Slutforældelsesdato

Slutforældelsesdato refers to the legal concept of the expiration of the right to claim a debt or other legal right. In Danish law, this means that after a certain period, a creditor can no longer legally pursue a debtor for payment or enforce a specific obligation. This concept is designed to provide legal certainty and prevent old claims from lingering indefinitely.

The general statute of limitations for claims in Denmark is three years. This period typically begins from the date the claim becomes due or when the creditor first became aware of their right to make the claim. However, there are various exceptions and specific rules that can alter this general timeframe depending on the nature of the claim. For instance, claims related to consumer purchases, employment contracts, or certain types of property may have different or extended limitation periods.

It is important to note that the running of the statute of limitations can be interrupted. This interruption, known as retsforfølgning, occurs when the creditor takes legal action to enforce their claim, such as initiating court proceedings or sending a formal demand for payment. Once interrupted, a new statute of limitations period begins.

If a debt or claim becomes statute-barred, the debtor is no longer legally obligated to fulfill it. While the moral obligation might remain, the creditor loses their legal recourse. Therefore, understanding and adhering to the relevant slutforældelsesdato is crucial for both creditors seeking to enforce their rights and debtors aiming to resolve their obligations.