Get Free Answers From Experienced Lawyers!
Have a Legal Question?
Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points.
Answer Questions
Minnesota Small Claims Questions & Answers
Q: Is it legal for my Grandma to transfer my deceased Mom's debt over to me and make me pay for it?
So my mom passed away on Thanksgiving, my sister let me have her car because it was in accordance with my mom's wishes (My mom didn't have a will. We just agreed to it as next of kin) Now, my Grandma who has STRONGLY been against me having the car is saying that I owe her $1,200 in order... View More 
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 5, 2024
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 5, 2024
In general, debts do not transfer to family members upon someone's death unless they were co-signed or jointly held. As for your situation, you are not automatically responsible for your mother's debts, including any money she may have owed to your grandmother, unless you had a legal... View More
Q: I borrowed someone money and was wondering what my options are to get that back
At first I told them they didn't need to pay me back but they said they will otherwise they won't take the money. So we agreed on him paying me back but now he is refusing to. I have messages after the fact saying the total amount owed and that he is planning on paying me back
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 20, 2023
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 20, 2023
In Minnesota, if you lent someone money and have evidence, such as messages confirming the amount owed and the borrower's intention to repay, you may consider pursuing a small claims case to recover the debt. Small claims court is designed for relatively straightforward cases involving smaller... View More
Q: I borrowed someone money and was wondering what my options are to get that back
At first I told them they didn't need to pay me back but they said they will otherwise they won't take the money. So we agreed on him paying me back but now he is refusing to. I have messages after the fact saying the total amount owed and that he is planning on paying me back
Robert Kane
answered on Dec 21, 2023
answered on Dec 21, 2023
You can attempt to collect by demanding payment. Demand letters from attorneys carry more weight. You can file a claim in conciliation court. If the amount is more than $5,000, an attorney may be worth consulting with before filing. Various collection techniques may be available after a judgment is... View More
Q: Stupidly borrowed money to someone on cash app now they won’t pay back can I sue ? 5000+$
Robert Kane
answered on Nov 17, 2023
answered on Nov 17, 2023
Conciliation court seems to be in your future. Perhaps an attorney can assist you in getting your money back with going to court. Even if the attorney is unsuccessful, it will likely help you prepare your case. Some attorneys are affordable; most attorneys are not.
You have to determine... View More
Q: Can the defendant appeal a district court judgment after a small claims appeal?
I won a small claims case with a judgment of $3,800 requiring the co-owner of a property to pay me for maintenance fees and mortgage payments I covered. He appealed, and the case is now moving to district court. If the district court also rules in my favor, can the defendant appeal that judgment... View More
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 9, 2025
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 9, 2025
Yes, the defendant can usually appeal a district court judgment after a small claims case has moved up on appeal. Once the district court issues its decision, either party may have the right to appeal to a higher court, often an appellate or circuit court, depending on your state’s rules. This... View More
Q: Do I have a case in MN for misrepresentation in a vehicle sale?
I purchased a vehicle from a private seller who claimed the rust was "typical MN rust" and identified the engine light issue as a minor oxygen sensor problem. I later discovered the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to severe rust damage and serious engine issues related to timing codes,... View More
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2025
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2025
In Minnesota, even when a vehicle is sold “as-is,” you may still have a case if the seller made false statements about the condition of the car that you reasonably relied on. If the seller downplayed the rust as only “typical” when it was actually severe and misrepresented the engine... View More
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Products Liability, Civil Litigation, Small Claims and Personal Injury
for
Minnesota
on
Q: Can I recover a vehicle or refund after my deceased mother bought a car?
My mother passed away after having purchased a vehicle from a seller on OfferUp in July. Although she has chat logs proving the purchase and possession, the title was not transferred to her name. She had dropped the car off to the seller for repair, and messages indicate that he acknowledged he... View More
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 28, 2025
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 28, 2025
Since your mother passed before the title was transferred, the car or the money paid for it would now be considered part of her estate. The chat logs and messages acknowledging the sale and repair agreement are valuable evidence that a transaction occurred. Even without the title in her name, the... View More
Q: Can I pursue a small claims case for condo hot water heater replacement cost in Minnesota?
I live in Minnesota and purchased a condo on February 28th of this year. In the seller's disclosure statements, the previous owners stated that the hot water heater was functional. After purchasing the property, on March 1st, I discovered that the hot water heater was not functioning. No... View More
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 15, 2025
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 15, 2025
You do have a path to recover your replacement costs in conciliation (small claims) court, since you relied on the seller’s disclosure that the heater was functional. Under Minnesota law, sellers must honestly report known defects, and a false statement about a major system can be treated as... View More
Q: Failed to file appeal on time due to misunderstanding of procedure in small claims court.
I failed to file an appeal in time for a small claims court case due to misunderstandings about the procedure. I did not use the correct form or make the necessary copies to send to the court and defendant. Additionally, I was unaware that an appeal required a $500 fee. The judgment I received was... View More
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 13, 2025
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 13, 2025
Missing an appeal deadline due to confusion about the process is frustrating, especially when you feel the judgment was unfair. In most small claims courts, appeal deadlines are strict and usually must be followed exactly—both in timing and in how the documents are filed. If the deadline has... View More
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Small Claims, Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law
for
Minnesota
on
Q: Can I sue for towing without proper signage at an apartment complex?
