Connecticut Superior Court Small Claims Process

Filing a claim in Connecticut's Superior Court, the court that handles small claims matters in Connecticut, can be a straightforward and inexpensive way to resolve a dispute. Although the procedures are more relaxed than in traditional courts, you still must follow the rules to prevail.

Below are answers to some common questions about the Connecticut small claims process. You'll learn about preparing and presenting your case, appealing a small claims decision, and collecting a money judgment. You'll also find links to additional small claims articles and resources.

How Does Connecticut Small Claims Court Work?

A small claims case starts by filing a claim, called a "writ and notice of suit," with the small claims division of the Connecticut Superior Court. You must serve a copy of the writ and notice of suit on the "defendant," the person or company you're suing.

To prevail at the trial, you must present evidence supporting your case. The defendant will also have the opportunity to present a defense in response. A defendant who files a counterclaim against you must submit evidence proving you owe the defendant money. You'll have an opportunity to defend yourself against the counterclaim.

After hearing each side's argument and evaluating the evidence, the magistrate or judge will issue a money judgment to the person proving they're entitled to an award. Receiving a money judgment is very powerful because it allows a creditor to collect using property liens, wage garnishments, bank account levies, and property seizures.

What Is the Small Claims Dollar Limit in the Connecticut Superior Court?

In Connecticut small claims court, you can ask for up to $5,000 for most claims, and up to $15,000 for home improvement contracts with certified contractors or new home construction contracts with certified new home construction contractors. In landlord-tenant security deposit cases, you can recover damages that exceed $5,000. Plaintiffs with claims exceeding the limit can use small claims court if they're willing to accept the cap. Otherwise, they must file in a higher court. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-15 (2025).)

Example. Faith, Emma, and Charlie each have personal injury cases and are considering filing in small claims court. Faith and Emma's medical bills exceed $10,000. Charlie's bills are $1,000. When researching small claims rules, they learn about the Connecticut $5,000 small claims limit. Here's what they decide to do next.

Faith, wanting $10,000 total compensation, hires a lawyer to file her case in a higher court. Although Charlie can recover his $1,000 in medical bills in small claims court, he also wants compensation for vehicle damage and extensive pain and suffering. Charlie hires a lawyer and files in a higher court. Emma is willing to accept the small claims maximum to avoid lengthy litigation and files in small claims court, representing herself.

Can a Landlord Bring an Eviction Lawsuit in a Connecticut Small Claims Court?

Evictions cases aren't heard in Connecticut's small claims division of the Superior Court. However, small claims court is an appropriate venue for other types of landlord-tenant claims involving money damages, such as disputes over security deposits and unpaid rent.

Connecticut Superior Court is also an excellent forum for other types of cases typically brought in small claims courts, such as property damage cases and breach of contract disputes.

Which Connecticut Superior Court Should I File My Small Claims Action in?

Connecticut has many Superior Courts, but you can't always choose the most convenient location. You must choose the proper court location (or "venue"). Otherwise, the defendant can ask the court to transfer or dismiss your action.

In Connecticut, you'll file your claim as follows:

• If the plaintiff is a business entity, in the county or geographical area where the defendant resides or does business, or where the transaction or injury occurred.
• If the plaintiff is an individual, where the plaintiff resides, where the defendant resides or does business, or where the transaction or injury occurred.

(Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-345 (2025).)

You can use the Connecticut Secretary of the State business records database to search for company information. Also, be aware that you might have other options, depending on your case. Most courts post venue rules on the court website.

Example. Bailey and her daughter traveled six hours to an amusement park for her daughter's birthday. While resting on a park bench, a toddler escaped her inattentive parent and splattered a messy ice cream cone on Bailey's designer suede bag. Although the parent promised to pay by CashApp or Venmo, the money never materialized. Bailey considered suing in small claims court but decided against it after learning she would have to file where the incident occurred or where the child's parents live, both of which were six hours away.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Case in Small Claims Court in Connecticut?

You don't have an unlimited amount of time to file a lawsuit. You'll have to bring it within the statute of limitations period for the case type. But pinning down how much time you have to file isn't always as simple as reading the statute of limitations.

The time can stop and restart depending on various circumstances, and figuring out when it expires can be challenging. The process is known as "tolling" the statute of limitations, and it happens when a plaintiff or defendant is unavailable for a lawsuit. For instance, the personal injury statute of limitations typically won't begin running on a minor's injury until the child reaches 18 years of age and can sue without the help of a guardian. Learn more about calculating the statute of limitations and whether it's too late to sue.

Can an Attorney Represent a Small Claims Claimant in Connecticut Superior Court?

In Connecticut, parties in small claims court can hire attorneys to represent them—but they're not required to do so. Small claims court is more relaxed and easier to navigate than higher courts, and most people are comfortable pursuing claims "in pro per," or without counsel. (Connecticut Superior Court Procedure in Civil Matters, Rule 24-1 (2025).)

Does the Defendant Need to Answer the Small Claims Complaint?

