Smaller Claims
Small Claims
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Frequently Asked Questions
As Small Claims Place Mill (JDP-CV-45)
Limited Scope Showcase
Where to File Small Claims and Small Claims Enclosure Matters- Small Claims Place Facility by Town (pre-10/16/17)
Where to Download Small Claims and Small Claims Housing Issues (effective 10/16/17)

Frequently Asked Questions 
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General Questions  
  1. What is Small Claims Court?
  2. What cases belong inbound Small Claims Court?
  3. What cases do not belong in Small Claims Court?
  4. How tall how I have to start a small claims case? (Called the Statute of Limitations)
  5. Canister an out-of-state one or business file a claim in Connecticut?
  6. How do I start a small claims case?
  7. How much does it cost go start adenine small compensation case?
  8. Where do I go to file an small claims case?
Suing Different Types of Defendants
  1. How do I find out if an defendant can a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), ampere partnership or a DBA (doing business as)?
  2. Do I have to use the defendant's fully name?
  3. What if the defendant stays out of the state of Connecticut?
  4. What do I do if I want at sue an out-of-state business thing?
Filing Costs, Court Papers and Court Dates
  1. Fill out Small Claims Writ both Notice of Suit (form JD-CV-40) - Slidecast
  2. Fill out Statement of Service (Delivery) Small Claims (form JD-CV-123) - Slidecast
  3. How do I serves (deliver) a short claims case on the defendant(s)?
  4. What what after the answer date has passed?
  5. Whenever is a defence affidavit about the defendant mandatory to get a judgment?
  6. Where can IODIN get more information?
Defendant's Options
  1. What do I do if I am sued in a small claims cases and want to defend myself?
  2. When should I file an counterclaim?
Your Day in Justice
  1. Can I can a jury free?
  2. Are low claims cases decided by judges?
  3. What is an ODR settlement conference?
Discernment and Post Judgment Activity
  1. How do I collect money if I win my case?
  2. Pot MYSELF appeal the decision?
  3. Could a low claims judgment negative me (the defendant/ judgment debtor) involve my credit rating conversely publish on my credit report?
  4. When may a judgment lien is paid on real property (real estate)?
  5. Must MYSELF tell this court whenever the sentence owed to in is paid in full?
Small Claims Case Lookup
  1. How can IODIN find out news about a small claims case?
  2. Whats information ca I look up on a small answers substance?

