Minnesota Small Claims Court: $20,000 Limit, Fees and How to File

In Minnesota, you can sue for up to $20,000 in conciliation court, which is what Minnesota calls small claims court. The cap drops to $4,000 when a seller or lender sues over a consumer credit transaction, and both limits come from Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3a.

The $20,000 figure is recent. A 2024 session law (Laws 2024, chapter 123, article 15, section 6) struck the old $15,000 limit and replaced it with $20,000, so older guides that say $15,000 are out of date. This guide walks through a Minnesota conciliation court case in the order you will live it, from filing to collecting. For other states, see our guide to small claims court by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-06. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers conciliation court in Minnesota under Minn. Stat. chapter 491A and the conciliation court rules in Part 500 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice (Rules 501 to 525), as amended effective July 1, 2026. It does not cover eviction cases, regular civil cases in district court, or small claims in other states.

What is conciliation court in Minnesota?

Conciliation court is a division of the district court. Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 1 says: "The district court in each county shall establish a conciliation court division with the jurisdiction and powers set forth in this chapter."

District court judges, judicial officers or referees hear the cases (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 504(a)). There is no jury, and the hearing is not recorded (Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 1).

Minnesota small claims limit: $20,000

The statute measures the limit by the money or property that is the subject of the claim, which "does not exceed: (1) $20,000; or (2) $4,000, if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction."

The lower $4,000 cap applies when the person suing is the seller or lender, the buyer is an individual, and the purchase was for personal, family or household use (Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3a(b)). A store or lender chasing a consumer debt therefore has a much lower ceiling than a person suing over a deposit, a repair job or a car accident.

If your claim is worth more than $20,000

The Minnesota Judicial Branch says court administration cannot accept a claim over $20,000. You can lower your claim to the limit, but you cannot later ask for the rest in another claim, and you cannot split a claim into several smaller ones if they involve the same circumstances. If your losses are well above $20,000, consider district court instead.

What you can and cannot sue for

Most disputes over money or personal property fit, including damages that grow out of a landlord and tenant relationship. Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 9 gives conciliation court "jurisdiction to determine an action for damages arising from the landlord and tenant relationship," under chapter 504B or a rental agreement. That covers claims such as a disputed security deposit; our Minnesota landlord-tenant laws guide explains the deposit rules themselves.

The court can also order someone to return personal property worth up to the limit. Once that order is final, the sheriff enforces it without further process (Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 5).

Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 4 lists cases conciliation court cannot hear:

• Title to real estate, including boundary-line disputes
• Libel and slander
• Specific performance or injunctions, except an order to return personal property
• Class actions and prejudgment remedies
• Cases under chapters 256, 257, 259, 260, 518, 518A, 518B, 518C, 524 and 525 (family, adoption, juvenile, probate and similar matters), except debts owed to state agencies or political subdivisions
• Evictions
• Medical malpractice
• Matters that belong exclusively to another court or division

A claim also has a clock. The Minnesota statute of limitations guide covers how long you have to file different kinds of claims.

Filing fees

The filing fee set by statute is $65, and both sides pay it. Minn. Stat. § 357.022 says the court administrator "shall charge and collect a filing fee of $65 from every plaintiff and from every defendant when the first paper for that party is filed in any conciliation court action." Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 3 adds any applicable law library fee on top.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch's District Court Fees page lists the total for each county: the $65 base fee plus that county's law library fee (for example $70 in Hennepin County and $80 in Ramsey County). The court also notes an extra $5 if you file electronically. Under the amended Rule 506, a party never pays the initial filing fee more than once.

If you cannot afford the fee

You can ask to proceed without paying. Rule 506 says: "If any party who is a natural person signs and files with the court administrator an affidavit claiming an inability to pay the applicable fees, no fees are required." If you then win, the fees are paid out of the money you recover.

The rule applies only to a party who is a natural person, so a corporation or LLC cannot use it.

Do you need a lawyer?

