Responsibilities were divided between the Monchujo and Hikitsukeshu; Hikitsukeshu dealt with Shomu-sata (lawsuits brought about by gokenin (an immediate vassal of the shogunate in the Kamakura and Muromachi through Edo periods)), whereas Monchu-dokoro handled Zatsumu-zata (other civil cases) and served within the court (mainly receiving petitions.).
引付衆は御家人の所領関係訴訟（所務沙汰）を扱い、問注所ではその他の民事訴訟（雑務沙汰）及び訴訟雑務（主に訴状の受理）を扱うという役割分担がなされた。