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What Is the Statute of Limitations? Key Deadlines You Must Know

The statute of limitations defines the time limit within which a legal claim must be filed. After this period, the right to bring a lawsuit may be barred. In Antalya, limitation periods are often critical in divorce, inheritance, debt collection, and criminal cases.

Why Does the Statute of Limitations Exist?

It protects legal certainty and social peace by preventing disputes from lasting indefinitely, avoids loss of evidence, and ensures relationships are resolved in a timely manner.

Limitation Periods by Case Type

Family Law – Divorce Examples

Ground	Time Limit	Explanation
Adultery	6 months from discovery; 5 years maximum	Strict deadlines from awareness of adultery.
Desertion	After legal conditions and notice period	Special waiting and warning rules apply.

Inheritance Law

Action	Time Limit	Explanation
Renunciation of inheritance	3 months	From awareness of death or cause.
Reduction action (tenkis)	1 year from discovery; 10 years maximum	Counts from knowledge of disposition.

Debt/Commercial Law

Claim	Time Limit	Explanation
General receivables	10 years	Default statute under Code of Obligations.
Periodic receivables	5 years	Rent, interest, professional service fees.

Criminal Law

Type	Time Limit	Explanation
Prosecution limitation	Varies by severity of penalty	More severe crimes → longer limits.
Execution limitation	Depends on imposed sentence	Concerns enforcement stage.

How Can the Limitation Period Be Interrupted?

Interruption: Filing a lawsuit, initiating enforcement, partial payment, or debtor’s acknowledgment resets the period.
Suspension: In cases of legal impossibility (force majeure), the period may pause.

What Happens If the Time Limit Expires?

If the statute runs out, the claim may be dismissed if the defendant raises the defense. In contrast, preclusive periods (hak düşürücü süreler) end the right automatically and courts consider them ex officio.

Practice in Antalya

In Antalya districts like Muratpaşa, Konyaaltı, Kepez, Lara, courts examine documents, notifications, and enforcement records carefully when calculating limitation periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between statute of limitations and preclusive periods?

Statute of limitations bars claims only if raised by defense; preclusive periods extinguish the right automatically.

What is the limitation period for alimony claims?

Depends on the type; periodic claims often subject to 5 years.

Can a time-barred debt still be paid?

Yes, voluntary payment is valid, but judicial collection may be barred.

Note: These are general examples. Deadlines vary depending on facts, starting points, and legal updates. Always seek tailored legal advice.