Mississippi Laws

This page summarizes ten Mississippi 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.

Mississippi Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Mississippi, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Miss. Code § 15-1-49). 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 →

Mississippi Comparative Negligence Laws

Mississippi 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 →

Mississippi Minimum Wage in 2026

Mississippi has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies to employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Most employers are covered. Some workers may be exempt, and overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours a week.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Mississippi Final Paycheck Laws

Mississippi has no state law setting a deadline for a final paycheck. Under federal law, employers are not required to give former employees their final paycheck immediately. In practice, final wages are normally paid on the next regular payday, and you are still owed every hour you worked at no less than the minimum wage.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Mississippi Small Claims Court Limits

In Mississippi, you can sue for up to $3,500 in small claims court, which is handled by the justice court. 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 →

Mississippi Security Deposit Laws

Mississippi security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 45 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 →

Mississippi Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Mississippi, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 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 →

Mississippi Small Estate Affidavit

Mississippi 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 Mississippi Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Mississippi abolished common law marriage in 1956. 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 →

Mississippi Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Mississippi: 6 months of residence before filing. Waiting period: 60 days after filing for an irreconcilable differences divorce. 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 Mississippi

Popular cities: Tupelo · Jackson · Brookhaven

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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