defamation lawsuit. Under MCL 600.5805(11), this applies to both libel (written defamation) and slander (spoken defamation).
Medical Malpractice (2 Years with Discovery Rule)
Under MCL 600.5805(8), medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within 2 years from the date the malpractice occurred. A separate statute, MCL 600.5838a, sets the specific discovery-based accrual rule for medical malpractice claims; per MCL 600.5805(14), the periods in Section 5805 are subject to any applicable repose period established there.
Michigan also imposes a statute of repose on medical malpractice claims under MCL 600.5838a, an outer filing limit that applies regardless of when the injury was discovered. Consult MCL 600.5838a directly, or a Michigan attorney, to confirm the current repose period for a specific claim.
Filing a Notice of Intent under MCL 600.2912b tolls the statute of limitations for 182 days. However, this tolling does not apply in wrongful death cases arising from medical malpractice.
Property Damage (3 Years)
Claims for damage to personal property or real property must be filed within 3 years under MCL 600.5805(2). This applies to damage caused by negligence, motor vehicle accidents, or other tortious acts.
Contracts (6 Years)
Under MCL 600.5807, Michigan provides a 6-year statute of limitations for breach of contract claims. This period applies to both written and oral contracts.
Specific contract-related deadlines under this statute include:
| Contract Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| General breach of contract | 6 years | MCL 600.5807(9) |
| Bond of a public officer | 10 years | MCL 600.5807(3) |
| Covenant in a deed or mortgage | 10 years | MCL 600.5807(5) |
| Surety bond for personal representative or guardian | 4 years after discharge | MCL 600.5807(2) |
| Public obligations (bonds, notes) | 10 years | MCL 600.5807(8) |
Fraud (6 Years)
Actions based on fraud must be filed within 6 years under MCL 600.5813. This is the same catch-all provision that covers other personal actions not specifically listed elsewhere in the statute.
If a defendant fraudulently concealed the existence of a claim, MCL 600.5855 allows the plaintiff to file within 2 years of discovering (or when they should have discovered) the concealed claim, even if the standard deadline has passed.
Trespass (3 Years)
Trespass claims in Michigan fall under the 3-year limitation for property injuries in MCL 600.5805(2). For continuing trespass situations, a new cause of action arises with each occurrence, allowing the plaintiff to recover for damages that accrued within the 3-year period before filing.
Judgments (10 Years)
Under MCL 600.5809(3), a judgment from a Michigan court of record is enforceable for 10 years from the date it was rendered. Judgments from courts not of record carry a 6-year enforcement deadline.
District court judgments entered on or after May 25, 1973 (except small claims judgments) are treated as judgments of a court of record and receive the 10-year period. Parties can renew a judgment by bringing an action on it before the limitation period expires.
Government Claims (Notice Requirement)
If your injury was caused by a dangerous road or public building, Michigan law requires you to notify the appropriate government agency within just 120 days of the injury. Failure to provide timely notice can bar the claim entirely.
Complete Civil Statute of Limitations Table
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | MCL 600.5805(2) |
| Wrongful death | 3 years | MCL 600.5805(2) |
| Assault/battery/false imprisonment | 2 years (5 years if by a spouse, co-parent, co-resident, or dating partner) | MCL 600.5805(3)-(5) |
| Civil damages for criminal sexual conduct | 10 years | MCL 600.5805(6) |
| Libel/slander (defamation) | 1 year | MCL 600.5805(11) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (additional discovery/repose rules in MCL 600.5838a) | MCL 600.5805(8) |
| Property damage | 3 years | MCL 600.5805(2) |
| Breach of contract (written or oral) | 6 years | MCL 600.5807(9) |
| Fraud | 6 years | MCL 600.5813 |
| Trespass | 3 years | MCL 600.5805(2) |
| Collection of rents | 6 years | MCL 600.5813 |
| Collection of debt on account | 6 years | MCL 600.5813 |
| Judgments (court of record) | 10 years | MCL 600.5809(3) |
| Judgments (court not of record) | 6 years | MCL 600.5809(3) |
Tolling Exceptions in Michigan Civil Cases
Michigan law provides several situations where the statute of limitations clock is paused (tolled), giving plaintiffs additional time to file.
Minors
Under MCL 600.5851(1), if the injured person is under 18 years old when the cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations is paused. The minor has 1 year after turning 18 to file the lawsuit.
