In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a breach of contract
claim varies significantly depending on if the contract was signed
"under seal."
Contracts in writing are generally subject to a 6-year statute
of limitation under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24. Thus, for most written
contracts, six years from the date of the breach is the maximum
time period that legal action may be instituted. In contrast, a
contract signed "under seal" is subject to a 20-year
statute of limitation under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-23.
A lawsuit filed after the statute of limitations has run is
subject to summary dismissal.
Because the limitations period for a contract can vary
significantly if it is signed under seal, there are important factors to
understand. For example, what does it mean to sign a contract
"under seal?" And, what are the technical requirements
necessary for a contract to be signed "under seal?"
