Costs of litigation in Minnesota

In Hennepin County, Minnesota, it costs $252 for both parties in a lawsuit (in other words, the plaintiff pays $252 to file a complaint, and the defendant pays $252 to file an answer).

If either party wants a jury, they must pay an additional $75. (Either a judge or jury may decide questions of fact.)

Filing fees are similar throughout Minnesota, and you can find filing fees for any court on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.

These fees are not exorbitant, but some may not be able to afford $325 for a jury trial. Those who may not be able to afford to pay court filing fees may file an application for fee waiver, also called in forma pauperis. The fee waiver form is available on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website, as well. (In fact, the Minnesota Judicial Branch website is a rich source of information, both for attorneys and individuals representing themselves.)

[photo: Chance Agrella]