Small Claims Court MN
In Minnesota, small claims court is called Conciliation Court. It is a division of district court in every county where you can sue for money without a lawyer. We prepare your Conciliation Court forms, handle the filing, and coordinate service for just $29 plus court fees.
Minnesota Conciliation Court Information
Minnesota calls small claims court "Conciliation Court." It is authorized under Minn. Stat. 491A.01 and runs in every county, so you file close to home instead of a single statewide court.
Where to File
Conciliation Court, a division of District Court. Located in every Minnesota county courthouse. File where the defendant lives, or where a business defendant has an office.
Court Hours
Contact & Filing
Minnesota Filing Fees & Costs
The base filing fee is $65, plus a small county law library fee. Most filers pay about $70 to $85 total, and the exact amount varies by county. Fees last verified July 2026.
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What Can You File in Minnesota Conciliation Court?
Conciliation Court handles most money disputes up to $20,000. Consumer credit transaction claims have a lower cap of $4,000.
Money Owed
- Unpaid loans or personal debts
- Breach of contract
- Unpaid invoices
- Bad checks
Property & Rentals
- Security deposit disputes
- Property damage claims
- Unpaid rent
- Roommate money disputes
Consumer Disputes
- Contractor and repair disputes
- Defective products
- Warranty problems
- Poor or unfinished services
How to File in Minnesota Conciliation Court
Confirm Your Claim and County
Make sure your claim is $20,000 or less ($4,000 for consumer credit claims). File in the county where the defendant lives, or where a business defendant has an office.
Prepare Your Statement of Claim
Complete the Conciliation Court Statement of Claim and Summons. Describe what happened, the amount you are owed, and the correct name of the person or business you are suing. Our service prepares this for you.
File and Pay the Fee
File online through Minnesota Guide & File, in person, or by mail. Pay the $65 base fee plus the county law library fee, usually $70 to $85 total. The court then handles service on the defendant.
Prepare for Your Hearing
Gather your evidence: contracts, receipts, photos, texts, and any records that support your claim. Bring copies to your hearing and present the facts clearly. Most people handle this without a lawyer.
Serving the Defendant in Minnesota
After you file, the defendant must be notified. In Conciliation Court, the court usually handles service by mail, but backup methods exist if mail does not work.
Service by Mail
The court commonly mails the Statement of Claim and Summons to the defendant. This is included in the filing process for most cases.
Certified Mail
If regular mail is returned or refused, the court may use certified mail so there is a record the defendant received the papers.
Personal Service
When mail fails, personal service by the sheriff or a process server may be required. Proof of service is filed with the court.
Minnesota Forms & Official Links
Key Court Forms
- Statement of Claim and Summons (Conciliation Court)
- Affidavit of Service
- Order for Judgment
- Demand for Removal to District Court
Minnesota Small Claims Court FAQs
What is Conciliation Court in Minnesota?
Conciliation Court is Minnesota's version of small claims court. It is a division of district court in every county. You can sue for money without a lawyer. The process is simple and fees are low. Most people handle their own case from start to finish.
How much can I sue for in Minnesota small claims court?
You can sue for up to $20,000 in Minnesota Conciliation Court. Lawmakers raised the limit from $15,000 on August 1, 2024. Claims based on a consumer credit transaction have a lower cap of $4,000. Pick the amount that matches your actual loss.
How much does it cost to file in Minnesota Conciliation Court?
The base filing fee is $65. Most counties add a small law library fee, so the total usually runs $70 to $85. The exact amount varies by county. Always confirm the current fee with your county court before you file, since costs can change.
Where do I file my Minnesota small claims case?
File in the county where the defendant lives. If you are suing a business, you can file where the company has an office. Conciliation Court sits in every Minnesota county. Filing in the right county helps avoid delays and keeps your case on track.
Can I file my Minnesota case online?
Yes. Minnesota offers e-filing through Guide & File, a free online tool. It walks you through the forms step by step and lets you submit them electronically. You can also file in person or by mail at your county court. Online filing saves time.
Do I need a lawyer for Conciliation Court?
No. Conciliation Court is built for people without lawyers. Attorneys may appear only with the court's permission. A business can be represented by an officer, manager, or partner. Most people present their own case using documents, receipts, photos, and clear facts.
What if I disagree with the Conciliation Court decision?
Either party can appeal by removing the case to district court. The removal fee is $310, or $410 if you want a jury trial. This starts a fresh review of the case. Removing a case adds time and cost, so weigh your options carefully first.
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About Small Claims Court in Minnesota
In Minnesota, small claims court is officially called Conciliation Court. It is a division of district court that operates in every one of the state's 87 counties, established under Minn. Stat. 491A.01. Conciliation Court is designed to be simple and affordable so that regular people can resolve money disputes without hiring a lawyer. On August 1, 2024, Minnesota raised the maximum claim from $15,000 to $20,000, which is one of the higher small claims limits in the country. Claims that arise from a consumer credit transaction have a lower limit of $4,000. You file your case in the county where the defendant lives, or, if you are suing a business, in the county where the company keeps an office.
Minnesota makes it easy to start a case. You can file online using the free Guide & File tool, file in person at your county courthouse, or file by mail. The base filing fee is $65, and most counties add a small law library fee that brings the total to roughly $70 to $85. Conciliation Court is built for self-represented parties, so attorneys may appear only with the court's permission. A business can be represented by an officer, manager, or partner rather than a lawyer. If either party disagrees with the decision, they can remove the case to district court for a fresh review. The removal fee is $310, or $410 if a jury is requested. Always confirm the current fees and procedures with your county district court, since amounts can change over time.
Legal Disclaimer: PettyLawsuit.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a self-help platform that prepares documents and helps you file your own case. Court rules, fees, and limits can change, so always confirm current information with the Minnesota Judicial Branch or your county district court before filing.