Minnesota § 542.10 - CHANGE OF VENUE AS OF RIGHT; DEMAND

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 542.10 — CHANGE OF VENUE AS OF RIGHT; DEMAND, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 542.10. CHANGE OF VENUE AS OF RIGHT; DEMAND

If the county designated in the complaint is not the proper county, the action may notwithstanding be tried therein unless, within 20 days after the summons is served, the defendant demands in writing that it be tried in the proper county. This demand shall be accompanied by the affidavit of the defendant, or defendant's agent or attorney, setting forth the county of residence at the time of the commencement of the action, the date of service of the summons, and stating that neither the cause of action nor any part thereof arose in the county designated in the complaint. This demand and affidavit, with proof of service thereof upon the plaintiff's attorney, shall be filed with the court administrator in the county where the action was begun within 30 days from the date of its service and thereupon, unless the county where the action was begun is a county in which the cause of action or some part thereof arose, the place of trial shall be changed to the county where the defendant resides without any other proceedings. If the county designated in the complaint is not the county in which the cause of action or some part thereof arose and if there are several defendants residing in different counties, the trial shall be had in the county upon which a majority of them unite in demanding or, if the numbers be equal, in that whose county seat is nearest. When the place of trial is changed all other proceedings shall be had in the county to which the change is made, unless otherwise provided by consent of parties filed with the court administrator or by order of the court and the papers shall be transferred and filed accordingly. When a demand for a change of the place of trial is made as herein provided the action shall not for any of the reasons specified in section 542.11 be retained for trial in the county where begun, but can be tried therein only upon removal thereto from the proper county in the cases provided by law.

A party who has paid the filing fee of the county where the action originated shall not be required to pay the filing fee of the county to which the action is transferred. The transferor county may retain any filing fees received prior to the change of county, but shall in writing advise the county to which the action is transferred of any and all such filing fees paid to the transferor county.

History:

(9215) RL s 4096; 1961 c 13 s 1; 1965 c 686 s 1; 1969 c 70 s 1; 1975 c 123 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 82

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 542.10

What does Minnesota Statutes § 542.10 cover?

Section 542.10 ("CHANGE OF VENUE AS OF RIGHT; DEMAND") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 542.10?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 542.10" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 542.10 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.