Pennsylvania Laws

This page summarizes ten Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524). 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 →

Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Laws

Pennsylvania 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 →

Pennsylvania Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in Pennsylvania 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 →

Pennsylvania Final Paycheck Laws

In Pennsylvania, 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 →

Pennsylvania Small Claims Court Limits

In Pennsylvania, you can sue for up to $12,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the magisterial district court (Philadelphia Municipal Court in Philadelphia). 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 →

Pennsylvania Security Deposit Laws

Pennsylvania security deposit limit: 2 months' rent in the first year; 1 month after the first year. 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 →

Pennsylvania Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Pennsylvania, 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 →

Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit

Pennsylvania small estate limit: no true affidavit; payers may release limited amounts, such as up to $20,000 in bank deposits, without administration. Waiting period after death: varies. 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 Pennsylvania Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Pennsylvania abolished common law marriage as of January 1, 2005. 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 →

Pennsylvania Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Pennsylvania: 6 months of residence before filing. Waiting period: 90 days after service for a mutual consent 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 Pennsylvania

Popular cities: Scranton · Harrisburg · Allentown · Quakertown

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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