New York Laws

This page summarizes ten New York 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 York Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In New York, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5)). 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 York Comparative Negligence Laws

New York 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. A 2026 law created a modified rule for certain motor vehicle personal injury actions under New York's no-fault insurance law; check whether it applies to your claim.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

New York Minimum Wage in 2026

The New York minimum wage is $17.00 / $16.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. $17.00 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester; $16.00 in the rest of the state. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

New York Final Paycheck Laws

In New York, 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 York Small Claims Court Limits

In New York, you can sue for up to $10,000 (NYC) in small claims court, which is handled by the Small Claims Part of the local court. The limit is $10,000 in New York City, $5,000 in city courts and district courts outside NYC, and $3,000 in town and village justice courts.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

New York Security Deposit Laws

New York security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 14 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 →

New York Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in New York, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 14 days to pay or move. If rent is 5 days late, the landlord must also send a certified-mail reminder. 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 →

New York Small Estate Affidavit

New York small estate limit: $50,000 in personal property (voluntary administration). Waiting period after death: none. 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 New York Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. New York abolished common law marriage as of April 29, 1933. 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 York Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in New York: 1 year if married in New York, lived there as spouses, or grounds arose there; no minimum if both lived there when grounds arose; otherwise 2 years. 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 New York

Popular cities: New York · Buffalo · Garden City · Cortland · Saratoga Springs · Fredonia · Mineola

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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