Mental Incapacity
If a person is considered legally insane at the time the claim accrues, the statute is also paused under MCL 600.5851. The individual has 1 year after the disability is removed to take legal action.
Absent Defendants
Under MCL 600.5853, if a defendant leaves Michigan for more than 60 days before a lawsuit can be served, the time spent outside the state may not count toward the statute of limitations.
Fraudulent Concealment
Under MCL 600.5855, if a defendant actively conceals the existence of a claim, the plaintiff has 2 years from the date of discovery to file suit, even if the original deadline has passed.
Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations
Michigan's criminal statute of limitations sets the maximum time period within which the state must bring criminal charges. These deadlines are codified in MCL 767.24, part of Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure.
The statute of limitations in criminal cases is an affirmative defense. The defendant must raise it, or it may be waived.
No Statute of Limitations
Michigan places no time limit on prosecuting the following offenses:
- Murder
- Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree (MCL 750.520b)
- For specific child-abuse and sex-offense crimes under MCL 750.136, 136a, 145c, 520e, 520g, 520c, and 520d, an indictment may be filed at any time before a DNA-identified suspect is found; once DNA identifies the individual, prosecutors then have 10 or 15 years (or until the victim's 21st or 42nd birthday), whichever is later, depending on the offense. This DNA extension does not apply to Michigan offenses generally.
15-Year Statute of Limitations
Criminal sexual conduct in the second or third degree must be charged within 15 years of the offense or by the alleged victim's 42nd birthday, whichever is later. This extended timeline was established through recent legislative amendments to protect victims of sexual violence.
10-Year Statute of Limitations
The following crimes carry a 10-year filing deadline:
- Kidnapping
- Extortion
- Assault with intent to commit murder
- Attempted murder
- Manslaughter
- Armed robbery
- First-degree home invasion
- Criminal sexual conduct against minors (10 years or until the victim turns 21, whichever is later)
- Forgery or uttering and publishing of an instrument affecting real property (10 years from commission or 10 years from recording, whichever is later)
- False pretenses involving real property
- Mortgage fraud
For crimes with a 10-year limit that are reported to police within 1 year but where the offender is unknown, the 10-year period begins when the offender is identified.
6-Year Statute of Limitations
All other felonies and misdemeanors in Michigan must be charged within 6 years of the offense.
Complete Criminal Statute of Limitations Table
| Crime | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | No limit | MCL 767.24 |
| Criminal sexual conduct, 1st degree | No limit | MCL 767.24 |
| Criminal sexual conduct, 2nd or 3rd degree | 15 years or victim's 42nd birthday | Whichever is later |
| Kidnapping | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Extortion | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Assault with intent to murder | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Attempted murder | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Manslaughter | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Armed robbery | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| First-degree home invasion | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Sex crimes against minors | 10 years or victim turns 21 | Whichever is later |
| Forgery (real property) | 10 years | From commission or recording |
| Mortgage fraud | 10 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Other felonies | 6 years | MCL 767.24 |
| Misdemeanors | 6 years | MCL 767.24 |
Tolling in Criminal Cases
Under MCL 767.24, any time the accused is not usually and publicly residing in Michigan does not count toward the statute of limitations. This means if a suspect flees the state or goes into hiding, the clock stops until they return.
Recent Legislative Changes
Michigan legislators have actively worked to extend statutes of limitations for sexual violence crimes in recent years. The criminal SOL tiers described above, including the 21st/42nd-birthday and DNA-identification rules, were established by 2024 PA 268, effective April 2, 2025, and are not retroactive to offenses committed before that date. Separately, in the 2025-2026 legislative session, Senate Bills 257-261 proposed further expanding the civil statute of limitations for damages related to criminal sexual conduct. The proposed changes would allow victims to bring civil claims until they reach age 42, within 10 years of the crime, or within 7 years of discovering the injury, whichever is later.
Previously, victims could only bring civil actions until age 28 or within 3 years of discovering the abuse. The trend in Michigan, as in many states, is toward giving sexual assault survivors more time to seek justice.
How to Determine When Your Deadline Starts
The statute of limitations clock typically starts on the date the injury or offense occurs. However, Michigan recognizes several exceptions:
Discovery rule. For medical malpractice and certain other claims, the clock starts when the plaintiff discovers (or should have discovered) the injury, not when the act occurred.
