Arizona Laws

This page summarizes ten Arizona 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.

Arizona Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Arizona, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542). 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 →

Arizona Comparative Negligence Laws

Arizona follows pure comparative negligence. You can recover damages even if you were mostly at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a person 30% at fault with $100,000 in damages could recover $70,000.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Arizona Minimum Wage in 2026

The Arizona minimum wage is $15.15 per hour, above the federal $7.25. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Arizona Final Paycheck Laws

In Arizona, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: within 7 working days or by the end of the next regular pay period, whichever is sooner. If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Arizona Small Claims Court Limits

In Arizona, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the justice court (small claims division). Lawyers may appear only if both sides agree in writing, and there is no appeal from a small claims decision. 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 →

Arizona Security Deposit Laws

Arizona security deposit limit: 1.5 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 14 business days. 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 →

Arizona Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Arizona, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 5 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 →

Arizona Small Estate Affidavit

Arizona small estate limit: $200,000 in personal property. Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate: a separate affidavit transfers real property worth up to $300,000, filed in superior court after 6 months. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Arizona Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Arizona has never recognized common law marriages formed in Arizona. 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 →

Arizona Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Arizona: 90 days of domicile (or military station) in Arizona before filing. Waiting period: 60 days after the respondent is served. 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 Arizona

Popular cities: Phoenix · Mesa · Scottsdale · Gilbert · Sierra Vista · Chandler · Buckeye

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.

Other states