Steele County Clerk of District Court
Filing information for Steele County Clerk of District Court in Finley, ND. Part of the Steele County small claims court system.
Small claims in North Dakota — the numbers that apply at this court
$15,000
maximum claim
$20
filing fee (published)
6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full North Dakota small claims guide · The form that starts a case (Form 2): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Steele County Clerk of District Court
201 Washington Ave. W.
Finley, ND 58230
Mailing Address
PO Box 296
Finley, ND 58230
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm, Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Area Served
Steele County
How to File at Steele County Clerk of District Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing is available for District Courts. While all parties are encouraged to e-file, self-represented parties and prisoners are not required to do so. Self-represented parties can register to e-file.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in North Dakota
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $15,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 6 yrs property damage · 6 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Steele County Clerk of District Court?
Filing fees in North Dakota are set by the state and are $20. If you can't afford the fee, North Dakota offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Steele County?
Small claims cases in Steele County are limited to $15,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Steele County Clerk of District Court?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Steele County Clerk of District Court, and when is it open?
Steele County Clerk of District Court is at 201 Washington Ave. W., Finley, ND 58230. Posted hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm, Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm. Phone: (701) 524-2152. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Finley?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.