Small Claims Court (Conciliation Court) in Minnesota
Overview
In Minnesota, small claims court is officially called conciliation court. It is a simplified court designed to resolve smaller disputes quickly and cheaply, without needing a lawyer. The rules are found in Minn. Stat. § 491A (Chapter 491A).
Conciliation court handles cases where you are asking for money only — up to $20,000. You cannot use conciliation court to force someone to do something (like return property or fulfill a contract), but you can ask for money to cover the value of what you lost.
Who this guide is for: Anyone in Minnesota who wants to sue someone for money (up to $20,000) or who has been sued in conciliation court.
- You do not need a lawyer for conciliation court – it is designed for people to represent themselves.
- You can sue for up to $20,000 in conciliation court.
- Filing fees are low – $75 to $100 depending on the amount of your claim.
- You have 20 days to appeal (remove to district court) if you lose.
- If you win, the judge may include your filing fee in the judgment so the other party pays it.
- If you are sued in conciliation court, show up – if you do not, the judge will likely rule against you.
This is legal information, not legal advice. For help with your specific situation, contact a legal aid organization.
Do I Have a Case?
You can file in conciliation court if:
- Someone owes you money — for example, unpaid wages, an unpaid loan, or a bounced check
- Someone damaged your property — for example, a car accident, property damage, or a contractor who did bad work
- Your landlord did not return your security deposit — under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 , landlords must return the deposit within 21 days or provide a written explanation
- You bought something that was defective — and the seller will not refund you
- The total amount is $20,000 or less (per Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 )
You cannot use conciliation court for:
- Evictions (use housing court instead)
- Divorce or custody matters (use family court)
- Cases against the federal government
- Claims over $20,000 (use district court)
Understanding the Court System
Minnesota Court System
Understanding which court handles which types of cases.
| Feature | Conciliation Court | District Court | Court of Appeals | Supreme Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Types of Cases | Small claims up to $20,000 | All civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases | Appeals from district court decisions | Appeals from Court of Appeals, attorney discipline, original jurisdiction |
| Dollar Limit | $20,000 | No limit | N/A | N/A |
| Attorney Allowed? | Only for businesses and in some circumstances | Yes (required for corporations) | Strongly recommended | Strongly recommended |
| Jury Trial? | No | Yes (civil and criminal) | No — reviews record only | No — reviews record only |
| Filing Fee | $75 (reduced for low income) | Varies ($322 civil, $365 family) | $550 | $550 |
| Location | County courthouse in your county | County courthouse in the appropriate county | Minnesota Judicial Center, St. Paul | Minnesota Judicial Center, St. Paul |
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Try to Resolve It Without Court
Before you file a lawsuit, try to settle the dispute directly. Courts expect you to make a reasonable effort.
- Contact the other party in writing. Send a letter or email that explains what happened, how much money you are owed, and a deadline to pay (usually 14 to 30 days).
- Keep a copy of everything you send. If the case goes to court, you can show the judge that you tried to resolve it first.
- Be specific about the amount. Break down exactly what you are owed and why.
This letter is sometimes called a demand letter. It often motivates people to pay or negotiate, because it shows you are serious.
Step 2: File Your Claim
If the other party does not pay or respond, you can file your claim in conciliation court.
Where to file:
You file in the county where the other party lives or where the dispute happened (per Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 ).
How to file:
- In person: Go to the court administrator’s office at the county courthouse
- Online: Some Minnesota counties allow online filing — check your county court’s website at mncourts.gov
What you need to file:
- The full legal name and address of the person or business you are suing (the defendant)
- A short description of your claim — what happened and why you are owed money
- The exact dollar amount you are asking for (up to $20,000)
- The filing fee (see Costs & Fees below)
Tip: If you are suing a business, use the legal business name (not just the trade name). You can look up the legal name on the Secretary of State’s website at mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us.
Step 3: The Other Party Gets Notified
After you file, the court will notify the other party. In conciliation court, you do not need to hire a process server — the court handles service by mailing the notice to the defendant.
The defendant will receive:
- A copy of your claim
- The date, time, and location of the hearing
- Instructions for responding
The defendant can:
- Show up and defend the case at the hearing
- File a counterclaim — this means they are suing you back for money they believe you owe them
- Ignore it — if they do not show up, you can win by default (but you will still need to collect the money)
Step 4: Prepare for Your Hearing
Your hearing will usually be scheduled 30 to 45 days after you file. Use this time to build your case.
Gather your evidence:
- Documents: Contracts, receipts, invoices, emails, text messages, letters, photos, repair estimates
- Photographs: Photos of property damage, defective products, or anything relevant
- Witnesses: You can bring witnesses who saw what happened. Let them know the hearing date and time.
Organize your presentation:
- Write down a brief summary of your case — what happened, in order
- Calculate your damages and be ready to explain each dollar amount
- Bring at least two copies of all documents — one for you and one for the other party
Practice your story. You will have limited time to present. Stick to the facts. Tell the judge what happened, what you lost, and how much money will make it right.
