How long do I have to be able to do a civil suite against the seller of the house I bought who lied on the Disclosure De

Question

Wilmington, DE asked on December 15, 2023 in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Delaware

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

In Delaware, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit regarding real estate fraud is typically three years from the date the fraud was discovered or should have been discovered. This means you have three years to initiate legal action from the time you become aware of the false statements in the seller's disclosure. 
 
It's important to note that these cases hinge on proving that the seller knowingly provided false information or failed to disclose known defects in the property. Gathering evidence, such as the disclosure form, correspondence with the seller, and any relevant inspections or reports, will be crucial in building your case. 
 
Consider consulting with a lawyer experienced in real estate law. They can assess the specifics of your situation, advise you on the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process. They can also help ensure that any action you take is within the legal time frame and follows the correct procedures. 
 
Remember, legal action can be time-consuming and potentially costly. Weigh the potential benefits against the costs and stress involved. Sometimes, alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation might be a more efficient way to resolve such disputes.

Q: How long do I have to be able to do a civil suite against the seller of the house I bought who lied on the Disclosure De