Minnesota Conciliation Court Continuance: How to Postpone Your Hearing

Your conciliation court hearing is scheduled and you can't make it — a work conflict, a medical issue, a family emergency, or you simply need more time to prepare your case. Minnesota allows defendants (and plaintiffs) to request a continuance, but the process has rules and the outcome isn't guaranteed.

How to Request a Continuance

Submit your request in writing to Court Administration at your county courthouse. In major jurisdictions like Hennepin and Ramsey counties, the request must be received at least five business days before the hearing date.

Your request should include:

• Your name and the case file number
• The current hearing date
• The specific reason you need a postponement
• Dates you are available for a rescheduled hearing

State the specific reason for the conflict in your request. Court approval is required, and acceptance depends on local practice and judicial discretion.

The Request Doesn't Change Your Hearing Date

This is critical: submitting a continuance request does not automatically postpone the hearing. Your original hearing date stays on the calendar until Court Administration issues a written order or notice granting the continuance.

If you submit a request and don't hear back, do not assume it was approved. Follow up with Court Administration. If you can't confirm the continuance was granted, treat the original hearing date as live. Missing a hearing that wasn't actually continued results in a default judgment.

What Happens When It's Granted

If Court Administration approves the continuance, you'll receive a notice with the new hearing date. The same preparation rules apply to the new date — file any counterclaim at least 14 days before, follow the court's local instructions for remote exhibits, and appear on time.

A continuance changes the scheduled hearing date. Recalculate the counterclaim deadline from that date; Form CCT202 must be filed at least 14 days before trial.

What Happens When It's Denied

If your request is denied, the original hearing date stands. You must appear. If you truly cannot attend — because of a medical emergency happening on the day itself, for example — document the reason immediately. If you end up with a default judgment, that documentation supports a Motion to Vacate under Rule 520.

Last-Minute Emergencies

Sometimes a genuine emergency hits on the day of the hearing itself — a car accident, a sudden hospitalization, or a similar unavoidable event. In these situations:

1. Call Court Administration immediately — before the hearing time if possible
2. Explain the emergency and ask how to request a continuance
3. Document the emergency and keep any records that support your request

A call does not itself continue the case. The original hearing date remains in effect unless the court or Court Administration issues a written order or notice granting the continuance.

How Many Continuances Can You Get?

Continuances are governed by local practice and judicial discretion; don't assume that any request will be granted.

The other party may oppose a continuance request. The court decides whether to grant it under the applicable local practice and its discretion.

The Better Alternative: Be Prepared

If you're requesting a continuance because you don't feel ready, consider whether the extra time will actually change your preparation. Minnesota conciliation court doesn't require a written answer — your preparation is gathering evidence, organizing exhibits, and showing up.

Our Minnesota small claims response guide walks through the entire preparation process step by step, from reading the claim papers to organizing your evidence binder, so you can be hearing-ready without needing extra time from the court.

See more Minnesota guides →