A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Minnesota you can sue for up to $20,000 in the Conciliation Court (Minnesota District Court), without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
Minnesota doesn't require a demand, but the court suggests sending a dated letter saying what is owed and why before you file. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
Usually the county where the defendant lives, or for a business, where it has an office. Landlord cases can be filed where the rental property is.
Conciliation Court Statement of Claim and Summons. Hearings are usually set about 60 days after filing; mailed filings take about two weeks longer.
$65 to file, plus a county law library fee in many counties. The defendant pays the same fee to file a counterclaim. Service by certified mail or a sheriff costs extra when you have to arrange it. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Filing Fee.
For claims up to $2,500 against someone in the same county, the court mails the summons. For larger claims you must serve by certified mail, and an out-of-state defendant usually must be served in person. When you serve the papers, file an Affidavit of Service within 60 days after the summons is issued.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you. Wait 20 days after the decision is mailed, then have the judgment entered in District Court so you can garnish wages or a bank account or have the sheriff levy property.
Want every detail? The full filing guide walks you through all 7 stages, from finding the defendant's legal name to collecting your money, with a checklist.
Open the filing guideFill in the details, then download the letter as a PDF or Word file, or copy the text. Send it by certified mail or email so you can prove the date.
Miss this date and the court will dismiss your case, however strong it is. Injuries from intentional acts such as assault have 2 years. Libel and slander can't be filed in Conciliation Court.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 6 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 6 years |
| Damaged property | 6 years |
| Personal injury | 6 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Libel or slander | 2 years |
| Claims against a government agency | To sue a Minnesota city, county or the State for injury or damage, give written notice of the claim within 180 days. |
You don't need a lawyer. A lawyer may come, but the judge decides how much they can take part. A business can send an officer, manager, partner or an authorized employee.
Since July 1, 2024 you can sue for up to $20,000 (it was $15,000). Claims by a seller or lender over a consumer credit purchase are limited to $4,000. Conciliation Court can't hear libel or slander, evictions, medical malpractice, or disputes over title to land. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
Either side can 'remove' (appeal) the case to District Court for a brand-new trial. File and serve the demand within the deadline on your notice of judgment, about 20 days after it's mailed. The fee is $310 ($410 with a jury). If the appeal fails, you may have to pay the other side $50 extra.
The court provides interpreters for hearings; ask the court administrator ahead of time.