Continuing violations. For ongoing trespass or nuisance, a new cause of action arises with each violation, effectively resetting the clock for recent damages.
Accrual date for contracts. The clock for breach of contract claims starts when the breach occurs, not when the contract was signed.
Criminal offenses. The statute of limitations for criminal charges starts on the date the crime was committed, not when it was discovered or reported.
More Michigan Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Michigan?
Michigan gives you 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under MCL 600.5805(2). This applies to car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and most negligence claims. The clock starts on the date the injury occurs.
Is there a statute of limitations for murder in Michigan?
No. Michigan has no statute of limitations for murder or criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. These crimes can be prosecuted at any time, regardless of how long ago they occurred. For certain other sex-offense and child-abuse crimes, DNA evidence from an unidentified suspect can also keep a case open indefinitely until the suspect is identified, but that DNA-based extension does not apply to Michigan offenses generally.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations deadline in Michigan?
If you file a civil lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss. The court will almost certainly grant it, and you will permanently lose the right to pursue that claim. In criminal cases, the charges would be dismissed if the defendant raises the expired statute as a defense.
Can the statute of limitations be paused or extended in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations in several situations: if the injured person is a minor (paused until 1 year after turning 18), if the person is mentally incapacitated, or if the defendant leaves Michigan for more than 60 days. Fraudulent concealment by the defendant can also extend the deadline by 2 years from the date of discovery.
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Michigan?
Michigan provides 6 years to file a breach of contract lawsuit under MCL 600.5807. This applies to both written and oral contracts. The clock starts on the date the breach occurs. Certain specialized contracts, like covenants in deeds or mortgages, have a longer 10-year limitation period.
Updates
Added two missing filing deadlines from Michigan's assault/battery statute: a 5-year deadline (instead of the general 2-year rule) for assault or battery between spouses, co-parents, co-residents, or dating partners, and a standalone 10-year civil deadline to recover damages for criminal sexual conduct that does not depend on any criminal case outcome. Also added armed robbery to the 10-year criminal list and noted that the current criminal sexual conduct SOL tiers took effect under a 2024 law (2024 PA 268, effective April 2, 2025).
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected several MCL pinpoint citations: the libel/slander deadline is subsection (11), not (7); the medical malpractice discovery and repose periods are set by MCL 600.5838a, not Section 5805(8); the contract-bond table's subsection numbers for public officer bonds, deed/mortgage covenants, personal representative/guardian surety bonds, and the general 6-year catchall were each off by one to two subsections; and the DNA no-limit rule was narrowed from 'any offense' to the specific sex-offense and child-abuse crimes it actually covers.
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.
Michigan Compiled Laws
§ 600.5805Injuries to persons or property; period of limitations; "adjudication," "criminal sexual conduct," and "dating relationship" definedIn forcecited in 19 of our articles
(1) A person shall not bring or maintain an action to recover damages for injuries to persons or property unless, after the claim first accrued to the plaintiff or to someone through whom the plaintiff claims, the action is commenced within the periods of time prescribed by this section. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the period of limitations is 3 years after the time of the death or injury for all actions to recover damages for the death of a person or for injury to a person or property. (3) Subject to subsections (4) to (6), the period of limitations is 2 years for an action charging assault, battery, or false imprisonment. (4) Subject to subsection (6), the period of limitations is 5 years for an action charging assault or battery brought by a person who has been assaulted or battered by his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a person with whom he or she resides or formerly resided.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 750.520b
Cited in 1,140 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Michigan courts enforce Sec. 600.5805 as written: Garg v. MacOmb County Community Mental Health Services (2005) overruled the continuing violations doctrine as inconsistent with it, while Bryant v. Oakpointe Villa Nursing Centre, Inc (2004) let time-barred malpractice claims proceed on the equities of that case and others then pending.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Rory v. Continental Insurance (Michigan Supreme Court 2005, 473 Mich. 457)“…ited to being brought within three years pursuant to former MCL 600.5805(9), now MCL 600.5805(10), which governs…”
- Walters v. Nadell (Michigan Supreme Court 2008, 481 Mich. 377)✓A driver hurt in a 2001 crash could not serve the defendant, a servicemember, before the three-year period expired; the court held he waived the federal tolling provision by never raising it below, reasoning the limitations statute is likewise mandatory yet waivable.
