Connecticut’s small claims court handles money claims up to $5,000, and up to $15,000 for disputes over home improvement work or new home construction [1][2]. You don’t need a lawyer, there’s no jury, and cases are usually decided by a magistrate [1]. The trade-off: you can’t appeal the decision [1].
At a glance
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| File a small claims case (entry fee) | $95 |
| File a counterclaim | $95 |
| Motion to transfer to the regular docket (JD-CV-158) | $125 |
| Application for an execution to collect | $105 each |
What you can sue for
Small claims is for money damages only [1]. The limit is $5,000 for most claims, and it applies both to what you ask for and to what the court can award [2]. Libel and slander cases can’t be brought in small claims [2].
The limit is $15,000 for claims over loss or damage from [2]:
- home improvement work, or an offer to do it, by a contractor holding a Connecticut home improvement certificate, or
- a contract for new home construction.
The small claims procedure applies only to claims within these limits [2].
Where to file
An individual can file in the court location for the town where they live, where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened [1]. A business can file where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened [1]. Landlord-tenant cases go to the housing session for the area where the property is [1].
How to file
- Fill out the writ. The case starts with form JD-CV-40, the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit [1]. If there are too many parties to fit, add form JD-CV-67 [1]. Your signature on the writ must be notarized [1].
- Deliver it to each defendant first. The writ, with the Instructions to Defendant (form JD-CV-121), goes to every defendant before you file with the court [1].
- File it. Return the original writ and the Statement of Service (form JD-CV-123) to the court, and pay the $95 entry fee [1]. The writ must be returned to the court no later than one month after it was served [1].
- E-filing is available, but you have to sign up for Judicial Branch E-Services first [1].
The answer date and the hearing
The clerk sets an answer date and sends it to the defendant on an answer form. The defendant must file an answer on or before that date [1]. A defendant who wants the case moved to the regular civil docket files a Motion to Transfer to the Regular Docket, form JD-CV-158, and pays $125 [1].
Magistrates generally hear and decide small claims cases, though judges can too. There are no jury trials in small claims [1].
If you win: collecting the money
The court doesn’t collect for you [1]. If the other side doesn’t pay, you can apply for an execution , which lets a state marshal attach wages, non-exempt property or a bank account. Each application costs $105 [1].
- How long you have: An execution on a small claims judgment can be issued for 10 years from the judgment date, and an action on the judgment can be brought for 15 years [3]. You can ask the court to revive the judgment before that time runs out [3].
- Real estate: An unpaid judgment can become a lien on real estate. A small claims judgment lien expires after 10 years unless a foreclosure has been started [1].
- When you’re paid in full: File a Satisfaction of Judgment (form JD-CV-164) within 90 days [1].
Other states
Every state sets its own limit. See BestAmerica’s small claims limits by state.
Sources
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What is the small claims limit in Connecticut?
$5,000 for most money claims. Claims over home improvement work by a registered contractor, or a new home construction contract, can go up to $15,000. Small claims can't be used for libel or slander.
How much does it cost to file in small claims in Connecticut?
The entry fee is $95. A counterclaim also costs $95, and a defendant's motion to move the case to the regular docket costs $125.
Can you appeal a small claims decision in Connecticut?
No. The Judicial Branch says you cannot appeal a decision in a small claims case.
How long is a Connecticut small claims judgment good for?
You can get an execution to collect for 10 years from the judgment date, and bring an action on the judgment for 15 years.