Massachusetts Laws

This page summarizes ten Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Massachusetts, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A). 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 →

Massachusetts Comparative Negligence Laws

Massachusetts 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 →

Massachusetts Minimum Wage in 2026

The Massachusetts minimum wage is $15.00 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 →

Massachusetts Final Paycheck Laws

In Massachusetts, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: on the day of discharge. 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 →

Massachusetts Small Claims Court Limits

In Massachusetts, you can sue for up to $7,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the District Court or Boston Municipal Court (small claims). There is no limit for motor vehicle property damage claims. 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 →

Massachusetts Security Deposit Laws

Massachusetts security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 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 →

Massachusetts Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Massachusetts, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 14 days' notice to quit. Tenants can generally stop the eviction by paying all rent owed by the date they must file an answer in court. 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 →

Massachusetts Small Estate Affidavit

Massachusetts small estate limit: $25,000 plus a car (voluntary administration). Waiting period after death: 30 days. 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 Massachusetts Recognize Common Law Marriage?

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

Massachusetts Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Massachusetts: no minimum if the cause arose in Massachusetts; 1 year of residence if it arose elsewhere. Waiting period: judgment nisi waiting periods apply (about 120 days total in an uncontested joint petition). You must still be able to show domicile, for example with a driver's license, voter registration or lease.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

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