- Garg v. MacOmb County Community Mental Health Services (Michigan Supreme Court 2005, 472 Mich. 263)✓A county psychologist won a $250,000 retaliation verdict resting partly on acts older than three years; the court held the statute requires suit within three years of each adverse act, overruled the continuing violations doctrine, and directed judgment for the employer.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Michigan Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Michigan Car Accident Laws: No-Fault, PIP Tiers, and Your Claim, Michigan Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
§ 600.5807Damages for breach of contract; specific performance; period of limitations; bond; deed; mortgage; surety bond; appeal bond; public obligations; other actionsIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(1) A person may not bring or maintain an action to recover damages or money due for breach of contract or to enforce the specific performance of a contract unless, after the claim first accrued to the person or to someone through whom the person claims, the person commences the action within the applicable period prescribed by this section. (2) The period of limitations on an action charging a surety on a bond of a personal representative or guardian is 4 years after the discharge of the personal representative or guardian. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this section or another statute of this state, the period of limitations is 10 years for an action founded on a bond of a public officer. (4) The period of limitations on an action founded on a bond executed under sections 80 and 81 of 1846 RS 16, MCL 41.80 and 41.81, is 2 years after the expiration of the year for which the constable was elected. (5) The period of limitations is 10 years for an action founded on a covenant in a deed or mortgage of real estate. (6) Except as otherwise provided in another statute of this state, the period of limitations is 2 years for an action charging a surety for costs.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 305 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Miller-Davis Co. v. Ahrens Construction, Inc. (Michigan Supreme Court 2014, 495 Mich. 161)“…by the general statute of limitations for contract actions, MCL 600.5807(8). Because Miller-Davis’s complaint al…”
- Lothian v. City of Detroit (Michigan Supreme Court 1982, 414 Mich. 160)“…year limitations period for breach of contract specified in MCL 600.5807; MSA 27A.5807. [11] However, the Court…”
- Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. v. Neal a Sweebe, Inc. (Michigan Supreme Court 2013, 494 Mich. 543)“…governed by the six-year period of limitations provided in MCL 600.5807(8). Accordingly, we reverse the contrar…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Michigan Debt Collection Laws: Wage Garnishment, Statute of Limitations, and Repossession
§ 767.24Indictment; crimes; "Theresa Flores's Law"; definitions; Brandon D'Annunzio's law; findings and filing; exceptions for victims under 18; extension or tolling; applicability of 2024 amendatory actIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) An indictment for any of the following crimes may be found and filed at any time: (a) Murder, conspiracy to commit murder, or solicitation to commit murder, or criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. (b) A violation of chapter XXXIII of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.200 to 750.212a, that is punishable by imprisonment for life. (c) A violation of chapter LXVIIA of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.462a to 750.462h, that is punishable by imprisonment for life. (d) A violation of the Michigan anti-terrorism act, chapter LXXXIII-A of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.543a to 750.543z, that is punishable by imprisonment for life. (2) An indictment for a violation or attempted violation of section 13, 462b, 462c, 462d, or 462e of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.13, 750.462b, 750.462c, 750.462d, and 750.462e, may be found and filed within 25 years after the offense is committed. This subsection shall be known as "Theresa Flores's Law".
