Ohio Laws

This page summarizes ten Ohio 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.

Ohio Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Ohio, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10). 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 →

Ohio Comparative Negligence Laws

Ohio 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 →

Ohio Minimum Wage in 2026

The Ohio minimum wage is $11.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Applies to employers with annual gross receipts of $405,000 or more; smaller employers pay $7.25. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Ohio Final Paycheck Laws

In Ohio, 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 →

Ohio Small Claims Court Limits

In Ohio, you can sue for up to $6,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the municipal or county court (small claims division). 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 →

Ohio Security Deposit Laws

Ohio security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 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 →

Ohio Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Ohio, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days' notice to leave (unconditional). 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 →

Ohio Small Estate Affidavit

Ohio small estate limit: no affidavit; release from administration for estates up to $35,000 ($100,000 if the spouse inherits everything). Waiting period after death: none set. Real estate: yes, by court order. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Ohio Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Ohio abolished common law marriage as of October 10, 1991. 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 →

Ohio Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Ohio: 6 months in Ohio and 90 days in the filing county. Waiting period: 42 days after service for a contested divorce; 30 to 90 days for a dissolution hearing. 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 Ohio

Popular cities: Cleveland · Sandusky · Toledo · Columbus · Circleville · Chillicothe · Cincinnati

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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