“‘The essential elements of a claim of breach of contract, whether express or implied, are the contract, plaintiff’s performance or excuse for nonperformance, defendant’s breach, and the resulting damages to plaintiff.’ The statute of limitations on an action for breach of contract is four years for a written contract and two years for an oral contract. Contracting parties may agree to shorten the period within which claims must be brought. A one-year period may apply to a breach of contract claim against an attorney ‘arising in the performance of professional services.’ The cause of action accrues when the breach occurs.”
[California Practice Guide: Civil Procedure Before Trail Claims & Defenses [citations to primary sources omitted]]
