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Minnesota Small Claims Court Limits
Minnesota has one of the highest small claims limits at $20,000. Consumer credit claims are limited to $4,000.
Court Name: Conciliation Court (District Court)
Official Website: https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Conciliation-Court.aspx
Filing Fees in Minnesota
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $65-90 |
Filing fees vary based on claim amount and county. Service fees additional.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- First-class mail
- Process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Minnesota Conciliation Court but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may remove case to District Court within 20 days for a new trial.
Minnesota Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to show you attempted to resolve the dispute before filing.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Minnesota?
Minnesota has one of the highest small claims limits at $20,000. Consumer credit claims are limited to $4,000.
What is small claims court called in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, small claims court is called Conciliation Court, part of the District Court system.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you have 6 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
Can I appeal a Minnesota small claims judgment?
Yes. Either party may remove the case to District Court within 20 days for a new trial (trial de novo).
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup