Connecticut Small Claims

Small Claims Court is a part of Connecticut’s court system that allows individuals to resolve civil disputes without extensive formal representation. The court system is unique in the state, so residents and small businesses must learn about the small claims court. They may know how to enforce rights, recover money, and resolve conflicts, even without hiring an attorney.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Connecticut?

Small Claims Court is a part of the Superior Court. Cases handled by Small Claims Court include unpaid loans or invoices, security-deposit disputes, simple contract/workmanship issues, and minor property damage. Individuals may choose to represent themselves or hire an attorney, but the rules and forms are intended for self-represented parties. The person filing the case is called the plaintiff; the person being sued is called the defendant.

Small Claims Court Limits in Connecticut

The general monetary cap is $5,000 (exclusive of costs and interest). Individuals may seekhome improvement contract disputes up to $15,000 in money damages. They may also recover a residential tenant who sues for return of a security deposit. There is no transcript and no availability of a jury in small claims.

While individuals may file cases with disputes of less than $5,000, certain matters are not suited for small claims. These include libel/slander, requests for injunctions, and claims exceeding the cap (except as noted above).

How to File a Small Claims Case in Connecticut

An individual may file a small claims case in Connecticut by taking the following steps:

• Confirm eligibility and venue. File at the courthouse where a defendant lives/does business, or as otherwise allowed by the law.
• Complete the required form. Individuals should use the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit Form (JD-CV-40). The form is available online at the court website or from the Chief Court Administrator.
• Serve the defendant. After filling out JD-CV-40, the plaintiff or their representative must serve the writ and attachments on each defendant and file the appropriate proof. They may check the JD-CV-122 form (How to Serve) and the JD-CV-123 form (Statement of Service) for step-by-step guidance. They may serve the form through priority mail with delivery confirmation, certified mail, or a proper officer, for example, a marshal.
• File and pay the fee. Individuals may consider the e-filing procedure in the state. The Connecticut Judicial Branch offers an e-Services platform that explains scanning, uploading, and delivery confirmations for small claims e-filings. Fee waivers may be available for those who are unable to pay the filing fees.

Small Claims Court in Major Connecticut Cities (Examples)

Small claims are handled statewide within the Superior Court. Selected locations include:

• Hartford (Hartford Judicial District): 95 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106 (with small-claims/housing operations also referenced at 80 Washington St.).
• New Haven (New Haven Judicial District): 235 Church St., New Haven, CT 06510.
• Bridgeport (Fairfield Judicial District): 1061 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06604.

For other filing sites in the state, individuals may use the Small Claims Office Directory to locate the correct clerk and address.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Connecticut

After service and filing, the court schedules a hearing before magistrates, who are lawyers appointed by the Chief Court Administrator. Small claims cases may also be heard by judges or judge trial referees. Proceedings are informal and led by a judge. All parties must present a concise narrative, along with supporting documents (contracts, receipts, photos, texts/emails) and witnesses. Rules of evidence are relaxed, and many decisions are issued at or shortly after the hearing.

Importantly, parties cannot appeal a small claims judgment. However, if they need appeal rights, they must request a transfer to the regular docket before judgment. A small claims case may be transferred to the Superior Court’s regular docket or the Housing Court’s docket. To request a transfer of action, the parties must file a JD-CV-158 Form (Motion to Transfer) and a JD-CV-170 Form (Affidavit in Support). The transfer option allows for more comprehensive procedures (including discovery).

After the case is decided, the person who is awarded money is called the "judgment creditor," and the person who is ordered to pay the money is called the "judgment debtor."

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Connecticut

The public may search for small claims dockets that are public unless they are sealed. While viewing these records, certain sensitive identifiers are redacted from the records.

Record seekers may find case number, party names, filing date, docket entries, hearing dates, and judgment/disposition. They may search for small claims records when they visit:

• Superior Court (online). The Connecticut Judicial Branch has developed a Small Claims Case Look-Up (for cases filed on and after September 1, 2017, and for cases that have been transferred to a small claims docket). The judicial body also provides a Centralized Small Claims Case Look-up (for cases filed before September 1, 2017, that have not been transferred to a small claims docket). They search the portals by party name or docket number and view scheduled events statewide for cases.
• Clerk’s Office. For documents that are not online or a certified copy, individuals may contact the clerk of the court at the filing location.