No, but you may bring one. A party can be represented by a lawyer admitted in Minnesota, who takes part to the extent the judge finds helpful (Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 4; Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 512(d)).

A business does not need a lawyer for the hearing. Under Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 4, "A corporation, partnership, limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or association may be represented in conciliation court by an officer, manager, or partner." It may also appear through an appointed employee or a commercial property manager, and a condominium, cooperative or townhouse association may appear through its agent. The representative's written authority, such as a power of attorney, resolution or bylaw, goes in with the claim or is presented at trial. The state and local governments may be represented by an employee.

One exception: if a corporation wants to remove a case to district court after losing, its demand for removal must be signed by its attorney (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 521(b)(1)).

Where to file

You file in the conciliation court of the right county. Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3a(c) says "the territorial jurisdiction of conciliation court is coextensive with the county in which the court is established," and subdivisions 6 to 11 extend that in specific situations:

• Several defendants: you may file in the county where any one of them lives.
• Rental property: a landlord-tenant damages case goes in the county where the property is located.
• Bounced check: a plaintiff who lives in the county may sue there over a dishonored check issued in that county.
• Student loans, foreign corporations and nonresident defendants: special county rules apply.

In general, the Minnesota Judicial Branch says you file in the county where the defendant lives or has a place of business; for a corporation, you can also file where its business office or branch office is located. Court staff cannot tell you where to file, so if your case does not clearly fit, ask a lawyer or legal aid office.

Serving the defendant

How the summons reaches the defendant depends on the amount you claim (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 508):

Watch the deadline. Rule 508 warns: "If the summons is not properly served and proof of service filed within sixty (60) days after issuance of the summons, the action will be dismissed without prejudice." Dismissal without prejudice means you can refile, but you lose time. The Judicial Branch tells plaintiffs to file the affidavit of service within 60 days or before the court date, whichever comes first.

The trial is set at least 28 days after the summons is mailed or served, unless a judge orders otherwise.

If you are the defendant

The rules we reviewed do not require a written answer. The summons tells you to appear at trial and warns that a default judgment may be entered if you do not (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 508(b)).

You can file a counterclaim. Rule 509 lets a defendant assert one "whether or not arising out of the transaction or occurrence" in the plaintiff's claim, as long as it fits within conciliation court's limits. Since July 1, 2026, you must file it, pay the fee and serve it on the plaintiff by certified mail at least 14 days before trial (the old deadline was 7 days). A late counterclaim is heard only with the judge's permission.

If your related counterclaim is too big for conciliation court, you can file an affidavit at least 14 days before trial stating that a district court action has been or will be started within 28 days. The plaintiff's conciliation case is then taken off the calendar, and it can be reinstated between 28 days and 3 years later (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 510).

There is no jury in conciliation court. A party who wants a jury gets one only by removing the case to district court after judgment (see appeals below).

The hearing

Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 1 sets the tone: "The determination of claims in conciliation court must be without jury trial and by a simple and informal procedure. Conciliation court proceedings must not be reported."

The judge or referee hears both sides and any witnesses and looks at exhibits. Some practical points from Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 512:

• Digital exhibits (photos, videos, files) go through the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System and must be shared at least 3 days before trial.
• Subpoenas for witnesses are available on request and payment of a fee.
• Accommodations and interpreters: the summons includes notice of your right to request them.

Because no record is made, the hearing cannot be reviewed on a transcript. A losing party's remedy is a fresh trial in district court.

Defaults and how to undo one

If one side does not show up, the judge can enter a default judgment or dismiss the case. Within 21 days after notice of the judgment is sent, a judge may vacate a default judgment or a dismissal with prejudice without a hearing on a showing of lack of notice, mistake, inadvertence or excusable neglect, and may condition that on paying costs of up to $50 (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 520). After 21 days, you file a motion with the conciliation court administrator showing you did not get a timely summons or notice, or other good cause, and you must act within a reasonable time.

A plaintiff asking for a default judgment against someone who did not appear also runs into federal law. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act requires the plaintiff to file an affidavit "stating whether or not the defendant is in military service" before the court enters judgment (50 U.S.C. § 3931(b)(1)).

