Small Claims Court Fargo ND: Cass County Filing Steps and Fees

If you're filing a small claims case in Fargo, the process runs through the Cass County Clerk of District Court. North Dakota uses a statewide system — the same forms, fees and rules apply whether you file in Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck or Minot — but the practical details of where to go and how each clerk office operates differ.

Filing in Cass County (Fargo)

Cass County is North Dakota's highest-volume court for small claims cases. You'll file Form 2 (the Claim Affidavit) with the Cass County Clerk of District Court, pay the $20 filing fee, and serve the defendant within the county or wherever they're located.

Cass County processes filings electronically and maintains structured hearing calendars. You can file in person at the clerk's office or through the Odyssey File & Serve online portal. Electronic filing requires a registered account, PDF-formatted documents, and online payment of the $20 fee.

Filing in Grand Forks County

Grand Forks County follows the same statewide procedure. File with the Grand Forks County Clerk of District Court. The $20 fee, statewide forms and 20-day defendant response window are the same as in every other county.

Grand Forks handles a moderate volume of cases. The clerk's office can tell you the next available hearing date. For forms and neutral procedural guidance, use the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center; its staff cannot give legal advice.

Filing in Burleigh County (Bismarck) and Ward County (Minot)

Bismarck cases go through the Burleigh County Clerk of District Court. Minot cases go through the Ward County Clerk. Both are urban courts with regular hearing schedules.

Rural counties work the same way procedurally, but hearing dates may be less frequent. Some rural courts coordinate schedules around judicial referee travel dates, so your hearing might take longer to get on the calendar.

Which County Do You File In?

Venue rules under N.D.C.C. § 27-08.1-01(2) determine which county is correct:

• Individual defendant: file in the county where they live or where the dispute happened
• Business defendant (LLC, corporation): file in any county where the business operates or where the claim arose

If you sue an individual outside their home county, the defendant can request to move the case to small claims court in their county of residence. This doesn't apply to business entities.

Getting the venue wrong doesn't kill your case outright, but it can cause delays and force you to refile. When in doubt, the defendant's home county is the safest choice.

The Process Is the Same Everywhere

Regardless of which county you file in, the steps are identical:

1. Fill out Form 2 with the exact legal names and addresses of both parties
2. Pay the $20 filing fee at the clerk's office or online
3. Assemble the service packet (Form 2 plus blank Forms 1, 3, 4 and 7, with copies of any supporting exhibits)
4. Serve the defendant via certified mail (restricted delivery) or through the sheriff ($30 plus mileage)
5. File proof of service (Form 6) with the clerk
6. Wait for the defendant's response within 20 calendar days

The North Dakota small claims filing guide includes a packet assembly checklist and deadline calculator that work for any county in the state.

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