Limitation Periods

Limitation Periods (Prescription) in Personal Status Cases According to Saudi Law

Limitation (prescription) refers to the passage of a certain period after which the right to file a lawsuit expires. The Saudi legislator has explicitly set specific time limits for hearing cases and resolutions related to personal status matters, as follows:

Lawsuit to Increase or Decrease Alimony:
Such a lawsuit cannot be heard before the lapse of one (1) year from the date of the alimony judgment, except in exceptional circumstances determined by the court, according to paragraph (2) of Article (48).
Lawsuit for Wife’s Alimony for a Previous Period:
The lawsuit cannot be heard for a period exceeding two (2) years before the date of filing the lawsuit, according to paragraph (2) of Article (52).
Lawsuit for Reimbursement of Alimony from the Father:
Claims for reimbursement of alimony are not heard for periods exceeding one (1) year prior to the lawsuit filing date, according to Article (59).
Lawsuit for Reimbursement of Alimony from Siblings:
The lawsuit is not heard for any period exceeding eighteen (18) days prior to the date of filing, according to Article (63).
Lawsuit for Reimbursement of Alimony from Relatives:
Such lawsuits are not accepted for amounts exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the filing date, according to Article (66).
Lawsuit for Denial of Paternity by Lian:
The lawsuit must be filed within fifteen (15) days from the date of knowledge of the birth, according to paragraph (1) of Article (73).
Loss of Custody Rights:
Custody rights lapse if the entitled person remains silent about claiming them for more than one (1) year without an excuse, unless the best interest of the child requires otherwise, according to paragraph (3) of Article (128).
Acceptance of the Bequest by the Legatee:
The acceptance period must not exceed thirty (30) days from the date of notification, according to paragraph (2) of Article (183).