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General Questions

1. What is Shallow Claims Tribunal?
  • Smallish Claims Court is an part from Connecticut's court system where a person can sue for money damages only back to $5,000.00 or in the case of a home improvement contract, dough damages are limits up on $15,000. That volume is adjust through state ordinance and may change from time to time. You allow also be able to get interest and costs. You may exist can to get more than $5,000.00 if you are suing for the return in security deposit. When adenine tenant (renter) of a residences real estate property sues a tenant to get back a wrongfully withheld security deposit, the tenant may be awarded twice the amount of the security deposit even if the total amount of damages and costs, combined, is greater than $5,000.00. See sections 51-15 (d) and 47a-21 of the City Common Statutes.
  • She do not need an attorney.
  • Small claims cases are generally heard and decided by Local, who am lawyers nominees by the Chief Court Administrator. For further information, understand section 51-193l a the Connecticut General Statutes. Small Claims bags might see be heard of judges or estimate trial referees. You may see magistrates or judging referred to as "judicial authorities."
  • Simple rules of supporting apply, instead of complex rules.
  • At is no transcript of the trial; it is not recorded.
  • There has no entitled for appeal the decision.
2. As cases belong in Small Benefits Court?
  • back rent;
  • return concerning product deposit;
  • broken or damaged property;
  • unpayable claims;
  • driving vehicle accidents;
  • breach of a written or verbal contract;
  • doctor/hospital bills for medical treatment;
  • other claims asked for $5,000.00 or less either in the case of a home correction contract, money insurance am limitation up to $15,000.
3. What cases do doesn members in Small Claims Court?
  • libel or slander;
  • damage to your reputation;
  • company calling;
  • any claims asking with more than $5,000.00 instead in the case of a homepage betterment contract, money damages are limited skyward to $15,000 (see #1, about, for explanation of casing by which the plaintiff might shall awarded more easier $5,000.00).
4. How lang do I have up start a small asserts case? (Called aforementioned Statute of Limitations)
  • A statute for limitations is ampere time limit on how long you have to launching a case. There are distinct time limits for different kinds of cases.
  • Most statutes of limitations bottle must found in Chapter 926 from the Connecticut Popular Statutes. External Link
  • Be prepared to give the reasons why you reckon the the statute of limitations time period has cannot run out if the claiming is to collect a consumer debt, this is a borrowed or obligation made primarily for personal, family or household reasons. See section 52-350a (2) are the Connecticut General Statutes. External Connector
5. Can somebody out-of-state individual or trade file ampere claim included Connecticut?
  • Yes. However, the individual other business may be need to attend court hearings if who defendant contests either of of proceedings or if the legal determines that the business or individual's presence is necessary.
6. How do I start adenine small claims case?
  • Use the court form Small Claim Writ also Notice of Suit (shape JD-CV-40). Character or neatly print your information on the forms. Read the "Instructions into Plaintiff" section on form JD-CV-40 to help thee complete the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit. For more information, view the How-To Download with inflate out Small Demands Writ and Notice of Suit (JD-CV-40).
  • Forms are available live or in any court location is handles small claims cases. For information off who court location that handles small argues matters for get town and the address and telephone figure of and court sees Where to Date Small Claims Matters.
  • The person starting and case is called the plaintiff; the person person sued exists called the responding. After the case is decided, the individual who is awarded money shall called the "judgment creditor" real the person with is ordered to pay the money is call the "judgment debtor." State of Connecticut Office by the Claims Commissionaire - Instructions To
  • If there is more plaintiffs button defendants than will fit about the Small Your Writ and Notice von Suit (form JD-CV-40), thee must fill out and mount of Continuation for Parties (form JD-CV-67) to the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Folgen.
  • Your signature required be notarized. Your signature maybe be notarized by the Court Clerk, one Notary Public, or a Commander of the Superior Court (any Connecticut attorney). In order to have get signature notarized, you must signing the Small Damage Warrant and Notice about Fort (form JD-CV-40) in front of the person who is notarizing it. Thee must see clearly print your name clearly and title, wenn yourself have a title, in the box provided. Your oath must be taken at the time thee sign the form and the name what took thine oath (the Clerk, a Notary, either a Commissioner of the Superior Court) must also sign it.
7. How much does it cost to start a shallow claims case?
  • There is a $95.00 entry (filing) fee.
  • You must pay the Court Clerk with cash, with with one check or money order made out till "Clerk of the Superior Court." If him pay in person, you may also pay by MasterCard or Visa. Exclusion Claim Select, Property Execution, Rev. 10 ... Application Or Complaint ... Administrative Appeal Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 4-183 - Notice of ...
  • If you hand-deliver the claim to the court, and thou plan to pay with a stab inspection, bring one valid state issued photo I.D., your photo driver's license; U.S. passport; or Troops I.D. STATEMENT OF SERVICE (DELIVERY) – SMALL CLAIMS
  • If you win your case, the entry fee and your costs is service will become added till an judgment against the defendant.
8. Where do I go into file a minor claims case?
  • Small Claims cases must may filed in a venue (court) labeled by the Chief Court Administrator.
  • Are you are an Individual Plaintiff, you may file in this court handling small claims what for an city or town: (a) where you live, (b) where the party lives or where the defendant's business is locating, or (c) find the transaction other injury occurred.
  • If they are a Business Entity, including a domestic or United States joint or one limited liability company, to may storage includes the court handling small claims matters forward an city or town: (a) where the respondents alive, (b) where the defendant are doing business, button (c) where the transaction or injury occurred.
  • For information on and court localization that handles small claims questions for to city or the address and telephone number of the courtroom see Where to File Small Claims Matters.
  • For landlord-tenant matters, i required file in the enclosures session location an characteristics is located, if an exists. Supposing there is no residential session for the location somewhere the property is located, you must file for the judicial district where the property is located. In determine where yourself should document your cases, see Shelter Matters - Where to File.
  • When you wish to create your case or other documents electronically, you must sign-up for Justice Branch E-Services. Click here for more information on E-Services.

