# West Virginia statute of limitations on debt

> In West Virginia, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 10 years under W. Va. Code § 55-2-6. Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

- Source: https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/west-virginia/
- Publisher: Otto — https://ottoforfirms.com
- Updated: 2026-07-26

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In West Virginia, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 10 years under W. Va. Code § 55-2-6.

**Rule.** A written contract claim in West Virginia must be brought within 10 years.

**Authority.** [W. Va. Code § 55-2-6](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-2-6/)

| Contract type | Limitations period |
| --- | --- |
| Written contract | 10 yr |
| Oral contract | 5 yr |
| Open account | 5 yr |
| Promissory note | 5 yr |

## When does the clock start?

The applicable number of years runs 'next after the right to bring the same shall have accrued' — for contract claims, on breach.

## What pauses it?

Infancy or insanity at accrual, measured from removal of the disability but capped at 20 years from accrual (§ 55-2-15(b)); obstruction of the prosecution of the right by the defendant departing the state, absconding, concealing himself, or 'any other indirect ways or means' (§ 55-2-17); and a one-year period to refile after an involuntary dismissal not on the merits or a reversal (§ 55-2-18).

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

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This is an informational reference, not legal advice, and using it creates no attorney-client relationship. Limitations periods turn on facts this page cannot know — which state's law governs, the contract type, when the claim accrued, and whether anything tolled or revived it. Confirm against the primary source and your own counsel before acting.