Effective August 1, 2012, the jurisdictional limit in Minnesota Conciliation Court (Small Clams Court) has been increased to $10,000.00 for general claims. The limit for consumer credit transactions remains capped at $4,000.00. The jurisdictional limit for general claims will increase to $15,000.00 effective August 1, 2014. See Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3, as amended.

This amendment is a welcome development, because it will allow parties to keep more disputes out of District Court, which tends to be more time-consuming and expensive than Conciliation Court. Further, because most parties can effectively represent themselves in Conciliation Court without an attorney, the amendment will reduce litigation costs for many clients.

If you need legal representation in Minnesota Conciliation Court or District Court, or seek advice regarding the advantages and disadvantages of bringing your claim in Conciliation Court, contact any of the business litigation attorneys of Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A.
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The attorneys of Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A. regularly represent clients in litigation matters including breach of contract, business break-ups, breach of fiduciary duty, minority shareholder rights, unpaid wages and commissions, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, non-compete agreements, and trade secrets. You can reach one of the firm’s Minnesota business litigation attorneys by calling 612.455.0500 or contacting Legal Assistant Joni L. Spratt at jspratt@trepanierlaw.com to schedule a telephone consultation.