How do I apply for a public defender?
Please contact the Court Administrator's office at 507-765-6021 to obtain an application or for information. Public defender assignments are made by the District Court.
**Please note that effective June 26, 2020, the Court Administrator's Office number will change to 507-765-6021**
How do I file a conciliation court claim?
Court conciliation claims are handled by District Court. Please contact Court administration at 507-765-6021 for more information.
Who do I contact if I'm the victim of a crime?
First, you will need to file a report with the local law enforcement agency. This may be with the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office, Preston Police Department, Chatfield Police Department or the Rushford Police Department. Secondly, if the County Attorney's Office is prosecuting the crime, you will be provided the contact information for the victim services advocate handling your case.
Can the County Attorney's Office help residents with a legal problem?
The duties of the County Attorney's Office are established by state statute (See Minn. Stat. 388.051). Generally the County Attorney's Office represents the County as a political subdivision of the State of Minnesota. That representation is limited to providing advice to the County Board of Commissioners and the County Departments. The County Attorney is not authorized to represent or offer advice to citizens in any private matters. The County Attorney's Office does not offer legal opinions to private individuals or businesses. Please contact a private attorney for advice and/or recommendations. Among the areas that are considered civil are landlord/tenant, boundary lines, private covenants (contracts and contract disputes), collection of judgment, writ of execution, wills/trusts, probate, conservatorship, order for protection, child custody, and marriage dissolutions.
I am having issues with the other parent of my child regarding custody issues. Can I get the County Attorney's help?
No. The County Attorney handles child protection cases, child support enforcement and paternity actions. If you need legal representation in a custody dispute, you may need legal representation in a custody dispute, you may contact a legal aid program or hire a private attorney. Minnesota also has the Statewide Self-Help Center which can be accessed at www.mncourts.gov/selfhelp or by calling 651-435-6535.
How can I receive child support services from Fillmore County?
If you receive public assistance, you automatically receive these services. If you do not receive public assistance, you can apply at Fillmore County Social Services - Social Services Division. For more information, please call 507-765-2175.