I parked in a parking lot at an apartment complex in the evening without any tow zone signage, unlike another lot in the complex which had such signs. My car was towed after being parked for less than 3 hours—between 10:40pm on May 15, 2025, and 1:30am on May 16, 2025. The visit was impromptu, so... View More
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 16, 2025
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 16, 2025
It sounds like you may have a case to pursue in small claims court, based on the lack of proper signage and the circumstances of your towing. If the apartment complex failed to provide clear signage in your parking lot and at the complex's entrance, you may have grounds to argue that you were... View More
Q: If I object to the referee’s decision not to attach any monetary value to my default judgment, would a judge overturn it
I got a default judgment in conciliation court; however, the referee did not attach any monetary value to the judgment. It was a contract between the defendant and me stating I would receive 80% of the profit on my four rental cars each month, and he would receive 20%. The cars were under the... View More
Robert Kane
answered on Jan 22, 2025
answered on Jan 22, 2025
The SOF means the contract needed to be in writing not the breach of the contract. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/513
Q: Promisorry note mistake in the step daughters favor. I took out a sizable loan. Verbal agreement. She breeched.
I modified the terms, to accommodate her. I calculated her payments biweekly but paid monthly. She made the prescribed number of payments but there is still a balance. Now she is refusing to pay the final 300 or so dollars. Can she just swindle her mother and I out of the balance? Do I have... View More
Q: Do I have any rights in regards to dealing with Best Western?
I was checking into a Best Western hotel. They first refused my Synchrony card required for incidentals because it has a 2049 expiration date. The manager later told me it is "not possible" to have a 2049 expiration date. I then gave them the only other card I had in my wallet. The name... View More
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 27, 2024
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 27, 2024
You have rights when dealing with businesses like Best Western, especially if you feel you were treated unfairly. If the hotel staff refused to accept your valid payment methods and did not provide reasonable alternatives, you may have grounds for a complaint. It's important to document all... View More
Q: So I have been talking to a woman and she started asking me to borrow her money so I did but I put emphasis on the
Borrowing part but it’s been since may and she keeps telling me her bank won’t release the funds unless I pay to get them transferred which I have done and have many messages clarifying that I needed it back and a time frame in which I needed it now she won’t pay me back she just keeps asking... View More
Q: My uncle owes me money ($2,144) but he will not pay it out of principle.
deleted
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jun 25, 2023
answered on Jun 25, 2023
You voluntarily paid the debt on behalf of grandma. He apparently never agreed to pay you. On what legal basis do you sue him? I don't see that you have a case.
Q: Hello! Thank you for your time. What can I do?
I bought a used car and was told the AC was fixed(used car lot) when I picked up the car and left the AC blew warm air. I called right away and was told they would take care of it. The owner says he hasn't had a mechanic to fix it and now he says it's been a year and he's washing his... View More
Robert Kane
answered on Jun 5, 2023
answered on Jun 5, 2023
Present him with a written demand (with a reasonable deadline) to repair the vehicle. Express that you will be taking the vehicle elsewhere if he fails to comply and will be suing him for the cost (and perhaps more.) A letter from an attorney would carry more weight and may be affordable.... View More
Q: If a dealership falsely registered a car in your name can you sue?
Negligence on the behalf of the employee they processed paperwork without consent after being told I did not want to proceed with the vehicle, there was a ticket issued as well in another state for the car due to being registered under my name
Robert Kane
answered on Mar 14, 2023
answered on Mar 14, 2023
If a dealership falsely registered a car in your name you can sue. I do not know if you will be successful or if it's even worth it. Why would a dealership falsely register a car in your? What have you suffered in damages ($) ?
Q: What is the best way to sue someone from another state for money owed on goods received? Breach of contract.
I'm looking to sue someone near the Houston, TX area for an unpaid debt on goods received a little over a year ago. We agreed upon an amount, around $24000. I sent him the goods (sports cards) a little over a year ago. To this day he has only paid me around $1700. He is from the Houston area... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 20, 2023
answered on Feb 20, 2023
A Minnesota or Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. You mention that you are seeking an attorney - in addition to your own searches, you could check the "Find a Lawyer" tab above for Collection or Civil Litigation attorneys. Additionally, most... View More
Q: My ps4 has been stolen, what would be the charge for this if I did decide to press charges/report it.
I know who did and I have their information they just won’t give it back. Would this situation be taken seriously by the cops or am I just wasting my time reporting it? All I really want is my stuff back I’m not even interested in pressing charges
Sarah Gad
answered on Jan 9, 2023
answered on Jan 9, 2023
As frustrating is it is to have your property taken without your consent, filing a police report and subjecting the person to criminal prosecution is a somewhat of a drastic measure. You might want to ask yourself if it is worth it to do so, or if there are other measures you can take to have your... View More
Q: Can you make an signed agreement giving you the right to forcibly remove a person on such date without going to court
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 11, 2022
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 11, 2022
You could but it would only be enforceable in Court. Hire a MN attorney for an Eviction action.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