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 56 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- People v. Russo (Michigan Supreme Court 1992, 439 Mich. 584)“…ine whether the amended statute of limitations set forth in MCL 767.24(2); MSA 28.964(2) applies to the prosec…”
- People v. McIntire (Michigan Court of Appeals 1999, 232 Mich. App. 71)“…hich the respective indictments shall be found and filed. [MCL 767.24(1); MSA 28.964(1) (emphasis supplied).]…”
- People v. Monaco (Michigan Supreme Court 2006, 474 Mich. 48)“…9(4) or the six-year “catch-all” period of limitations in MCL 767.24(5). We are also asked to decide wheth…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 600.5838aClaim based on medical malpractice; accrual; definitions; commencement of action; burden of proof; applicability of subsection (2); limitationsIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(1) For purposes of this act, a claim based on the medical malpractice of a person or entity who is or who holds himself or herself out to be a licensed health care professional, licensed health facility or agency, or an employee or agent of a licensed health facility or agency who is engaging in or otherwise assisting in medical care and treatment, whether or not the licensed health care professional, licensed health facility or agency, or their employee or agent is engaged in the practice of the health profession in a sole proprietorship, partnership, professional corporation, or other business entity, accrues at the time of the act or omission that is the basis for the claim of medical malpractice, regardless of the time the plaintiff discovers or otherwise has knowledge of the claim. As used in this subsection: (a) "Licensed health facility or agency" means a health facility or agency licensed under article 17 of the public health code, Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, being sections 333.20101 to 333.22260 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 168 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Bryant v. Oakpointe Villa Nursing Centre, Inc (Michigan Supreme Court 2004, 471 Mich. 411)“…In addressing this issue, defendant argues that, because MCL 600.5838a refers to “the medical malpractice of .…”
- Cox v. Flint Board of Hospital Managers (Michigan Supreme Court 2002, 467 Mich. 1)“…urses do not engage in the practice of medicine. MCL 600.5838a(1) provides that a medical malpractice…”
- Trentadue v. Buckler Automatic Lawn Sprinkler Company (Michigan Supreme Court 2007, 479 Mich. 378)“…ce, MCL 600.5838(2); actions alleging medical malpractice, MCL 600.5838a(2); actions brought against certain de…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Michigan (2026): Deadlines & Caps
§ 600.2912bAction alleging medical malpractice; notice; mailing; notice period; statement; access to medical records; tacking successive notice periods; response; failure to receive response; health professional or facility not intending to settleIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not commence an action alleging medical malpractice against a health professional or health facility unless the person has given the health professional or health facility written notice under this section not less than 182 days before the action is commenced. (2) The notice of intent to file a claim required under subsection (1) shall be mailed to the last known professional business address or residential address of the health professional or health facility who is the subject of the claim. Proof of the mailing constitutes prima facie evidence of compliance with this section. If no last known professional business or residential address can reasonably be ascertained, notice may be mailed to the health facility where the care that is the basis for the claim was rendered. (3) The 182-day notice period required in subsection (1) is shortened to 91 days if all of the following conditions exist: (a) The claimant has previously filed the 182-day notice required in subsection (1) against other health professionals or health facilities involved in the claim.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 254 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Roberts v. Mecosta County General Hospital (Michigan Supreme Court 2002, 466 Mich. 57)“…notice is given in compliance with all the provisions of MCL 600.2912b. We further hold that MCL 600.2912b p…”
- Bryant v. Oakpointe Villa Nursing Centre, Inc (Michigan Supreme Court 2004, 471 Mich. 411)“…notice of intent to sue in medical malpractice pursuant to MCL 600.2912b and, in February…”
- Bush v. Shabahang (Michigan Supreme Court 2009, 484 Mich. 156)“…provided to a medical malpractice defendant pursuant to MCL 600.2912b, precludes the tolling of the statute…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 600.5813Other personal actionsIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
All other personal actions shall be commenced within the period of 6 years after the claims accrue and not afterwards unless a different period is stated in the statutes.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 207 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Adams v. Adams (Michigan Court of Appeals 2007, 276 Mich. App. 704)“…roperly applied the residual six-year limitations period of MCL 600.5813. Defendants secondarily assert that eve…”
- City of Detroit v. Walker (Michigan Supreme Court 1994, 445 Mich. 682)“…troactive reach of 1988 PA 202 has statutory limitations. MCL 600.5813; MSA 27A.5813 provides that personal ac…”
- Terlecki v. Stewart (Michigan Court of Appeals 2008, 278 Mich. App. 644)“…f limitations applicable to “[a]ll other personal actions.” MCL 600.5813. The statutes of limitations “apply equ…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 600.5855Fraudulent concealment of claim or identity of person liable; discoveryIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
