Types of claims allowed in Conciliation Court
Conciliation Court can hear claims up to
$20,000.
Claims Allowed:
- Defective goods sold or services provided
- Damage to property or vehicle
- Back rent owed
- Accident repair expenses not paid
- NSF (non-sufficient funds) check tendered in Hennepin County
- Worthless checks
- Damage deposit not paid
- Wages not paid
- Return of personal property (Replevin) which may include property seized by law enforcement
Claims not Allowed:
- Title to real estate
- Class Actions
- Medical malpractice
- Libel or slander
- Discrimination claims
- Actions against deceased persons
- Actions when another court is involved
- Problem or incident did not happen in or defendant does not live in Hennepin County, with some exceptions
- Even if you believe you have a claim for more than $20,000, you can only file a claim in Conciliation Court for up to $20,000. You may not file more than one claim related to the same incident as a way to reach a higher amount.
You may want to think about whether the person you are suing (the defendant) will be able to pay you. Although you may win a case, the Conciliation Court is
not a collection agency and does not contact the defendant to collect payment. Click
The Judgment sub-tab on this page to learn what to do to collect payment if you win a judgment.
Who may file a Conciliation Court claim
A person, company, agency or other type of organization can be a
"party" (
plaintiff or defendant) to a Conciliation Court case. A plaintiff is the party that sues, and a defendant is the party that is being sued.
The
Statement of Claim (filed by a plaintiff to start a court action) and the
Statement of Counterclaim (may be filed by a defendant), are
written statements of fact signed by the party under oath or penalty of perjury. Generally, a party must personally know the facts of the case and be able to testify about the facts at a hearing.
Pursuant to a
Standing Order for Conciliation Court, court staff must
reject any claim that is filed on behalf of another individual using a Power of Attorney. The meaning of a "Durable" Power of Attorney is explained in this
Power of Attorney Fact Sheet.
If you have questions, please call the Conciliation Court at
(612) 348-6000.
Where to file a Conciliation Court case
Hennepin County Conciliation Court claims may be in person, via eFS, by using
Guide and File, or by mail at:
Civil Division - Conciliation Court
300 S. 6th Street, 3rd Floor Courts Tower
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Mediation is an option if you wish to settle your dispute in less time. Please visit the
Legal Help & Mediation tab on this page for more information.
When to file in Hennepin County Court
Generally, you must file your claim in the county where the person or business you are suing (the defendant) is located. If the defendant is located in Hennepin County, then you file in that court.
Common exceptions include:
- a claim for a bad check must be filed in the county where the check was tendered;
- security deposits and rent claims may be filed in the county where the rental property is located;
- if there is more than one defendant and at least one is located in that county;
- corporations are sued in the county where the business is located (you may find out where a business is registered by contacting the Minnesota Secretary of State at (651) 296-2803;
For other exceptions, read the laws on Conciliation Court jurisdiction in
Minn. Stat. Chapter 491A.
How to file a Conciliation Court claim
Claim Form
To start a case, you must use the
Conciliation Court Claim Form or you can use the
Minnesota Guide & File to create the Conciliation Court Claim form you need to start a case.
Filling Out the Form
The claim form is a brief, fill-in-the-blank document. To complete it, you
must have the following information:
- full name of the person or business being sued (defendant) – do not list more than one person or business on the same line, each must be separate;
- defendant's complete address (no P.O. boxes), with zip code;
- dollar amount of claim ($20,000 or less);
- date of the event, accident, or transaction;
- brief description of the event, accident, or transaction – do not include a statement to see attached documents.
Filing the Form
You can use the
Minnesota Guide & File to create the Conciliation Court Claim form you need to start a case and file it. You may also use the
eFile and eServe (eFS) System to upload and file a Conciliation Court claim form that is already completed.
When filing your claim, do not attach documents or exhibits that you believe proves your claim. Those items can be submitted at a later time.
You must file your completed claim form with the court and pay a filing fee. Visit the
Fees tab on our homepage to see current fee amounts.
If you financially qualify, you may complete and file the
Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Filing Fee.
You may
file in person or by mail. If you file by mail, send your completed claim form along with the correct filing fee (checks should be payable to Conciliation Court) or Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Filing Fee to:
Civil Division - Conciliation Court
300 S. 6th Street, 3rd Floor Courts Tower
Minneapolis, MN 55487
How to file a claim for property seized in a drug arrest
This section refers
ONLY to a claim for property seized in a
DRUG-related incident under
Minn. Stat. § 609.5314.
Hennepin County Attorney's Office Forfeiture Unit
A-2000, Hennepin County Government Center
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN, 55487
For questions about property seized in a drug arrest in Hennepin County, call
(612) 348-8192.
How to file a claim for property seized in a DWI arrest
This section refers
ONLY to a claim for a
motor vehicle seized in a DWI arrest under
Minn. Stat. § 169A.63.
Before filing a claim in Conciliation Court, we encourage you to use mediation to settle your dispute.
Legal Advice Clinic
If you want advice in your case, you could talk with a lawyer at the
Legal Advice Clinic or
find a lawyer on your own. Court staff must be neutral and fair to everyone they assist, and they cannot give legal advice. Court staff may help any party in a case.
More Resources
More information and resources on representing yourself in court are available at the
Conciliation Court Help Topic.
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