Short answer. In Minnesota, small claims court covers claims up to $20,000. Where to file: Generally the county where the defendant lives or is located (for a corporation, where the business is located). Minnesota's filing fee wasn't on the official page we checked; ask the clerk.
Can I file my claim in Minnesota small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Minnesota limit of $20,000.
Need the other side served? Process serving with an affidavit of service.
Minnesota small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $20,000. General claims of $20,000 or less (Minnesota Judicial Branch conciliation court page). The branch's 2022 hearing booklet still shows the earlier $15,000 figure.
- Court
- Conciliation Court
- Who can file
- Any person, company, agency or other organization can be a party; a business representative may need a power of attorney.
- Lawyers
- Allowed with limits
- Where to file
- Generally the county where the defendant lives or is located (for a corporation, where the business is located). Bad-check claims can go where the check was given, and rent or deposit claims where the rental property is.
- Appeal
- Appeal to district court, which starts the case over. A judgment isn't effective until 20 days after the order is mailed; a request to vacate a default must be filed within that 20-day stay.
Filing fees weren't on the pages checked; ask court administration in your county.
Not confirmed for Minnesota: filing fees, how the other side is served. The official Minnesota page we checked didn't state these, so we left them out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Want us to handle it?
A runner files your papers in person at the clerk's window and sends you a scan of the stamped copy. We file what you prepared; we don't give legal advice.
Price: Outside New Jersey it goes through our contractor network: quote-based, confirmed before any work starts, and booked once a local contractor accepts. In New Jersey it is from $75 per filing, court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.
Filing a small claim in Minnesota, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Minnesota limit is $20,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtGenerally the county where the defendant lives or is located (for a corporation, where the business is located). Bad-check claims can go where the check was given, and rent or deposit claims where the rental property is.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeFiling fees weren't on the pages checked; ask court administration in your county. Online filing: see the official link below.
- Have the other side servedHow service works in Minnesota wasn't on the page we checked; the clerk will explain it when you file.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed with limits. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionAppeal to district court, which starts the case over. A judgment isn't effective until 20 days after the order is mailed; a request to vacate a default must be filed within that 20-day stay.
Official Minnesota links
- Minnesota small claims self-help page
- Minnesota online filing
- Minnesota Judicial Branch: What to Expect in a Conciliation Court Hearing (CCT1001, rev. 8/22)
- Minnesota Judicial Branch, Hennepin County District Court: FAQs on Conciliation Court
- Minnesota Judicial Branch: File in a District Trial Court (self-represented filers may use eFile and eServe in all counties)
- Minnesota Judicial Branch: Next Steps, Conciliation Court (eFiling at the end of the Guide & File interview), rev. 10/20
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Minnesota pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Minnesota small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Minnesota?
$20,000. General claims of $20,000 or less (Minnesota Judicial Branch conciliation court page). The branch's 2022 hearing booklet still shows the earlier $15,000 figure.
Can a lawyer represent me in Minnesota small claims?
Allowed with limits in Minnesota, per the official page. Any person, company, agency or other organization can be a party; a business representative may need a power of attorney.
Where do I file a small claim in Minnesota?
Generally the county where the defendant lives or is located (for a corporation, where the business is located). Bad-check claims can go where the check was given, and rent or deposit claims where the rental property is.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Minnesota?
Appeal to district court, which starts the case over. A judgment isn't effective until 20 days after the order is mailed; a request to vacate a default must be filed within that 20-day stay.
Can I file a Minnesota small claim online?
The official link for online filing in Minnesota is https://mncourts.gov/file-a-case/file-in-a-district-trial-court. Check whether it covers your court and your type of case.
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