If a person who is or may be liable for any claim fraudulently conceals the existence of the claim or the identity of any person who is liable for the claim from the knowledge of the person entitled to sue on the claim, the action may be commenced at any time within 2 years after the person who is entitled to bring the action discovers, or should have discovered, the existence of the claim or the identity of the person who is liable for the claim, although the action would otherwise be barred by the period of limitations.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 193 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Trentadue v. Buckler Automatic Lawn Sprinkler Company (Michigan Supreme Court 2007, 479 Mich. 378)“…or the identity of any person who is liable for the claim, MCL 600.5855. Significantly, none of these tolling…”
- Lothian v. City of Detroit (Michigan Supreme Court 1982, 414 Mich. 160)“…defendant's fraudulent concealment of the cause of action, MCL 600.5855; MSA 27A.5855; and when the complaint h…”
- Meyer & Anna Prentis Family Foundation, Inc. v. Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (Michigan Court of Appeals 2005, 266 Mich. App. 39)“…e ground that the period of limitations had expired because MCL 600.5855 operated to toll any period of limitati…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 600.5809Action to enforce noncontractual money obligations; limitationsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) A person shall not bring or maintain an action to enforce a noncontractual money obligation unless, after the claim first accrued to the person or to someone through whom he or she claims, the person commences the action within the applicable period of time prescribed by this section. (2) The period of limitations is 2 years for an action for the recovery of a penalty or forfeiture based on a penal statute brought in the name of the people of this state. (3) Except as provided in subsection (4), the period of limitations is 10 years for an action founded upon a judgment or decree rendered in a court of record of this state, or in a court of record of the United States or of another state of the United States, from the time of the rendition of the judgment or decree. The period of limitations is 6 years for an action founded upon a judgment or decree rendered in a court not of record of this state, or of another state, from the time of the rendition of the judgment or decree. A judgment entered in the district court of this state before May 25, 1973, is a judgment of a court not of record.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 66 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Stockdale v. Jamison (Michigan Supreme Court 1982, 416 Mich. 217)“…ondly, my brother's opinion fails to consider the effect of MCL 600.5809(3); MSA 27A.5809(3), which provides tha…”
- People v. Monaco (Michigan Supreme Court 2006, 474 Mich. 48)“…5(1), is subject to the ten-year period of limitations in MCL 600.5809(4) or the six-year “catch-all” period…”
- Peabody v. DiMeglio (Michigan Court of Appeals 2014, 306 Mich. App. 397)“…carry a 10-year statutory period of limitations pursuant to MCL 600.5809, which provides in pertinent part, (1…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 600.5851Disabilities of infancy or insanity; tacking of successive disabilities prohibited; year of grace; removing disability of infancy; claim alleging medical malpractice accruing to person 8 years old or less or 13 years old or less; disability of imprisonment; "release from imprisonment" definedIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (7) and (8), if the person first entitled to make an entry or bring an action under this act is under 18 years of age or insane at the time the claim accrues, the person or those claiming under the person shall have 1 year after the disability is removed through death or otherwise, to make the entry or bring the action although the period of limitations has run. This section does not lessen the time provided for in section 5852. (2) The term insane as employed in this chapter means a condition of mental derangement such as to prevent the sufferer from comprehending rights he or she is otherwise bound to know and is not dependent on whether or not the person has been judicially declared to be insane. (3) To be considered a disability, the infancy or insanity must exist at the time the claim accrues. If the disability comes into existence after the claim has accrued, a court shall not recognize the disability under this section for the purpose of modifying the period of limitations. (4) A person shall not tack successive disabilities.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 228 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Joseph v. Auto Club Insurance Association (Michigan Supreme Court 2012, 491 Mich. 200)“…ermine whether the minority/insanity tolling provision of MCL 600.5851(1) applies to toll the one-year-back ru…”
- Lothian v. City of Detroit (Michigan Supreme Court 1982, 414 Mich. 160)“…l disability (and perhaps for a specified time thereafter), MCL 600.5851; MSA 27A.5851, the running of the appli…”
- Driver v. Naini (Michigan Supreme Court 2011, 490 Mich. 239)“…thin the applicable period prescribed in [MCL 600.5805] or [MCL 600.5851 to 600.5856] or within 6 months after t…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Michigan Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability After Kandil-Elsayed
§ 600.5853Absence from stateIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
If any person is outside of this state at the time any claim accrues against him the period of limitation shall only begin to run when he enters this state unless a means of service of process sufficient to vest the jurisdiction of a Michigan court over him was available to the plaintiff. If after any claim accrues the person against whom the claim accrued is absent from this state, any and all periods of absence in excess of 2 months at a time shall not be counted as any part of the time limited for the commencement of the action unless while he was outside of this state a means for service of process sufficient to vest the jurisdiction of a Michigan court over him was available to the plaintiff.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 14 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2009
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Walters v. Nadell (Michigan Supreme Court 2008, 481 Mich. 377)“…uing that the period of limitations was tolled pursuant to MCL 600.5853. The trial court granted summary dispos…”
