Legal Help & Mediation

Hennepin County Conciliation Court

Conciliation Court, also known as small claims court, handles civil cases involving money claims of $20,000 or less. Parties can bring relatively small claims to court without expensive costs, attorneys fees, or complicated legal procedures. Mediation is an option if you want to settle your dispute out of court. The information on this website is only a general explanation of the legal process and is not intended to be legal advice.

Legal Advice Clinic

Volunteers from the Volunteer Lawyers Network provide free legal advice consults on general Conciliation Court issues and on appeals to District Court.

You must be screened for financial eligibility to use the clinic.

If you want to speak to a representative from the Volunteer Lawyer's Network, please call the intake line at (612) 752-6677 or complete an online intake form.

Mediation

In mediation, you will meet with the other party and a mediator. The purpose of the meeting is to try to reach an agreement between you and the other party to settle the dispute. The mediator is not a judge and will not decide on the solution, but will help the parties reach an agreement.

Hennepin County District Court encourages the use of mediation to settle your dispute.

Learn more about how to settle a case out of court.

Benefits of Mediation

Parties have equal say in the solution

Low or no cost

Quick

Mediate days, evenings or weekends - no missed work

Sessions scheduled in your neighborhood

Less stress

Informal

Types of Disputes

Business

Contracts

Creditors and Debtors

Damage to property

Employer/employee

Landlord/Tenant

Mediation Programs in Hennepin County

Conflict Resolution Center

Community Mediation & Restorative Services

Hennepin County Conciliation Court