Oklahoma Laws
This page summarizes ten Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
In Oklahoma, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95(A)). 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 →
Oklahoma Comparative Negligence Laws
Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma Minimum Wage in 2026
The minimum wage in Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma Final Paycheck Laws
In Oklahoma, 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.
Oklahoma Small Claims Court Limits
In Oklahoma, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims). 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.
Oklahoma Security Deposit Laws
Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma Eviction Notice Requirements
If rent is unpaid in Oklahoma, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 5 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.
Oklahoma Small Estate Affidavit
Oklahoma small estate limit: $50,000. Waiting period after death: 10 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.
Does Oklahoma Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Yes. Oklahoma courts have continued to recognize common law marriage, although the statutes favor licensed marriages and the issue has been contested. A valid common law marriage is a full legal marriage, so ending it requires a divorce.
Oklahoma Divorce Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in Oklahoma: 6 months in Oklahoma and 30 days in the filing county. Waiting period: 10 days (90 days with minor children). If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.
Find help near you in Oklahoma
Popular cities: Oklahoma City · Norman · Shawnee · Tulsa · Durant · Anadarko · Okmulgee · Sapulpa
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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