Kentucky Laws

This page summarizes ten Kentucky 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.

Kentucky Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Kentucky, you generally have 1 year from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140). Injuries from motor vehicle accidents covered by Kentucky's motor vehicle reparations act generally have a 2-year deadline (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Kentucky Comparative Negligence Laws

Kentucky 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 →

Kentucky Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Kentucky Final Paycheck Laws

In Kentucky, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later. The same deadline applies if you quit. 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 →

Kentucky Small Claims Court Limits

In Kentucky, you can sue for up to $2,500 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims division). 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 →

Kentucky Security Deposit Laws

Kentucky security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: rules depend on whether the tenant disputes deductions; the landlord may keep an unclaimed deposit after 60 days in some cases. 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 →

Kentucky Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Kentucky, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 7 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 →

Kentucky Small Estate Affidavit

Kentucky small estate limit: no affidavit; a court can dispense with administration for small estates. Waiting period after death: none set. Real estate: an affidavit of descent can be recorded with the county clerk when there is no will. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Kentucky Recognize Common Law Marriage?

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

Kentucky Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Kentucky: 180 days of residence before filing. Waiting period: 60 days of living apart before a decree. 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 Kentucky

Popular cities: Paducah

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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