How long do I have to sue over oral contract in California?
Answered for: California
339. Within two years: 1. An action upon a contract, obligation or liability not founded upon an instrument of writing, except as provided in Section 2725 of the Commercial Code or subdivision 2 of Section 337 of this code
The statute states 2 years for oral contract. When that clock starts, and whether it can be paused, are separate questions this entry does not answer.
This answer is true in California and nowhere else on this site. Another jurisdiction is another answer, or an honest gap: see what has been read for California.