What is the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is four years. This means that a party has four years from the date of the breach to file a lawsuit to enforce the contract rights. The rationale behind this period is to ensure timely resolution of disputes and to prevent stale claims from arising after a significant amount of time has passed, which could hinder the ability to gather evidence and witness testimonies.

In contrast, other limitations exist for different types of contracts or agreements. For example, the statute of limitations for oral contracts is only two years, while certain tort claims may have different timeframes as well. Understanding the specific statute of limitations is crucial for parties entering into contracts, as failing to bring a claim within the stipulated time can result in the loss of the right to seek legal remedies. This four-year limitation is enshrined in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which sets uniform rules regarding legal actions and promotes legal certainty.