Minnesota · Contractor dispute

Contractor dispute in Minnesota small claims

Contractor didn't finish or won't refund? Sue in small claims.

When a contractor takes a deposit and disappears, leaves a job unfinished, or does work that causes damage, small claims court is often the right venue to recover your money. You do not need a lawyer. Your case rests on your contract or estimate, proof of payment, documentation of what was promised, and evidence of what was actually delivered — or not delivered.

In Minnesota, small-claims cases are heard in the Conciliation Court and you can sue for up to $20,000 ($4,000 if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction).

Good to know: In Minnesota, small claims cases are handled by the Conciliation Court division of the district court (each county's district court establishes a conciliation court). It is commonly called Small Claims Court but the official name is Conciliation Court.

Contractor dispute: steps that matter

1. Gather your written contract, estimate, or text messages showing what was agreed, and keep all receipts and payment records.
2. Document the incomplete or defective work with photos and, if possible, a written assessment from another contractor.
3. Send a written demand to the contractor stating what you are owed and a deadline to respond, and keep proof you sent it.
4. File in the court for the county where the contractor operated or where the work was done, and bring every document to the hearing.
5. If the contractor holds a license, check your state's licensing board — a complaint there may run parallel to your court case.

Filing your Plaintiff's Statement of Claim (Form CCT102) in Minnesota

1. Prepare your Statement of Claim. Create the Conciliation Court Claim using Minnesota Guide & File, or download/complete the Plaintiff's Statement of Claim (Form CCT102). List the defendant's full name and complete address with zip code, the dollar amount sought, and a brief description of the event, accident, or transaction. The official FAQ instructs you to 'Download the Plaintiff's Statement of Claim form.'
2. File in the correct county. A Conciliation Court claim is generally filed in the county where the defendant lives or has a place of business; for a corporate defendant you may also file where the business or branch office is located. Claims must not exceed $20,000, or $4,000 if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction (Minn. Stat. 491A.01, subd. 3a).
3. File the claim and pay the fee. File electronically through Minnesota Guide & File or the eFile and eServe (eFS) system, or file in person at the courthouse in the county of filing. Pay the county's Conciliation Court filing fee (listed on the District Court fees page by county), or file an Affidavit of Inability to Pay (Form CCT104) to request a fee waiver.
4. Serve the defendant. For claims of $2,500 or less, the court administrator serves the claim on the defendant by first class mail. For claims over $2,500, the plaintiff must serve the defendant by certified mail (or personal service) and file proof of service (Affidavit of Service, Form CCT103).
5. Attend the hearing. Appear at the scheduled Conciliation Court hearing with your evidence, documents, and any witnesses. The judge or referee decides the case and an order for judgment is issued; the court administrator then transmits notice of the judgment order to the parties.

Filing fees: Filing and service fees are set locally and vary; confirm the current amount with the court. A fee waiver is available if you cannot afford the costs.

Deadline that applies to your contractor dispute

A contractor dispute is typically a contract claim — you hired someone, paid them (or they want payment), and the work was not done or not done properly. The contract statute of limitations is the usual deadline to file, though some claims may also involve property damage. Confirm which category applies to your situation with the court.

Written contract: 6 years (Minn. Stat. § 541.05)

Answering a lawsuit: Minnesota conciliation court does not require a written answer. The defendant appears at the scheduled hearing to present their side; if they do not appear, the court may enter a default judgment.

Serving the defendant: For claims of $2,500 or less, the court administrator serves the defendant by first class mail. For claims over $2,500, the plaintiff must serve by certified mail (or by personal service in the manner provided in the Rules of Civil Procedure), and service on nonresident defendants must follow applicable law/rule.

Appeals: A party aggrieved by a conciliation court order for judgment (after a contested trial) may appeal by removing the case to district court for a trial de novo (new trial), using a Demand for Removal/Appeal (Form CCT402). The aggrieved party must serve and file the demand within 21 days after the court administrator transmitted notice of the judgment order to that party. Note: the public Conciliation Court FAQ references a 24-day figure, but the controlling Minnesota General Rules of Practice, Rule 521, states 21 days, which is the authoritative current deadline.

All Minnesota small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines Conciliation Court applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your contractor dispute claim with your court before relying on any figure.

Minnesota small-claims forms for your contractor dispute case

These forms are published by the Conciliation Court. Download and complete them before filing.

• Plaintiff's Statement of Claim (Form CCT102): The initial document that starts a Conciliation Court case; states the parties, amount claimed, and a description of the dispute.
• Conciliation Court Affidavit of Service (Form CCT103): Proof that the defendant was served (required when the plaintiff must serve the claim, e.g. claims over $2,500).
• Affidavit of Inability to Pay Conciliation Court Filing Fee (Form CCT104): Requests a waiver of the Conciliation Court filing fee for plaintiffs who cannot afford it.
• Demand for Removal/Appeal from Conciliation Court (Form CCT402): Used to appeal a conciliation court judgment by removing the case to district court for a trial de novo (must be filed within 21 days of notice of the judgment order).

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Minnesota Judicial Branch - Conciliation Court (Small Claims) Help Topic. Last reviewed 2026-06-23.