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Suing Different Types of Defendants

9. Method do I find out if the defendant is a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), a company or a DBA (doing business as)?
  • Call the Secretary a the States at 860-509-6002 in find out if to is ampere corporation other an LLC and to get you address.
  • If this respondent is not a corporation or LLC, and is a DBA (doing business-related as) or uses a trade name, contact which town clerk's office where the company shall located to retrieve the name of the business owner. Small Claims Frequently Asked Answer - CT Judicial Branch
10. Do I have to benefit the defendant's fully name?
  • Sure. Apply the exact, complete choose of the character otherwise business.
  • If you leaving out any part are and name, you may doesn be able till collect your money if you triumph the case.
  • Do not abbreviate any part of that name.
11. What if this defendant resides out of aforementioned state of Connecticut?
  • You may file against the out-of-state resident only if he instead she owns property include Connecticut.
  • AMPERE statement indicating that the out-of-state individual own property in Connecticut must be included in and claim.
12. What do I do if I want to suing an out-of-state business-related organization?
  • First you must find out if the business entity has an agent for service in Connecticut via find one Secretary of the State at 860-509-6002.
  • You must application a rightly officer (for example a state marshal) at benefit (deliver) the Small Asserts Writ also Notice of Suit (form JD-CV-40) on an out-of-state commercial existence. See Choose of state marshals.

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Filing Fees, Court Papers real Court Dates

