In Miner County, small claims cases up to $12,000 are heard by the Miner County Clerk of Courts, Circuit Court (Third Judicial Circuit) – Small Claims. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 401 N. Main, Howard, SD 57349 · Map
Phone: 605-772-4612
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
File with the clerk of courts in the county where the defendant lives or where the loss happened. You can file by mail, but you may have to travel to that county for the hearing.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all South Dakota counties.
South Dakota's small claims rules don't require a demand letter before you file, but asking for payment first is still a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Plaintiff's Statement of Claim (filed with the UJS-232 Case Filing Statement) Get the form.
$24.84 for claims up to $100, $30.84 up to $1,000, $40.84 up to $3,999.99, and $42.84 from $4,000 to $12,000. These amounts include certified mail service on one defendant; each extra defendant adds $11.84. Sheriff service, if needed, costs extra. Fee waiver: Ask the clerk of courts about filing without paying fees. A fee waiver request can't be filed online; it must be filed in person..
The clerk mails the notice to the defendant by certified mail. If the mail isn't received, you can ask the sheriff to deliver it in person for an extra fee.
The clerk sets an answer deadline or a hearing date when you file. There's no fixed timeline; ask the clerk. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full South Dakota filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Miner County are filed with the Miner County Clerk of Courts, Circuit Court (Third Judicial Circuit) – Small Claims, 401 N. Main, Howard, SD 57349. Phone: 605-772-4612.
Up to $12,000. You can sue for up to $12,000. Businesses have the same limit. The court suggests confirming the current limit with the clerk of courts.
$24.84 for claims up to $100, $30.84 up to $1,000, $40.84 up to $3,999.99, and $42.84 from $4,000 to $12,000. These amounts include certified mail service on one defendant; each extra defendant adds $11.84. Sheriff service, if needed, costs extra.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.