North Carolina Laws

This page summarizes ten North Carolina 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.

North Carolina Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In North Carolina, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). 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 →

North Carolina Comparative Negligence Laws

North Carolina follows contributory negligence. If you are even slightly at fault for your own injury, even 1%, you generally cannot recover damages from the other party. It is one of only a handful of jurisdictions that still use this strict rule.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

North Carolina Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

North Carolina Final Paycheck Laws

In North Carolina, 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 →

North Carolina Small Claims Court Limits

In North Carolina, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims before a magistrate). 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 →

North Carolina Security Deposit Laws

North Carolina security deposit limit: 2 weeks' rent (week-to-week), 1.5 months (month-to-month), or 2 months (longer terms). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days, with a final accounting within 60 days if damages cannot be determined. 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 →

North Carolina Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in North Carolina, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 10 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 →

North Carolina Small Estate Affidavit

North Carolina small estate limit: $20,000 net of liens ($30,000 if the surviving spouse is the sole heir). Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate: no; filed with the clerk of superior court. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does North Carolina Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. North Carolina does not recognize common law marriages formed in North Carolina. 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 →

North Carolina Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in North Carolina: 6 months of residence before filing. Waiting period: 1 year (and 1 day) of separation before filing for an absolute 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 North Carolina

Popular cities: Gastonia · Raleigh · Goldsboro · Greensboro · Durham · Charlotte · Greenville · Kernersville

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.

Other states