Connecticut Laws

This page summarizes ten Connecticut 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.

Connecticut Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Connecticut, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584). 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 →

Connecticut Comparative Negligence Laws

Connecticut follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Connecticut Minimum Wage in 2026

The Connecticut minimum wage is $16.94 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Adjusted annually by the employment cost index. 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 →

Connecticut Final Paycheck Laws

In Connecticut, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next business day. 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 →

Connecticut Small Claims Court Limits

In Connecticut, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the Superior Court small claims session. Claims involving home improvement contracts can go up to $15,000. 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 →

Connecticut Security Deposit Laws

Connecticut security deposit limit: 2 months' rent; 1 month for tenants 62 or older. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after receiving a forwarding address, whichever is later. 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 →

Connecticut Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Connecticut, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: notice to quit after rent is 9 days late. Connecticut uses a notice to quit; check the required waiting period and form. 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 →

Connecticut Small Estate Affidavit

Connecticut small estate limit: $40,000 in personal property (filed with the probate court). Waiting period after death: none to file. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Connecticut Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Connecticut does not recognize common law marriages formed in Connecticut. 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 →

Connecticut Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Connecticut: 12 months before the final decree (you can file earlier); exceptions apply, such as a spouse who was domiciled in Connecticut when married and returned. Waiting period: 90 days from the return date. 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 Connecticut

Popular cities: Waterbury · New Haven

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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