Appeals: removal to district court

Minnesota does not have a traditional appeal from conciliation court. Instead, after a contested trial, either side can remove the case to district court for a new trial (trial de novo), heard by a judge or, if demanded, a jury (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 521; Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subds. 6 to 8).

Removal is not available if you lost by default because you did not appear. In that case you ask the conciliation judge to vacate the judgment under Rule 520 (see Defaults above), and if that request is denied you can seek a limited removal of the denial within 21 days (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 521(e)).

The deadline is 21 days. Rule 521 says the removing party "must perform all the following actions within 21 days after the date the court administrator transmitted to that party notice of the judgment order":

1. Serve a demand for removal on the other side, stating whether you want a court trial or a jury trial.
2. File the original demand with proof of service.
3. File an affidavit that the removal is made in good faith.
4. Pay the removal fee, or apply to proceed without fees under Minn. Stat. § 563.01.

When the notice is mailed, Rule 503.03 adds 3 days, so the period is 24 days for a mailed notice and 21 days for one sent electronically. The notice of judgment states the last day to remove or, after a default, to seek vacation (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 514); use that date.

Older committee commentary refers to a 20-day period, but the current rule text says 21 days.

The removal fee is "the amount prescribed by law for filing a civil action in district court" (Rule 521(b)(4)). Minn. Stat. § 357.021, subd. 2(1) lists that civil filing fee as $310, and demanding a jury adds $100. The county law library fee is added on top; the Judicial Branch's fee page shows the total for each county.

Removal carries a cost risk. If the party who removed does not prevail in district court, the court orders that party to pay an additional $50 in costs to the other side, which can be waived for hardship if the removing party qualifies for a fee waiver (Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 7 defines "prevails"). The district court's decision can then be appealed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals like any other civil case.

Collecting a Minnesota conciliation court judgment

Winning does not mean you get paid automatically, and conciliation court does not collect for you. Rule 518 is direct: "The conciliation court may not issue a writ of execution or garnishment summons."

When the judgment becomes collectible. The judgment becomes final and effective 21 days after notice is sent (24 days if the notice is mailed, under Rule 503.03; the notice states the date), unless it has been paid in full, removal has been perfected, the order has been vacated, or the judge orders otherwise (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 515). A judge may order payment in installments over up to one year; in that case the judgment can be docketed only 21 days after a missed installment.

Moving it to district court. To collect, you get a transcript of the judgment and file it in district court, where it is docketed on an affidavit of identification. From there it is enforced like any district court judgment, including garnishment and execution (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 518, 519). Our Minnesota debt collection laws guide covers what property and income are protected from collection.

Making the debtor disclose assets. On request, the district court orders the judgment debtor to fill out and mail a form listing assets, liabilities and earnings. A debtor who fails to do so within 10 days may be held in civil contempt (Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 9).

Liens and how long the judgment lasts. A docketed judgment is a lien on the debtor's real property in that county. The judgment and the lien last ten years after entry (Minn. Stat. § 548.09, subd. 1).

Interest. For judgments of $50,000 or less, Minn. Stat. § 549.09, subd. 1(c)(1) sets simple interest at a rate tied to the one-year Treasury yield, rounded to the nearest 1 percent and never below 4 percent. The state court administrator sets the rate on or before December 20 for the next calendar year; for 2026 it is 4 percent.

Federal protections. Some income cannot be taken no matter what state law says. Social Security benefits are not subject to "execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process" (42 U.S.C. § 407(a)), and VA benefits are similarly protected (38 U.S.C. § 5301(a)(1)). Federal law also caps wage garnishment for ordinary debts at the lesser of 25 percent of disposable earnings or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage (15 U.S.C. § 1673(a)); our wage garnishment calculator shows how that works.

