Minnesota Laws

This page summarizes ten Minnesota 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.

Minnesota Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, you generally have 6 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Minn. Stat. § 541.05). Intentional torts such as assault and battery generally have a 2-year deadline (Minn. Stat. § 541.07). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Minnesota Comparative Negligence Laws

Minnesota 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 →

Minnesota Minimum Wage in 2026

The Minnesota minimum wage is $11.41 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 →

Minnesota Final Paycheck Laws

In Minnesota, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: immediately upon the employee's demand (within 24 hours of the demand). If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday, with limited extensions. 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 →

Minnesota Small Claims Court Limits

In Minnesota, you can sue for up to $20,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the conciliation court. Claims involving consumer credit transactions are limited to $4,000. 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 →

Minnesota Security Deposit Laws

Minnesota security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 21 days after the tenancy ends and a forwarding address is received. 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 →

Minnesota Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Minnesota, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 14 days' written notice before filing. 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 →

Minnesota Small Estate Affidavit

Minnesota small estate limit: $75,000. 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. The heir signs a sworn affidavit and presents it, with a death certificate, to whoever holds the property.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Minnesota Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Minnesota abolished common law marriage as of April 26, 1941. 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 →

Minnesota Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Minnesota: 180 days of residence before filing. Waiting period: none. 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 Minnesota

Popular cities: Minneapolis · St Paul · Austin · Winona

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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