Michigan Laws

This page summarizes ten Michigan 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.

Michigan Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Michigan, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805). 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 →

Michigan Comparative Negligence Laws

Michigan 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. For non-economic damages, a plaintiff more than 50% at fault cannot recover; economic damages are reduced by the plaintiff's percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Michigan Minimum Wage in 2026

The Michigan minimum wage is $13.73 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Scheduled to rise to $15.00 on January 1, 2027. 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 →

Michigan Final Paycheck Laws

In Michigan, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday. 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 →

Michigan Small Claims Court Limits

In Michigan, you can sue for up to $7,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims division). Lawyers cannot represent parties in small 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 →

Michigan Security Deposit Laws

Michigan security deposit limit: 1.5 months' 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 →

Michigan Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Michigan, 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 →

Michigan Small Estate Affidavit

Michigan small estate limit: $53,000 for 2026 deaths (adjusted annually). Waiting period after death: 28 days. Real estate: no; a court petition is used instead. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Michigan Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Michigan abolished common law marriage as of January 1, 1957. Marriages formed before that date remain valid. 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 →

Michigan Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Michigan: 180 days in Michigan and 10 days in the filing county. Waiting period: 60 days (180 days with minor children). 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 →

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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