Ramsey County Conciliation Court: How to File a Small Claim in St. Paul

Ramsey County — the 2nd Judicial District, covering St. Paul and the surrounding area — runs one of Minnesota's busiest Conciliation Courts. If the person you're suing resides there, the business maintains its principal place of business there when you file, or the rental property at issue is located there, this is where you file.

Fees and Forms

The filing fee in Ramsey County is the $65 statewide base plus the county law library surcharge. Statewide totals range from $70–$80; check the current Ramsey County surcharge to confirm its total. You pay this when submitting Form CCT102 (Plaintiff's Statement of Claim and Summons).

Ramsey County encourages electronic filing through Guide & File (for self-represented litigants) or eFile & eServe for anyone comfortable with the formal system. Paper filings at the courthouse are still accepted.

Eligible natural persons can apply for a fee waiver through Form CCT104 if household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, they receive means-tested public assistance, or they're represented by a civil legal services or volunteer attorney program based on indigency.

Service of Process

The $2,500 split applies here like everywhere in Minnesota:

• $2,500 or less: the court clerk handles service by first-class mail
• Over $2,500: you must serve the defendant by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt requested or process server, then file Form CCT103 within 60 calendar days

Ramsey County's court administration staff can confirm local procedures, but they cannot give you legal advice about your case or review your evidence.

Hearings

Ramsey County Conciliation Court operates as a dedicated division with its own referees and scheduling calendar. Hearings are informal — no court reporter, no formal rules of evidence.

Prepare three identical sets of your exhibits. The referee will hear both sides, may ask direct questions, and usually takes the case under advisement. You'll get the judgment by mail.

Local Resources

Ramsey County residents have access to several free legal resources:

• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) serves Ramsey County and provides free help to income-eligible residents
• Ramsey County Law Library offers access to legal research tools and form packets
• Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) runs pro bono advice sessions in the Twin Cities metro

For a complete walkthrough of filing, serving and preparing for your hearing, see the Minnesota Small Claims Filing Guide.

See more Minnesota guides →