In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York’s statutes of limitations have been temporarily suspended until April 19, 2020 by executive order issued on March 20, 2020 by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The suspension applies to “any specific time limit for the commencement, filing, or service of any legal action, notice, motion, or other process or proceeding” in New York courts, including the civil, criminal, and family courts. The extension of statutes of limitations reinforces the New York Chief Administrative Judge’s recent order limiting court operations to “essential” matters.
Clients with New York law governed contracts should pay attention to further developments that might impact their contractual rights.
Governor Cuomo’s executive order also includes other far-reaching directives aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in New York.
Update: The suspension of New York statutes of limitations has been further extended to May 7, 2020 by executive order dated April 7, 2020.
