What Is a Small Claims Court in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the small claims court is known as the conciliation court. The court has jurisdiction over civil matters that do not exceed a particular dollar amount in damages. Per Minnesota Statutes Section 491A.01, the district court in each county must create a conciliation court division. The court hears matters involving monetary or property claims that do not exceed $15,000 and consumer credit transactions that do not exceed $4,000.
Cases that the conciliation court hears include:
- Civil matters involving a security deposit
- Property damage
- Return of an impounded vehicle or seized property
- Return of pets
- Disputes arising from loans
- Recovery for a dishonored check
Civil matters that the conciliation court has no jurisdiction over include:
- Actions involving real estate titles and determination of boundary lines
- Defamation claims involving slander or libel
- Actions against deceased individuals
- Medical malpractice
How Does the Minnesota Small Claims Court Work?
The Minnesota small claims/conciliation court helps residents settle small civil disputes that do not exceed $15,000 in damages, or $4,000 in consumer credit transactions. Residents cannot file above these limits, and a claim's value cannot be increased later on.
In the court, both parties can resolve their disagreement without rigorous legal processes or high costs. The conciliation court rules and procedures are straightforward, and parties do not need to hire an attorney. Since the court's processes are simplified, individuals can represent themselves ("pro se"). Parties that wish to have legal representation must get approval from the judge. The judge will decide the extent of the attorney's involvement in the proceedings that will ensue.
How to Take Someone to Small Claims Court in Minnesota
Residents aged eighteen and above, organizations, and government agencies can sue in the small claims court, and they are also liable to be sued. Individuals who wish to sue but are below 18 years of age must do so through a parent or legal guardian.
Individuals can take someone to small claims court in Minnesota by filing a claim at the appropriate conciliation court. Generally, this court must be situated in the county where the defendant lives or has a business. If the defendant is a company or agency, the plaintiff can file the claim in the county where the company has a business office or branch. However, claims involving dishonored checks are filed in the county where the check was issued. Disputes between landlord and tenants are also heard in the county courthouse located where the rental property exists.
To begin a small claims case, an individual will need to obtain and complete a Statement of Claim form. The information required in the form includes:
- The plaintiff's name, residential or business address, working phone number, and date of birth (to prove eligible age).
- The defendant(s) name, phone number, home or business address, e-mail address, and birth date.
- Information and facts about the claim. It should include the amount and date the event occurred.
- The judicial district number and county location where the plaintiff will file the case.
Upon completing the required forms, the plaintiff shall sign the claim, file it with the appropriate small claims court, and pay the filing fee. Low-income earners and other plaintiffs who cannot afford the court fees can request a fee waiver.
The filed court papers must be served on the defendant. Afterward, both parties will receive a notice of hearing. For claims under $2,500, the court administrator is responsible for serving the defendant and giving the notice of hearing to both sides. However, if the claim exceeds $2,500, the plaintiff must serve the defendant with the necessary documents via mail.
Both sides are required to attend the court hearing. Any party that fails to attend risks having a judgment entered in the other party's favor. If both sides cannot reach an agreement during the hearing, the court will decide on the case. The judge usually does not decide immediately; therefore, the parties will receive the decision via mail. However, the judgment only becomes effective twenty days after the receipt via mail.
During these 20 days (known as the stay period), any side discontented with the decision can appeal or file a motion to vacate the judgment.
How Much Can You Sue For in Minnesota Small Claims Court?
In Minnesota, plaintiffs can sue someone in the small claims/conciliation court for an amount that does not exceed $15,000. These types of claims usually involve monetary damages or property issues.
However, for claims that involve a consumer credit transaction, the maximum a plaintiff can sue for is $4000.
How to Defend Yourself in Minnesota Small Claims Court
Individuals sued in a Minnesota small claims court can file a counterclaim against the suing party. The process of filing a counterclaim is quite similar to that of the actual claim. However, defendants must file a counterclaim five business days before the hearing date. The conciliation court will hear the counterclaim at the same time the initial claim is heard. If the counterclaim is above the monetary limit of the small claims court, the district court will hear the case.
Defendants must show up on time for the hearing to defend themselves. It is important to be prepared for the case presentation. Organizing one's presentation and getting relevant facts and evidence will help during the trial. Also, the court allows witnesses that can corroborate a person's claim.
How Long Do You Have to Take Someone to Small Claims Court in Minnesota?
The time an individual has to sue someone in a Minnesota small claims court depends on the statutes of limitations. Generally, each civil wrong has a particular time in which a plaintiff can sue someone in the conciliation court.
The deadline for personal injury claims in Minnesota is two years. On the other hand, residents must file actions involving contracts and property damages within six years. However, some circumstances may result in the temporary suspension of this period. For instance, if a plaintiff is underage or incarcerated.
Individuals can contact a lawyer to confirm the statute of limitation laws that apply to their case.
What Happens If You Don't Show Up for Small Claims Court in Minnesota?
Upon receiving a notice of hearing for a small claims court in Minnesota, both parties must attend the hearing. The plaintiff or defendant's absence will result in unfavorable consequences.
If the suing party does show up, the judge can dismiss the claim or award a default judgment to the defendant. Defendants who fail to attend the hearing will also have the judgment entered against them.
However, either side can request to reschedule a hearing. The request must be in writing and filed with the court administrator at least five days before the initial hearing date. The court charges a $50 fee for this, and each party can only ask to reschedule a court date once.
What are Small Claims Court Records in Minnesota?
Minnesota small claims court records contain data and documents collated by the court during small claims proceedings. Such records are usually accessible to the general public, except otherwise indicated by the court or state laws. The data contained in these records include the personal details of the parties involved, the court's decision, and the amount of the claim collected by the plaintiff.
Where Can I Find Minnesota Small Claims Court Records?
Generally, the conciliation court administrator maintains Minnesota court records. Individuals can visit a courthouse in person to request records from the administrator's office. The county courthouses also have public access computers that residents can use to view records for free and print them for a fee.
Alternatively, requesters can find Minnesota small claims court records online using the Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote resource tool. Users can search for records using a case number, party information, or attorney information.
