Alabama Laws

This page summarizes ten Alabama laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Alabama Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Alabama, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ala. Code § 6-2-38). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Alabama Comparative Negligence Laws

Alabama follows contributory negligence. If you are even slightly at fault for your own injury, even 1%, you generally cannot recover damages from the other party. It is one of only a handful of jurisdictions that still use this strict rule.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Alabama Minimum Wage in 2026

Alabama has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies to employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Most employers are covered. Some workers may be exempt, and overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours a week.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Alabama Final Paycheck Laws

Alabama has no state law setting a deadline for a final paycheck. Under federal law, employers are not required to give former employees their final paycheck immediately. In practice, final wages are normally paid on the next regular payday, and you are still owed every hour you worked at no less than the minimum wage.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Alabama Small Claims Court Limits

In Alabama, you can sue for up to $6,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims docket). Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Alabama Security Deposit Laws

Alabama security deposit limit: 1 month's rent (extra deposits allowed for pets, alterations or added risk). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Alabama Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Alabama, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 7 business days to pay or move. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Alabama Small Estate Affidavit

Alabama small estate limit: no affidavit procedure; a summary court distribution is available for estates up to $47,000 (adjusted periodically). Waiting period after death: 30 days after notice is published. Real estate: not available if the estate includes real estate. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Alabama Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Alabama abolished common law marriage as of January 1, 2017. Common law marriages formed before that date remain valid. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Alabama Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Alabama: 6 months if the other spouse lives outside Alabama; no minimum if both spouses live in Alabama. Waiting period: 30 days after filing before a final judgment. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Alabama

Popular cities: Birmingham · Opelika · Dothan · Gardendale · Huntsville · Prattville

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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