Step 5: Attend the Hearing
Conciliation court hearings are informal compared to regular court, but you still need to be prepared and respectful.
What to expect:
- Hearings are usually short — 15 to 30 minutes
- There is no jury. A judge or referee will decide your case.
- Rules of evidence are relaxed — you can present documents, photos, and tell your story without the formal rules that apply in regular court
- Both sides get a chance to speak and present evidence
- The judge may ask questions
Tips for your hearing:
- Arrive early. Check in with the court clerk when you arrive.
- Bring everything. Documents, photos, evidence, and any witnesses.
- Be brief and organized. Judges hear many cases and appreciate people who get to the point.
- Be honest. If there is a weakness in your case, do not hide it. The judge will respect your honesty.
- Stay calm. Even if you disagree with the other party, do not interrupt or argue. Wait for your turn.
Step 6: After the Hearing
The judge may announce a decision at the hearing or mail it to you within a few days.
If you win:
The judge will issue a judgment stating how much the other party must pay you. However, the court does not collect the money for you. If the other party does not pay voluntarily, you may need to take additional steps:
- Demand letter: Send a letter with a copy of the judgment demanding payment
- Garnishment: You can garnish the other party’s wages or bank account (this requires filing additional paperwork and paying a fee)
- Judgment lien: Record the judgment against the other party’s property
If you lose:
You have the right to remove your case to district court for a new trial. Under Minn. Stat. § 491A.02 , you must file a Demand for Removal within 20 days of the judgment. This starts the case over in district court with more formal procedures.
Key Deadlines
| Deadline | Details |
|---|---|
| Statute of limitations | You must file within the time limit for your type of claim (6 years for contracts, 6 years for property damage — see Minn. Stat. § 541.05 ) |
| Hearing date | Usually 30–45 days after filing |
| Removal to district court | 20 days after the judgment is entered |
| Collecting a judgment | Judgments are enforceable for 10 years and can be renewed |
Costs & Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (claim up to $7,500) | $75 |
| Filing fee (claim $7,501–$20,000) | $100 |
| Counterclaim fee | Same as filing fee |
| Demand for Removal (appeal) | Approximately $325 |
| Garnishment fee | $20–$50 (varies) |
| Fee waiver (IFP) | Available for people with low incomes |
Note: If you win, the judge may include your filing fee in the judgment, so the other party pays it.
Small Claims (Conciliation Court) Checklist
When to Get a Lawyer
Conciliation court is designed for people to represent themselves. You do not need a lawyer. However, you may want legal advice if:
- Your claim involves complex legal issues (contract interpretation, fraud)
- The other side has a lawyer
- You are facing a counterclaim from the other party
- You won but need help collecting the judgment
Related Guides
A plain-language guide to Minnesota security deposit law, including your landlord's obligations, deadlines, and how to take action if your deposit is not returned. A plain-language guide to understanding and resolving contract disputes in Minnesota, including breach of contract, remedies, and the court process. A plain-language guide to understanding your rights when you are sued for a debt in Minnesota, including common defenses and the court process. A plain-language guide to understanding bankruptcy options in Minnesota, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, exemptions, and the filing process.Getting Your Security Deposit Back in Minnesota
Contract Disputes in Minnesota
Defending Against Debt Collection Lawsuits in Minnesota
Filing for Bankruptcy in Minnesota
Where to Get Help
Volunteer Lawyers Network
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
LawHelpMN
- Minnesota Judicial Branch Self-Help Center: mncourts.gov/selfhelp – forms, instructions, and guides for conciliation court
- County Court Administrator: Call your county courthouse for filing instructions and hearing information
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I sue for in conciliation court? Up to $20,000 per Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 . If your claim is worth more, you can either sue for the maximum ($20,000) and give up the rest, or file in district court for the full amount.
Do I need a lawyer? No. Conciliation court is designed for people to represent themselves. Lawyers are allowed but are not required. Most people handle their own cases.
What if the other party does not show up? If the defendant does not appear, you can ask for a default judgment. You still need to prove your case to the judge, but without the other party there to dispute it, winning is easier.
Can a business file in conciliation court? Yes. Businesses can file claims in conciliation court just like individuals. However, if the business has more than $20,000 in claims, it must use district court for the excess.
What if I am sued in conciliation court? Show up for your hearing. If you do not appear, the judge will likely rule against you. Bring your evidence and be prepared to tell your side of the story. You can also file a counterclaim if the other party owes you money.
How long does the whole process take? From filing to hearing, expect about 30 to 45 days. If the case is removed to district court, it can take much longer.
What if the person cannot pay? Winning a judgment and collecting the money are two different things. If the other party has no income or assets, collecting may be difficult. You can renew the judgment and try to collect later when their financial situation changes.
Can I sue someone in a different county? You generally must file in the county where the defendant lives or does business, or where the dispute occurred. If you are suing about a security deposit, you can file in the county where the rental property is located.