General Legal Information — JusticePourtous provides general legal information based on applicable Swiss law. This service does not replace personalized legal advice from an attorney.
Practical Guide
My debt may be time-barred
Limitation of action extinguishes the creditor's right to sue but not the debt itself (natural obligation). Main periods (art. 127-142 CO): 10 years for ordinary debts (loans, contracts, art. 127 CO), 5 years for rent, pensions, wages, fees (art. 128 CO), 3 years for the…
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Applicable law provisions
Critical Deadlines
- Identification of the type of claim — immediate (CO 127 / CO 128 / CO 129)
- Verification of Interrupting Acts — under 14 days (CO 135 / CO 137)
- Written invocation of prescription — as soon as the deadline has expired (CO 142)
- Defence in Motion to Lift or on the Merits — according to ongoing procedure (LP 82 / LP 83 / CO 142)
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