How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California?

Published by: Mason ArnaoUpdated: November 13, 2026Filed under: Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQsPurpose: educational information, not legal advice

Short answer: It depends on your age at the time. For childhood sexual assault occurring on or after January 1, 2024, AB 452 removed the time limit under Code of Civil Procedure 340.1. Adult sexual assault claims are governed by CCP 340.16, which sets its own periods and revival windows.

What to check

Your age and the dates of the abuse.
Whether a public entity was involved, which can add claim-filing steps.
Whether a revival window applied to older claims.

A deadline someone told you had passed may not have. A confidential free, confidential case review can check.

If you need support right now, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) is free, confidential and open 24/7 at 800-656-4673.

SourcesCal. Code Civ. Proc. 340.1AB 452 Cal. Senate Judiciary analysisCCP 340.16

Checked against primary sources on November 12, 2026 by Mason Arnao. This is general information, not legal advice. Related: More on deadlines.

A deadline you were told had passed may not have

Many states have lengthened or removed time limits for sexual abuse claims, and some have reopened expired ones. California has no time limit for childhood sexual assault occurring on or after January 1, 2024, and gives adult survivors 10 years. A confidential review checks your dates. California law (CCP 340.1)

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About Mason Arnao

Mason David Arnao Mason David Arnao is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and business executive based in Stuart, Florida. His career spans more than two decades in technology, automation, and lead generation systems. Arnao began his professional journey in the late 1990s as a computer technician for the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he was responsible for linking scoreboards, officials’ laptops, and stat monitors to broadcast networks. His technical precision and systems knowledge led him to join Professional Hospital Supply as a software engineer. There, he developed applications that improved data flow between medical suppliers and healthcare institutions, solidifying his foundation in enterprise-grade software development. By the early 2000's, Arnao advanced into web and SaaS infrastructure through Website Buddy LLC, a Florida-based development firm focused on building web tools for small businesses and online marketers. The experience refined his understanding of user-driven software and scalable online systems. In 2013, Arnao founded Waypoint Software, LLC, headquartered in Stuart, Florida. As President and Managing Partner, he built the company into a recognized provider of lead generation and real-time lead distribution technology. Waypoint’s software automates the acquisition, validation, and routing of consumer inquiries for marketing firms and data aggregators worldwide. The company serves hundreds of clients and is listed by the Better Business Bureau under “Sales Lead Generation.” Through Waypoint Software, Arnao has become a notable figure in the digital lead industry, combining technical engineering with automation strategy. His focus on system reliability, transparent data flow, and scalable integrations continues to position Waypoint as an industry leader in real-time lead management solutions.