Know Your Rights: Small Claims Court in Minnesota

In Minnesota, small claims court is called conciliation court. It is a simple, low-cost court where regular people can settle money disputes without needing a lawyer. Here is what you need to know.

Your Rights

1. You can sue for up to $20,000. Conciliation court handles money-only claims up to $20,000. See Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 .

2. You do not need a lawyer. Conciliation court is designed for people to represent themselves. Lawyers are allowed but are not required. The rules are simpler than regular court.

3. You have the right to a hearing. Both sides get a chance to tell their story and show evidence to a judge. There is no jury – the judge decides.

4. You can appeal if you lose. If you disagree with the judgment, you can remove your case to district court for a brand-new trial. You must file the removal within 20 days of the judgment. See Minn. Stat. § 491A.02 .

5. You can request removal to district court before trial. If you are sued in conciliation court and want a more formal process, you can ask to move the case to district court before the hearing.

6. If you win, the losing side may pay your filing fee. The judge can include your filing fee in the judgment, so the other party pays it.

7. If you are sued, you have the right to file a counterclaim. If the other side owes you money, you can sue them back in the same case.

8. You have the right to collect your judgment. If you win and the other party does not pay, you can garnish their wages or bank account, or place a lien on their property.

What to Do

• Try to resolve it first. Before filing, send a written demand letter asking for payment. Courts expect you to try to settle before suing.
• File at the right courthouse. File in the county where the other party lives or where the dispute happened.
• Bring your evidence. Gather contracts, receipts, photos, text messages, emails, and any other proof. Bring at least two copies of everything – one for you and one for the other side.
• Show up on time. If you are the one who filed and you do not appear, your case can be dismissed. If you are being sued and do not appear, the judge will likely rule against you.
• Be organized and brief. Hearings are usually 15 to 30 minutes. Stick to the facts: what happened, what you lost, and how much money will fix it.
• Know the legal name of who you are suing. If you are suing a business, look up its legal name on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website at mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us.

Important Deadlines

Deadline	What It Means
Statute of limitations	You must file your claim within the time limit: 6 years for contracts and property damage ( Minn. Stat. § 541.05 )
20 days	Deadline to appeal (remove to district court) after a judgment
30 to 45 days	Typical wait from filing to hearing
10 years	A judgment is enforceable for 10 years and can be renewed

Costs

Item	Amount
Filing fee (claim up to $7,500)	$75
Filing fee (claim $7,501 to $20,000)	$100
Removal to district court (appeal)	About $325
Fee waiver	Available if you have low income

Get Help

• Minnesota Judicial Branch Self-Help Center: mncourts.gov/selfhelp – Forms, instructions, and guides for conciliation court

For more detail: See our full guide:

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