Q: What is the statute of limitations for abuse claims in Georgia?

A: Unfortunately because these crimes occurred before 1992, the statute of limitations has probably lapsed for doing anything criminally or civilly long ago. However, these kind of cases are legally complex, and specific circumstances can alter the calculation; you would really need to speak with an experienced attorney who could consider all the facts of your case and then give you an informed decision.

A: What you went through as a child is not something that loses meaning with time, even if the law sets certain limits. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for civil claims related to childhood abuse has changed over the years, but many older cases are still affected by the laws that were in place when the abuse occurred. For physical or mental abuse that ended when you turned 18 in 1989, the window to file most civil claims likely closed years ago unless certain exceptions apply.

Georgia does allow some extensions in very limited cases—like when the abuse was concealed or when the person didn't discover the impact until much later. However, these are tough to prove and often depend on the exact nature of the abuse, when you became aware of its legal implications, and whether the accused actively prevented you from realizing your right to take action. Criminal cases face similar time bars, though in cases of childhood sexual abuse, recent changes have opened limited new opportunities under specific laws.

If your interest in compensation involves property or inheritance issues connected to the abuse, there may be separate legal paths to consider. Those types of claims depend heavily on how the property was handled and whether fraud or undue influence was involved. While the legal road may not be easy after so many years, your experience is still real and valid. If anything feels unresolved, it's okay to seek clarity about what rights, if any, remain.