The defendant must file an answer or a motion to transfer the case to another court on or before the "answer date" that appears on the answer form. The answer date will be a date between 15 and 45 days after the writ and notice of suit forms are filed with the court. If the defendant has any counterclaim against the plaintiff, it must also be filed by that date. If a response isn't entered in time, it could result in an automatic loss and default judgment against the defendant. (Connecticut Superior Court Procedure in Civil Matters, Rules 24-12, 24-16, 24-25 (2025).)

Example. Vincent sued Marina for the maximum small claims limit, knowing she wouldn't appear to dispute the debt. As expected, Marina didn't respond and lost by default. However, Vincent was surprised when the judge asked him to "prove up the case" by presenting proof of Marina's debt. Unprepared, all Vincent could do was tell the judge how much Marina owed, which he admitted was far less than he had requested. Because of the inconsistencies, the judge found Vincent's testimony unreliable and awarded him nothing.

Learn what happens if you get sued in small claims court.

Will I Have a Judge or Jury Trial in Connecticut Small Claims Court?

A magistrate or, in some cases, a judge will hear your case. Connecticut doesn't allow jury trials in small claims cases. A defendant who wants a jury trial can request a transfer to another court; a plaintiff who wants a jury trial can only request one if the defendant files a counterclaim. If the requesting party fails to file and pay the required jury fees before the answer deadline, they will lose the right to a jury trial. (Connecticut Superior Court Procedure in Civil Matters, Rule 24-21 (2025).)

Find out what to expect at the small claims trial.

How to Prepare and Present a Small Claims Case in Connecticut Superior Court

You'll want to explain what happened and present evidence supporting your version of the events and the amount of money lost.

What Do I Need to Prove in My Small Claims Case?

In most instances, you'll need to prove that the person you're suing harmed you and the amount of money it will take to right the situation. Research the "elements" of your case type to determine exactly what you must prove.

Tip. One of the most important things people forget to do is prove how much they're out of pocket. For instance, you'll likely provide medical bills if you were injured or repair estimates if you suffered property damage. Make sure you can prove how much it will take to fix the problem.

What Type of Evidence Should I Present in Small Claims Court?

If you're suing someone who didn't comply with a written contract, you'll need copies of the contract and any correspondence exchanged about it. You might also want to present photos of shoddy work or damaged property.

If someone witnessed an event, bring them in. You might also need expert testimony to establish the defendant caused the problem if it isn't something that can be inferred. For instance, only a medical professional can testify about the cause of an illness or injury, and you'd need a mechanic to verify most automotive repairs. Check with the court to see if you can provide a statement made under oath if the person is unavailable or charges too much for in-person testimony.

Learn about gathering evidence in support of your small claims case.

How Should I Organize My Small Claims Presentation?

After providing the judge with a short case description, you'll likely present the facts chronologically. If you're afraid you'll forget something or are worried you'll ramble on, write out your presentation and read it when it's your turn. However, you'll likely make a better impression if you speak naturally, using a bullet point list for reference when needed. Either way, practicing beforehand is the key to a polished presentation.

Also, it's best to cover each point concisely yet fully, with as little emotion as possible. You'll also want to avoid jumping in if the other side says something incorrect. Instead, make a note and address it when it is your turn to speak.

What Happens After a Connecticut Small Claims Court Trial

The court might announce the winner immediately after the trial, but it's more likely that you'll find out who prevailed by mail. In Connecticut, the court must render a judgment no later than 45 days after the completion of the trial, unless the parties or their attorneys waive the deadline. Your next steps will depend on whether you win or lose. (Connecticut Superior Court Procedure in Civil Matters, Rule 24-28 (2025).)

Can I Appeal a Connecticut Small Claims Case?

Neither party is allowed to appeal a decision in Connecticut small claims court. However, a party can file a "motion to open judgment" within four months after the date the judgment was sent. The case can be reopened only if there was an error, such as a lack of actual notice. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-212; Connecticut Superior Court Procedure in Civil Matters, Rule 24-29 (2025).)

Will the Court Collect My Judgment for Me?

You'll be responsible for all collection efforts. Before pursuing a small claims court case, you'll want to evaluate whether the defendant has assets you can seize after winning the case. A debtor with nothing you can take is called "judgment proof," and pursuing an action won't make sense unless the debtor acquires property and income in the future.

Learn more about determining whether you can collect before suing in small claims court.

Can State Exemption Laws Stop Me From Seizing the Defendant's Property?

Every state allows debtors to protect essential property from creditors, such as household goods, a percentage of income, and some equity in a car and home, although the specific property protected varies greatly. You'll find these protections in your state's exemption statutes. In most states, the same exemptions protect assets from creditors in and outside bankruptcy.

Learn more about why you shouldn't sue unless you can collect the judgment.

How to Find More Information on Connecticut Small Claims Court

Most courts include filing instructions on the court website or provide self-help services. For additional resources, try the Connecticut Judicial Branch's small claims FAQ page. You can also view Connecticut's small claims law online on the Connecticut Law Library Services website. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 51-15; 51-345 to 51-347; 52-57; 52-212, 52-259; and Connecticut Superior Court Procedure in Civil Matters, Rules 24-1 to 24-33.)

For detailed help with case filing, court strategy, and collecting a money judgment, see Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court by Attorney Cara O'Neill (Nolo). And don't forget that our small claims homepage is a great place to start if you have other questions.