Texas Laws

This page summarizes ten Texas 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.

Texas Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003). 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 →

Texas Comparative Negligence Laws

Texas 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 →

Texas Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in Texas 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 →

Texas Final Paycheck Laws

In Texas, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: within 6 calendar days. If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday. 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 →

Texas Small Claims Court Limits

In Texas, you can sue for up to $20,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the justice court (small claims cases). 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 →

Texas Security Deposit Laws

Texas security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days after the tenant surrenders the unit (the tenant must give a forwarding address). 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 →

Texas Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Texas, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days' notice to vacate, unless the lease sets a different period. 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 →

Texas Small Estate Affidavit

Texas small estate limit: $75,000, excluding the homestead and exempt property (only when there is no will). Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate: only a homestead. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Texas Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Yes. Texas recognizes "informal marriage": an agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and representing to others that you are married, or a signed declaration of informal marriage. A valid common law marriage is a full legal marriage, so ending it requires a divorce.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Texas Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Texas: 6 months in Texas and 90 days in the filing county. Waiting period: 60 days after filing (exceptions for family violence). 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 Texas

Popular cities: Houston · Dallas · San Antonio · Austin · Fort Worth · El Paso · McAllen · Plano · Corpus Christi · The Woodlands · Brownsville · Sugar Land

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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