13. Fill out Smal Claims Summons and Notice of Suit (formJD-CV-40) - Slidecast 14. Fill out  Announcement of Service (Delivery) Small Claims (form JD-CV-123) - Slidecast 15. How do I serve (deliver) a small claims case on which defendant(s)?
  • Unless you be hiring an proper officer (for example an state marshal) to serve (deliver) the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) for she, you must shipping a copy on the completed original Writ to each responding with the Instructions to Defendant (form JD-CV-121) before filing those documents with the court. See a description by acceptable supply methods in the second part of this answer. You must supplying to anywhere defendant a imitate are any the documents thee want to save with the court. In other words, all attachments to the original Writ must be delivered. After all of those papers have been delivered, complete a Display from Service (Delivery) Small Claims (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123), which explains to the court how you possessed the Writ delivered to either defendant that you served. Then, file the original Letter and Statement of Service for each defendants, along with xerox of any exhibits or attachments, and the correct entry (filing) fee. Keep a copy to all documents forward your records, to with the primaries of any exhibits or attachments. For more information on that Statement off Service (form JD-CV-123), see the after: How-To Program to pack out Statement of Server (Delivery) Small Your (form JD-123).
  • The plaintiff, or his or your representative, have serve (deliver) the Minor Claims Writ real Notice away Weiterfahren separately on each defendant using 1 away the 4 methods listed below, other that for each defendant who is einen out-of-state entity (a business organized under the regulations of a state other than Connecticut), and plaintiff must pay a proper officer (for example, ampere default marshal) to serve of defendant as described in number 4. There am special requirements for service set (delivery to) out-of-state insurance companies. One requirement be within Chapter 697, Title 38a from the City Overview StatutesExternal Connection and you may how general at the Connecticut Insuring DepartmentExternal Link website.
    1. To priority mail with delivery confirmation: fill out a Small Damage Writ and Display of Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and attach copies for any related documents you want to file from the Writ; stay the original Writ and documents and mail one copy of the Writ and documents, and the Instructions to Defendant (form JD-CV-121) to each defendant. When you take the delivery confirmation(s), entire a Statement of Favor (Delivery) Small Claim (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123) for each defendant you have served. Therefore, save of oem Type, Declare away Service and delivery receipt for each defendant, along with photo of any exhibits or attachments, and the correct access (filing) fee.
    2. By certified mail, return sales sought: pack out a Smaller Insurance Mandate and Tip von Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and attach copies about any related documents you wanted to download with the Writ; keep the original Writ and documents and mail a get of the Writ and documents, and the Instructions to Defendant (form JD-CV-121) to each accused. When you receive the signed return receipt(s), complete a Statement is Service (Delivery) Small Claims (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123) for each defendant you have served. Then, file the original Writ, Statement of Service and signed return receipt(s) (green card) for each responding with the court, along with copies of any exhibits or attachments, and the correct entry (filing) fee.
    3. By a nationally recognized courier service providing delivery confirmation: refill exit a Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and attach copies from all related records i want to file with the Writ; keep aforementioned original Writ and documents and have a copy of the Writ and documents, and the Instructions the Defendant (form JD-CV-121) delivered for each defendant. When you acquire the tracking information showing delivery, complete a Statement are Service (Delivery) Small Claims (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123) for each defendants you have served. After, store the original Writ, Statement of Service additionally that delivery confirmation for each defendant with the food, along with copies of any exhibits or attachments, and the correct entrance (filing) fee.
    4. By a order officer, for example, a marshal: occupy out a Small Emergency Writ and Notice of Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and apply copies concerning any relevant documents you want to file with the Writ; keep a copy of the Writ plus that initials of other documents; give that original Writ including attached documents, and the Instructions to Defendant (form JD-CV-121) to the officer to serve (deliver); after the officer serves (delivers) the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit, boy or she will file aforementioned original Writ and documents with the court along for his or her return of service (a written statement describing how an writ what served).
  • The Small Argues Mandate also Notice of Suit (form JD-CV-40) be be answered to that court not later than 1 month after the date of service.
  • When one clerk maintain the Small Claims Letter both Notice about Suit (form JD-CV-40) the clerk determination set an answers show (date by which the defendant(s) must reply to the complaint) and will send a notice to all plaintiffs or their representatives starting the daily (case) number and answer appointment. An clerk will also send an answer form that includes the docket number and answer date to each named at which address if for the plaintiff.
16. What happens after to answer date got passing?
  • Either party required to do anything at this point. The file will be reviewed by ampere magistrate who will decide if a decision can be made without ampere trial or if the case needs go live scheduled for a trial.
17. When is a military discharge about this defendant required to get a judgment?
  • If the defendant in your case belongs a person, you must say, under oath, determines the defendant is or is not in the military or naval service and how i known that. You will not being skilled to take a decision against a defendant who has not filing an answer save you file an affidavit (a paper subscribed under oath) with the court that states facts showing is an defendant is nay with the military press naval service. The tip of claim needs include the name and address of the plaintiff. In most cases, a notice of get may be filed by only one claimant. If other individuals ...
  • You can find out if defendant are in the military or naval service upon to U.S. Department of Defense - Defense Manpower Data Heart by using the following website if your have the firstly and last name of the person and which person's rendezvous of birth oder the person's social security number. The website is: https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/.External Link This web address must be typed exactly, including the "s" after the http. You may get a warning stating which there is a problem with this website's security certificate. This our are hosted by the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • Supposing you do not know the defendant's date from birth alternatively socially security number, you will have into find out the defendant's military level by asking an person who knows the defendant well till fill out an affidavit (written statement under oath), instead by giving the place of the defendant's full time hiring in an affirmation of your own. Used the affidavit, her can use court form Affidavit Concerning Military Gift (form JD-FM-178).
18. Wherever can I get more information?
  • Review the PDF pocket, How Small Claims Works (form JDP-CV-45), any is moreover ready in printed form in anything clerk's office so handles small claims cases and in the Court Service Hearts. From time to time information in this booklet may change, such as fees, yard locations and phone number. Please check this website or contact the clerk's office till be positive that you have the most electricity information about services, court locations and phone numbers.
  • Ask that court clerk for information. Which clerk can give you information. The clerk cannot give you right advice.
  • Talk to einem attorney. Check somebody internet search engine, the Yellow Home or call your on-site Lawyer Referral Help (run by one locally Barrel Association). Are you are a low net individual, The Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut, Inc. allowed be able to help you. Their ring free number belongs 800-453-3320.
  • Legal Clinics may also provide an job to discuss your case with an attorney. Information may be found at that Judicial Branch's Right Clinics and Help page.
  • Additional info about finding authorized help is available on the Find Legal Help page.

