Hennepin County Conciliation Court: Filing Fees, Forms and What to Expect

Hennepin County is the busiest court district in Minnesota, and its Conciliation Court — the 4th Judicial District — handles a high volume of small claims cases. If you're filing against someone who lives or has a principal place of business in Minneapolis or the surrounding suburbs when you file, this is where your case will land.

Filing Fee

The Hennepin County filing fee is $70 — that's the $65 statewide base plus a $5 county law library surcharge. You pay this when you submit Form CCT102 (Plaintiff's Statement of Claim and Summons).

If you can't afford it, an eligible natural person can apply for a fee waiver using Form CCT104. Automatic eligibility includes public assistance, representation by a civil legal services or volunteer attorney program based on indigency, or household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.

How to File in Hennepin County

Hennepin County encourages electronic filing. Your two main options:

Guide & File is the easier path for people filing without a lawyer. The online interview walks you through each question and populates Form CCT102 automatically. You still need to pay the filing fee and complete the final submission step — finishing the interview alone doesn't file your case.

eFile & eServe (eFS) is the formal electronic filing system, required for attorneys and available to anyone who registers. It handles document submission and electronic service notices.

You can also file in person at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis, though the electronic options save a trip during business hours.

Service Rules

The same statewide service rules apply in Hennepin County:

• Claims of $2,500 or less: the court clerk mails the summons to the defendant via first-class mail, included in your filing fee
• Claims over $2,500: you serve the defendant yourself through certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt requested or a process server, then file Form CCT103 within 60 calendar days

Hennepin County's Conciliation Court uses dedicated referees and automated scheduling, so hearing dates are typically set within 30–60 days of filing.

The Hearing

Hearings at Hennepin County Conciliation Court are informal. Bring three complete sets of your evidence — one for the judge/referee, one for the opposing party, one for yourself. The county's urban courts may also accept digital exhibits through the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MNDES).

Attorneys are generally not permitted to represent parties unless the referee authorizes it. Corporations and LLCs must file Form CCT701 (Power of Attorney) to have an officer or employee appear on their behalf.

After the Hearing

The referee typically takes the case under advisement. You'll receive a Notice of Order for Judgment by mail or electronic notice. A 21-calendar-day stay of execution runs automatically from the notice's transmission date — during which either party who appeared at the hearing can demand removal to District Court.

If you need the full filing process mapped out step by step, the Minnesota Small Claims Filing Guide covers everything from the demand letter through evidence preparation and post-hearing deadlines.

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