- Ewing v. Bolden (Michigan Court of Appeals 1992, 194 Mich. App. 95)“…tolled for those years when defendant was not in the state, MCL 600.5853; MSA 27A.5853. The trial court t…”
- Schumacher v. Tidswell (Michigan Court of Appeals 1984, 138 Mich. App. 708)“…nt to vest jurisdiction over defendant in a Michigan court. MCL 600.5853; MSA 27A.5853 provides: "If any…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 750.520bCriminal sexual conduct in the first degree; circumstances; felony; consecutive termsIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
(1) A person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree if he or she engages in sexual penetration with another person and if any of the following circumstances exists: (a) That other person is under 13 years of age. (b) That other person is at least 13 but less than 16 years of age and any of the following: (i) The actor is a member of the same household as the victim. (ii) The actor is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the fourth degree. (iii) The actor is in a position of authority over the victim and used this authority to coerce the victim to submit. (iv) The actor is a teacher, substitute teacher, or administrator of the public school, nonpublic school, school district, or intermediate school district in which that other person is enrolled.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 2,112 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- People v. Payne (Michigan Court of Appeals 2009, 285 Mich. App. 181)“…convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC I), MCL 750.520b(1)(f). 1 In Kent Circuit C…”
- People v. Solloway (Michigan Court of Appeals 2016, 316 Mich. App. 174)“…onvictions of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC I), MCL 750.520b(1)(a), and two counts of failing to com…”
- People v. Douglas (Michigan Supreme Court 2014, 496 Mich. 557)“…182 L Ed 2d 398 (2012). Ante at 597. MCL 750.520b(2)(b). Strickland v Washington,…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Michigan Expungement Laws: How Conviction Set-Aside Works Under MCL 780.621, Michigan Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Personal Protection Order
§ 750.136Labia majora or labia minor or clitoris; surgical procedure prohibited; exceptions; violation as felony; penalty; violation of law arising from same transactionIn force
(1) A person shall not knowingly circumcise, excise, or infibulate the whole or any part of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of another person who is less than 18 years of age. (2) A surgical operation is not a violation of this section if the operation is either of the following: (a) Necessary to the health of the person on whom it is performed and is performed by a person licensed to perform that operation under the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211. (b) Performed on a person in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth by a person licensed to perform that operation under the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211. (3) A person shall not knowingly facilitate a violation of subsection (1). (4) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.mi.gov
Cited in 43 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- People v. Maynor (Michigan Court of Appeals 2003, 256 Mich. App. 238)“…tudy (New York: Oceana Publications) (1960), p 72. [50] MCL 750.136 (emphasis added). [51] MCL 750.136a.…”
- People v. Schneff (Michigan Supreme Court 1974, 392 Mich. 15)“…ty to a two count information charging cruelty to children, MCLA 750.136; MSA 28.331, arising out of the deaths…”
- People v. Jackson (Michigan Court of Appeals 1985, 140 Mich. App. 283)“…y manslaughter, MCL 750.321; MSA 28.553, and child cruelty, MCL 750.136; MSA 28.331, after a bench trial. He wa…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Explore the law
The laws cited above reference these related sections in their own text:
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.145c — Definitions; child sexually abusive activity or material; penalties; possession of child sexually abusive material; expert testimony; defenses; acts of commercial film or photographic print processor; report to law enforcement agency by computer technician; reasonable availability of evidence to defendant; applicability and uniformity of section; enactment or enforcement of ordinance, rule, or regulation prohibited view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520c — Criminal sexual conduct in the second degree; felony view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520d — Criminal sexual conduct in the third degree; felony view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520e — Criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree; misdemeanor view in our statute record · read at the official source
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.520g — Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct; felony view in our statute record · read at the official source
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
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Sources and References
- MCL 600.5805 - Injuries to persons or property; period of limitations(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 600.5807 - Damages for breach of contract; period of limitations(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 600.5813 - Catch-all limitation for personal actions(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 600.5809 - Period of limitations for judgments(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 600.5851 - Tolling for minors and mental incapacity(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 600.5853 - Tolling for absent defendants(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 767.24 - Criminal statute of limitations(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- Senate Bills 257-261: Criminal sexual conduct statute of limitations amendments (2025-2026)(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- Michigan Courts - Criminal Benchbook: Statutes of Limitations(courts.michigan.gov).gov