STATE OF MINNESOTA

CONCILIATION COURT

COUNTY OF [COUNTY]

[PLAINTIFF NAME],
  Plaintiff,
v.
[DEFENDANT NAME],
  Defendant.

Court File No.: [COURT FILE NO.]

DEFENDANT’S ANSWER AND (OPTIONAL) COUNTERCLAIM

[Conciliation Court—Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 et seq.; Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 508]

[// GUIDANCE: Use this template when a written Answer is desired for a Minnesota Conciliation Court matter. Minnesota rules do not require a formal written answer, but filing one helps clarify the issues, preserves affirmative defenses, and formally asserts any counterclaim. Customize all bracketed fields before filing or service.]

I. PARTIES AND SERVICE

1. Defendant [DEFENDANT NAME] is, upon information and belief, a resident of [DEFENDANT COUNTY] County, Minnesota, and may be served at [DEFENDANT ADDRESS].
2. Plaintiff [PLAINTIFF NAME] is, upon information and belief, a resident of [PLAINTIFF COUNTY] County, Minnesota, and may be served at [PLAINTIFF ADDRESS].
3. Defendant acknowledges receipt of the Plaintiff’s “Statement of Claim and Summons” dated [DATE OF CLAIM] (the “Complaint”).

II. JURISDICTION AND VENUE

4. This action is properly before the Conciliation Court pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 because the amount in controversy does not exceed the statutory limit of $15,000.
5. Venue is proper in [COUNTY] County under Minn. Stat. § 542.09 because the events giving rise to the claim occurred in this county and the Defendant resides here.

III. TIMELINESS OF ANSWER

6. Defendant files this Answer within the time permitted under Minn. R. Civ. P. 12.01 (21 days after service) [or] at least [FIVE (5) days if mailed / THREE (3) days if personally served] prior to the scheduled hearing, as required by Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 508(d).

[// GUIDANCE: Choose the rule that matches your procedural posture. If the matter remains in conciliation court, reference Rule 508(d). If it has been removed to district court, rely on Rule 12.01.]

IV. ANSWERS TO PLAINTIFF’S ALLEGATIONS

[// GUIDANCE: Mirror each numbered allegation from the Complaint, providing a direct, concise response. When in doubt, deny for lack of knowledge.]

V. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

Without admitting any liability and reserving all rights, Defendant asserts the following affirmative defenses pursuant to Minn. R. Civ. P. 8.03. Discovery is ongoing, and Defendant reserves the right to amend these defenses:

1. Failure to State a Claim – The Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action.
2. Statute of Limitations – The alleged claim is barred by the applicable limitation period set forth in Minn. Stat. ch. 541.
3. Payment / Accord and Satisfaction – Any obligation has been fully satisfied or discharged.
4. Offset – Any amount due to Plaintiff is subject to offset by amounts owed to Defendant.
5. Lack of Standing – Plaintiff lacks capacity or standing to sue.
6. Unjust Enrichment – Plaintiff’s recovery, if any, is limited by principles of equity.
7. Failure of Consideration – No valid consideration exists to support the claimed obligation.
8. Waiver and Estoppel – Plaintiff’s conduct constitutes waiver or estoppel of the claims asserted.
9. Fraud / Misrepresentation – The claim is barred or reduced due to Plaintiff’s material misrepresentations.
10. Reservation – Defendant reserves all additional defenses that become known during litigation.

VI. (OPTIONAL) COUNTERCLAIM

[In the amount of $__ (not to exceed $15,000; $4,000 if arising from a “consumer credit transaction” per Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 4).]

1. Counterclaim Parties

11. Counterclaim-Plaintiff [DEFENDANT NAME] (“Counter-Plaintiff”) is a Minnesota resident described above.
12. Counterclaim-Defendant [PLAINTIFF NAME] (“Counter-Defendant”) is described above.

2. Factual Allegations

13. On or about [DATE], Counter-Defendant [describe conduct].
14. As a direct and proximate result, Counter-Plaintiff sustained damages of $[AMOUNT].

3. Cause(s) of Action

15. Breach of Contract – Counter-Defendant breached an agreement by [state breach].
     a. All conditions precedent have occurred, been excused, or been waived.
     b. Counter-Plaintiff has been damaged in the amount stated above.

[// GUIDANCE: Add or replace with tort, consumer protection, or other claims as appropriate.]

4. Prayer for Counterclaim Relief

WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment in its favor and against Counter-Defendant for:
a. Compensatory damages of $[AMOUNT];
b. Pre- and post-judgment interest as allowed by law;
c. Costs and disbursements; and
d. Such other and further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.

VII. PRAYER FOR RELIEF ON COMPLAINT

Defendant respectfully requests that the Court:
1. Dismiss Plaintiff’s Complaint with prejudice;
2. Enter judgment in favor of Defendant;
3. Award Defendant costs and disbursements; and
4. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

VIII. VERIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I, [DEFENDANT NAME], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Date: ___ Signature: ______
                    [DEFENDANT NAME], Defendant

[// GUIDANCE: Minnesota does not require notarization for pleadings, but sign under penalty of perjury per Minn. R. Civ. P. 11.]

IX. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that on [DATE], I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer and (optional) Counterclaim upon [PLAINTIFF NAME] by:

☐ U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, addressed to [PLAINTIFF ADDRESS]
☐ Personal service by [SERVER NAME], age 18+, non-party
☐ E-mail (if agreed in writing by the parties)

Date: ___ Signature: ______
                    [SERVER NAME], Declarant

[// GUIDANCE: If you select “personal service,” ensure compliance with Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 508(d) timeframes—three (3) days before hearing.]

X. FILING CHECKLIST

[// GUIDANCE: Remove before filing.]

1. ☑ Customize all bracketed fields.
2. ☑ Attach any exhibits referenced in the Counterclaim.
3. ☑ File with Conciliation Court Administrator and pay filing fee.
4. ☑ Serve Plaintiff per Rule 508(d) and file Proof of Service.
5. ☑ Bring originals and two copies to hearing.

DISCLAIMER
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Minnesota statutes, court rules, and a licensed attorney to ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.