California Laws

This page summarizes ten California 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.

California Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In California, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1). 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 →

California Comparative Negligence Laws

California 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 →

California Minimum Wage in 2026

The California minimum wage is $16.90 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Adjusted annually for inflation. 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 →

California Final Paycheck Laws

In California, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: immediately at the time of termination. If you quit, final pay is due: within 72 hours, or immediately if the employee gave at least 72 hours' notice. 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 →

California Small Claims Court Limits

In California, you can sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court, which is handled by the superior court (small claims division). Businesses and other entities are limited to $6,250, and a person can file no more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year. Lawyers cannot represent parties at the hearing.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

California Security Deposit Laws

California security deposit limit: 1 month's rent for most landlords since July 1, 2024 (2 months for certain small landlords). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 21 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 →

California Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in California, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days to pay or move (excluding weekends and court holidays). Many California tenants are also covered by just-cause eviction protections. 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 →

California Small Estate Affidavit

California small estate limit: $208,850 for deaths on or after April 1, 2025 (certain assets excluded). Waiting period after death: 40 days. Real estate: not by affidavit; separate court procedures apply. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does California Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. California requires a license and solemnization and does not recognize common law marriages formed in California. 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 →

California Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in California: 6 months in California and 3 months in the filing county. Waiting period: 6 months and 1 day after service or the respondent's appearance. 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 California

Popular cities: San Francisco · Los Angeles · Fresno · San Diego · Bakersfield · San Jose · Santa Rosa · Chico · Chula Vista · Santa Cruz · Santa Maria · Carlsbad

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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