Suing a debt collector, or being sued by one

If a debt collector sues you over a consumer debt, federal law limits where. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1692i(a)(2), it must sue in the area where you signed the contract or where you live when the case starts. The Federal Trade Commission's advice is to respond by the date in the court papers and not ignore the lawsuit. In Minnesota, remember the separate $4,000 cap on consumer credit claims brought by a seller or lender. In a consumer credit case, a plaintiff who has communicated with the defendant by email, text or similar means must also send the hearing details that way and file an affidavit saying so, or risk being denied a default judgment (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 508(d)(5)).

Claims against the federal government

A claim against a federal agency or a federal employee acting on the job is not a conciliation court case. Federal district courts have exclusive jurisdiction over Federal Tort Claims Act claims for money damages (28 U.S.C. § 1346(b)(1)), and you must first present the claim to the agency in writing within two years (28 U.S.C. § 2401(b)).

Official rules and resources

• Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 (jurisdiction, limits, exclusions and venue) and § 491A.02 (procedure, representation, removal costs)
• Conciliation court rules, Minn. Gen. R. Prac. Part 500, as amended effective July 1, 2026
• Minnesota Judicial Branch conciliation court help topic, with forms and FAQs, and its District Court Fees page for each county's total filing fee

Related

• Small claims court by state
• Minnesota statute of limitations
• Minnesota debt collection laws
• Minnesota landlord-tenant laws
• Wisconsin small claims court
• Iowa small claims court

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about Minnesota conciliation court under Minn. Stat. chapter 491A, the Minnesota General Rules of Practice Part 500, and the other Minnesota and federal laws cited above, verified on 2026-10-06. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For help with your situation, contact your county court administrator, a legal aid office, or a lawyer licensed in Minnesota.

Last updated: 2026-10-06.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Minnesota?

$20,000 in conciliation court, or $4,000 if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction brought by the seller or lender (Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3a).

Is the Minnesota small claims limit still $15,000?

No. Laws 2024, chapter 123 struck $15,000 and inserted $20,000 in Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, so guides that list $15,000 are out of date.

How much does it cost to file in conciliation court in Minnesota?

The statute sets a $65 filing fee for each plaintiff and each defendant, plus the county law library fee (Minn. Stat. § 357.022). The Minnesota Judicial Branch fee page lists each county's total, for example $70 in Hennepin County and $80 in Ramsey County, and e-filing adds $5.

Can a lawyer represent me in conciliation court in Minnesota?

Yes. A lawyer admitted in Minnesota may represent a party and takes part as the judge finds helpful, but no lawyer is required (Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 4).

Can a business sue in Minnesota conciliation court without a lawyer?

Yes. A corporation, partnership, LLC, sole proprietorship or association may appear through an officer, manager, partner or authorized employee with written authority (Minn. Stat. § 491A.02, subd. 4). A corporation needs its attorney to sign a demand for removal.

How long do I have to appeal a conciliation court judgment in Minnesota?

After a contested trial, 21 days after the court administrator sends notice of the judgment, plus 3 days if the notice was mailed; the notice states the last day. Within that time you serve and file a demand for removal, a good-faith affidavit and the removal fee, and district court holds a new trial (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 521, 503.03, 514). If you lost by default because you did not appear, you cannot remove; you ask the judge to vacate the judgment instead (Rule 520).

Can I evict a tenant in Minnesota conciliation court?

No. Evictions are excluded (Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 4), but conciliation court can hear damages claims arising from the landlord and tenant relationship, such as a security deposit dispute (subd. 9).

What if I missed my conciliation court hearing in Minnesota?

Within 21 days after notice is sent, a judge may vacate a default for lack of notice, mistake, inadvertence or excusable neglect. After that, you file a motion showing good cause within a reasonable time (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 520).

Can conciliation court garnish wages in Minnesota?

No. The conciliation court may not issue a writ of execution or garnishment summons. You file a transcript of the judgment in district court and enforce it there (Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 518).

How long is a Minnesota conciliation court judgment good for?

Once docketed in district court, the judgment and its lien on real property in that county last ten years after entry (Minn. Stat. § 548.09, subd. 1).