Minnesota Small Claims

Conciliation Court is Minnesota’s version of the small claims court. It is part of the state’s District Court system that handles minor civil disputes involving small amounts of money. The main goal of Conciliation Court is to provide a quick, simple, and inexpensive way for landlords, small businesses, and consumers to resolve certain property- and money-related disputes without hiring a lawyer.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Minnesota?

Individuals and businesses can file a claim in Conciliation Court for up to $20,000. Nevertheless, if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction, the maximum amount that can be claimed is $4,000.

Typically, parties bring disputes over unpaid loans, security deposits, property damage, and back-rent claims to Conciliation Court. Individuals may also file for the return of a pet a seized property, or vehicle. By statute, the court cannot decide certain matters like evictions, defamation, title to real property, injunctions, and libel.

Small Claims Court Limits in Minnesota

A plaintiff can ask for up to $20,000 for most small claims actions in Conciliation Court, but only up to $4,000 for claims involving consumer credit transactions. Additionally, the plaintiff can still file a claim for a higher amount in the Conciliation Court if they are willing to accept only the maximum limit set by law. Because the procedures in this court are simplified, parties appear without attorneys, although a judge may permit representation under limited circumstances.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Minnesota

To ensure that your small claims case proceeds, meets all legal requirements, and proceeds without delay, it is necessary to put the following steps into consideration:

Choose the right county

A small claims action should be filed in the county where the defendant resides. If the defendant is an entity, you must file the case in the county where the branch office is located. However, if you are making a claim on a security deposit on rental property or seeking the recovery for a bad check, the case must be filed where the check was issued or the property is located.

Use official forms

There are various ways to start your small claims case in Minnesota. The Guide and File is an online tool that you can use to prepare and electronically submit forms by answering simple, step-by-step questions. In contrast, you can download the Plaintiff’s Statement of Claim form, file it with the court, and pay the filing fees. Another option is to complete the paperwork in person at the local courthouse.

Filing fees

Excluding other possible costs, filing a small claims action may require the plaintiff to pay both the base filing fee and a county law library fee. You may check the District Court fee page to confirm the exact Conciliation Court filing fee for your county. In Minnesota, the filing fee for small claims actions ranges from $65 to $80.

If you cannot afford the filing fee because of low income, you can request a fee waiver from the court by completing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Filing Fee and submitting it along with your claim.

Service of the Summons

If your claim is $2,500 or less, the Court Administrator’s Office will serve the claim and notice of hearing on the defendant by first-class mail. For claims above $2,500, you will be responsible for ensuring the proper service of the claim, notice of hearing, and summons on the defendant. After service, you must file the Affidavit of Service with the court within 60 days of the summons' issuance or before the hearing date.

Timeline & preparation

As the plaintiff, you must gather all necessary documentation, such as receipts and bills, and organize a chronological list of facts to present before the hearing.

Consult a lawyer

While an attorney is not required for a Minnesota small claims case, they can offer assistance by providing expert legal advice on the merits of your claim and ensuring all court forms are completed correctly.

Small Claims Court in Major Minnesota Locations

• Minneapolis (Hennepin County): The Hennepin County Conciliation Court receives small claims filings through the eFile and eService system, Guide and File, in person, or by mail at Civil Division - Conciliation Court, 300 S. 6th Street, 3rd Floor Courts Tower, Minneapolis, MN 55487.
• St. Paul (Ramsey County): Individuals can file their small claims actions for $80 at the courthouse located at 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Room 170, St. Paul, MN 55102.

What to Expect at a Conciliation Court Hearing in Minnesota

Mediation is often recommended by the judge or referee hearing the case to help both parties settle without proceeding to trial. If no agreement is reached, the judge will ask you, as the plaintiff, to present your case first. During the hearing, you may use your prepared notes to explain your claims clearly and submit your evidence to the judge. The judge may also allow your witnesses to testify under oath.

After the defendant presents their side, the judge may ask you, the defendant, or any witness some questions before issuing a judgment. The court’s decision becomes effective 24 days after you receive the notice of the decision, which provides time for either party to appeal.

Under Rule 521 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice, the losing party may appeal a Conciliation Court judgment by filing and serving the required documents within 21 days after receiving the judgment order. The new trial is a District Court case heard by a judge or jury and may involve attorneys.

Collecting a judgment

The court is not responsible for collecting a judgment if the plaintiff wins the case. Before collecting, the judgment must be docketed by filing an Affidavit of Identification of Judgment Debtor with the court administration in the county where the judgment was issued. Other necessary steps are explained on the Minnesota Judicial Branch page.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Minnesota

Unless sealed by court order or state law, most Conciliation Court case records are available for public scrutiny. These records contain details like party names, Register of Actions, case numbers, monetary judgment entries, and hearing dates.

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)

This portal offers access to many District Court documents and court records. Users can search and download cases by conducting a hearing, case, document, or judgment search. However, it may not contain documents for small claims cases filed before July 1, 2015.

Local Courthouse

Individuals can use the public access terminals located in the District Courts to access the most accurate electronic small claims records. In addition, the court provides in-person counter access to small claims records in paper form.

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