What is the small claims limit in Minnesota?

Minnesota's small claims court is called Conciliation Court and is governed by Minn. Stat. § 491A.01-.03 and the Conciliation Court Rules.

1. Monetary Limit — Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3 sets the Conciliation Court limit at $20,000 for most civil claims (raised from $15,000 in 2024) — among the highest in the country. The limit is reduced to $4,000 for consumer credit transactions (claims by lenders against consumers).

2. Filing Fee — $75-$80 depending on the county (Minn. Stat. § 357.022). Service is by court mail (included), or by sheriff if substituted service is needed. Indigent fee waivers under Minn. Stat. § 563.01.

3. Lawyers — Generally prohibited. Minn. Conciliation Ct. R. 1.04 bars attorneys from appearing unless the judge permits. Permission is rarely granted, and corporations may appear through an officer, manager, partner, or full-time employee without an attorney.

4. Statute of Limitations — Standard Minnesota SOLs: 6 years for contracts (written and oral) under Minn. Stat. § 541.05, 2 years for personal injury (§ 541.07), 6 years for property damage and fraud (§ 541.05).

5. Where to File — Conciliation Court of the county where (a) defendant resides or, (b) for businesses, the principal office is located, or (c) the cause of action arose, or (d) plaintiff resides if defendant is a nonresident insurer (Minn. Conciliation Ct. R. 1.05).

6. Service — Court clerk serves summons and statement of claim by first-class U.S. mail. If returned undelivered, plaintiff may arrange personal service by sheriff or process server.

7. Hearing — Informal trial before a judge or referee. Rules of evidence relaxed; court may question witnesses. Hearings typically scheduled 30-60 days after filing.

8. Appeal Rights — Either party may remove the case for trial de novo in District Court within 20 days of mailing of judgment (Minn. Stat. § 491A.02; Minn. Conciliation Ct. R. 1.21). Removal requires payment of District Court filing fees and posting of an appeal bond. Case is tried fresh under formal procedures.

This is legal information, not legal advice.