1. Does the client speak English? If not, and if the client is a plaintiff, s/he should go to the government center self-help desk to see if translation support is available. If the client is a defendant, you should notify the conciliation court staff that it must appoint an interpreter for the hearing.
   
   
2. Have you initiated a conflicts check with your firm, and has the client passed?

• If you are conflicted out, provide the client information on when other law firms staff the clinic.

3. Does the client fall within the clinic's income guidelines? (See the income chart on the clinic desk.)

• If not, you may decide for yourself whether, under the circumstances, assisting the client is appropriate.

4. While considering income, determine whether the client's income qualifies him or her as in forma pauperis.

• Click here for eligibility for in forma pauperis
• If so, fill out this form and file it with the petition to waive the $70.00 filing fee
• If the client is not eligible for in forma pauperis, inform the client that the filing fee will be $70.00.
  - (N.B. Other applicable fees are listed here)

5. Does the client have a claim that can be brought in conciliation court?
   The following claims cannot be brought in conciliation court, and you should advise the client to file in district court or in housing court:
   • Title to real estate
   • Class actions
   • Medical malpractice
   • Defamation (libel or slander)
   • Discrimination claims
   • Eviction actions
   • Actions against deceased persons
   • Actions when another court is involved
   • The defendant does not live in Hennepin County and the problem/incident did not occur in Hennepin County (Note: some exceptions apply)
   
   
6. Does the claim (or claim and counterclaim) fall within the $7,500 limit for Conciliation Court?
   • If not, advise the client to file in district court or housing court.

*** Once you have addressed these six issues, you may help the client in completing the claim form. For a helpful how-to on completing the form, see Tab 2 in the CCC filing cabinet or click here. ***