New Jersey Laws

This page summarizes ten New Jersey 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.

New Jersey Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2). 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 →

New Jersey Comparative Negligence Laws

New Jersey 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 →

New Jersey Minimum Wage in 2026

The New Jersey minimum wage is $15.92 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Adjusted annually; some seasonal, small and agricultural employers have different rates. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

New Jersey Final Paycheck Laws

In New Jersey, 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 →

New Jersey Small Claims Court Limits

In New Jersey, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the Superior Court, Special Civil Part (small claims section). Security deposit cases are also heard in small claims up to the limit. 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 →

New Jersey Security Deposit Laws

New Jersey security deposit limit: 1.5 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days (shorter in some emergency and domestic violence situations). 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 →

New Jersey Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in New Jersey, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: no notice required before filing for nonpayment. Tenants can generally stop the eviction by paying all rent owed and court costs before judgment, and in some cases within 3 days after a lockout warrant.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

New Jersey Small Estate Affidavit

New Jersey small estate limit: $50,000 if a surviving spouse or domestic partner inherits; $20,000 for other heirs when there is no will. Waiting period after death: none in statute. Real estate: counted toward the limit. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does New Jersey Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. New Jersey abolished common law marriage as of December 1, 1939. 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 →

New Jersey Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in New Jersey: 12 months of residence before filing (except for adultery). Waiting period: none after filing. 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 →

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Popular cities: Newark

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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