How do I file a small claims case in Connecticut to recover money someone owes me?
In Connecticut, small claims procedure provides a simplified way to try to recover money damages up to a statutory limit. Proceedings are intended to be informal, allow parties to appear without an attorney, and use simplified forms and procedures. The court may use a commissioner to hear the case, who will make a written award that the clerk can enter as a judgment. The rules emphasize prompt, inexpensive hearings and allow modified pleading and evidence procedures.
Current Connecticut law
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The deadline that matters
Judgments in small claims matters must be rendered no later than 45 days from the completion of the proceedings unless that time is waived in writing, under Conn. P.B. 24-29.
What Connecticut law says
The small claims process is governed by rules the judges of the Superior Court have adopted for small claims, which apply to actions claiming money damages not in excess of five thousand dollars, and which make the proceedings simple and informal, permitting representation by counsel but not requiring it, and allowing institution of actions on suitable forms by filing with the clerk and paying required fees, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-15 and Conn. P.B. 24-1 and Conn. P.B. 24-8. Civil actions generally are commenced by a writ of summons accompanied by a complaint under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-45a. A commissioner hearing a small claim is not bound by ordinary rules of evidence, must take testimony under oath, and must file a written award promptly for entry as judgment by the clerk, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-549c.
What to do
A common next step is to file your filled claim form and evidence checklist with the clerk and pay any required small claims fee, as filing starts the action under Conn. P.B. 24-8.
A common step is to ensure the defendant is properly served with the writ/notice as required for civil process under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-45a.
A common step is to prepare your evidence and witnesses and be ready to give testimony under oath at the hearing, noting that evidentiary rules are relaxed, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-549c.
A common option is to ask for a hearing before a commissioner or judicial authority and, if an award is issued, the clerk will enter judgment and mail notice to the parties, per Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-549c.
A common step after judgment is to review post-judgment procedures available under general court rules if collection or enforcement appears necessary, recognizing small claims procedure is intended to be final and prompt under Conn. P.B. 24-1.
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Common questions
What money limit applies in Connecticut small claims?
Small claims procedure applies to actions claiming money damages not in excess of five thousand dollars under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-15.
Can I have a lawyer represent me in small claims?
Yes, parties may be represented by counsel but the procedure is designed to be informal and counsel is not required, under Conn. P.B. 24-1 and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-549c.
How long until a decision is entered after the hearing?
A written decision is required in contested hearings and judgments should be rendered no later than 45 days from completion of proceedings unless waived, under Conn. P.B. 24-29.
Are strict evidence rules enforced in small claims?
A commissioner presiding over a small claim is not bound by the usual rules on admissibility of evidence, though testimony is given under oath, per Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-549c.
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This page provides general legal information about Connecticut small claims, not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
