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Conciliation Court
NOTICE: Effective August 1, 2012, the dollar limits in Conciliation Court will be: $10,000 for general claims; $4,000 for consumer credit cases; and $15,000 for forfeitures. Read the changes in MN Statute s. 491A.01 subd. 3.
Conciliation Court is also known as "small claims" court. General claims of $10,000 or less can be filed in Conciliation Court. Once you file a claim, you cannot later file another claim for more money related to the same event(s).
Conciliation Court procedures are easier to follow and the filing fee is lower than the District Court level. You do not need a lawyer to go to Concilation Court.
IMPORTANT! Winning in Conciliation Court does not guarantee payment. You are responsible for collecting your judgment from the losing party. The Court does not collect the payment for you. Collecting a judgment can be difficult and may involve additional out-of-pocket expenses for filing fees and other costs. For more information, go to How Do You Collect a Conciliation Court Judgment?
Common Types of Case in Conciliation Court
Read the law at MN Stat. § 491A.01
- claims by creditors for unpaid debts
- claims by employees for unpaid wages
- claims by tenants for return of security deposits
- claims by landlords for damage to property
- claims about the possession or ownership of personal property valued at $10,000 or less
Claims that CANNOT Be Heard in Conciliation Court
Read the law at MN Stat. § 491A.01
- disputes about title to real estate
- libel or slander claims
- class actions
- medical malpractice claims
- actions against deceased people
How to Handle a Case in Conciliation Court
Video
Watch "How to Handle a Conciliation Court Hearing" (10 min.) and learn tips to prepare for a hearing. Available in English (captioned), Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.
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