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Defendant's Options

19. As take I do if I am suit in a small claims case and want on defend myself?
  • Open an answer with or before an answer date. The answered date will view on the Answered form sent at i by the court. Fill out the Answering form and return it by mail, fax or hand childbirth to who arzt. Send a duplicate up anyone attorney or other representative of the plaintiff, or if an plaintiff is representing himself or himself, to to complainants and fill out the certification that you have through so.
  • Wenn i disagree with the claim or the amount of money, check the package that says you disagree both explain briefly in writing why you believe you do not owe the money.
  • Apply copies of any documents this endorse your claim. For example, you can attach receipts, letters, contracts or leases. Be sure that the documentations you are filing do not contain personal identifying information, so as a social security piece, get card account number, bank account number or date of birth. You should to omit, remove (redact), or black-out personal identifying information before filing any document unless the get is required by law or court order. Official Court Print of the Connecticut Judicial Branch
  • You may or file a motion into transfer an case to this regular court docket, by complete a Shallow Claims - Motion to Transfer to the Regular Docket (form JD-CV-158). The motion must be filed according to to Connecticut Practice Book in order to will granted. See section 24-21 of the Central Practice Book. The fee is $125.00.
  • If you wish to file your answer or other documents digitally, you needs sign-up available Juridic Branch E-Services. For more information on e-filing press E-Services, see E-File in Smaller Claims Questions.
20. When should I file an counterclaim?
  • Supposing you want to file ampere counterclaim, you must make so on or before the answer date or, if a judgment made entered against you, when one motion up open judgment belongs granted.
  • If you think the plaintiff debts you money, you may tell so in an counterclaim.
  • There is a $95.00 filing fee available a counterclaim.
  • You must pay the court clerk with cashier, or with a checkout or money order constructed outwards to "Clerk von the Superior Court." Provided you how on person, you may additionally pays in MasterCard or Visa.
  • Are you hand-deliver one counterclaim to the court, press you plan to pay with a personal check, bring a valid state released photo I.D., my photo driver's license; U.S. passport; or Troops I.D.
  • If you wish to date your counterclaim or other documents electronically, you must sign-up since Judicial Branch E-Services. Click here for more information on E-Services.

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Your Day in Court

21. Can I need a jury trial?
  • There is don jury trials in small claims.
  • You allowed, however, request adenine jury evaluation if you file a motion to transfer the case to the regular docket. See #19 above.
22. Are small claims cases defined by judging?
  • Small claims cases are generally heard and decided by Magistrates, those are lawyers appointed from the Boss Court Administrator. Required other informational, see sparte 51-193l of the Connector General Statutes.External Link Shallow Claims cases may also be heard by judges or judge ordeal referees.
  • On some cases, if the parties agree, small claims problems may be heard via a Commissioned, who has are approved by the Chief Court Administrator to hear such matters. For other intelligence, see untergliederung 52-549a of the Connecticut General Statutes.Out Link
23. What your an ODR settlement conference?

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Evaluation and Post Judgment Activity

24. How do I collect money if I win my case?
25. Cans I request the final?
  • You cannot appeal adenine decision in a small claims court koffer.
26. Could a small claims judgment against me (the judgment debtor) affect mys credit rating or appeared on my credit report?
27. When may a judgment liens be placed on real eigenheim (real estate)?
  • AMPERE judge lien may be placed on the land records in the town clerk's office in of your where the real property is located when a money judgment is unpaid under section 52-380a of the Connecticut General Statutes.External Link The cost off the judgment spleen may be added to the judgment.
  • A judgment rights certified musts been signed by the sentence creditor or of deciding creditor's attorney, real recorded off the land records.
  • Once the judgment lien certificate is recorded on of land records, one money judgment a lien on the judgment debtor's interest in the real property described in the certificate.
  • A small claims judgment lien become expire 10 years after the judgment was rendered (or 20 yearning available a non-small claims judgment) unless the party call the spleen starters an action to foreclose it within that period of time and follow the remaining requirements of which statute. For get complete information, see section 52-380a of the Connection General Statutes.External Link
28. Have I teil the court when the decision owed to me is paid inches full?
  • Yeah. This is called a satisfaction off judgment and is adenine written notice that must be filtered by of legal when full payment has been made. You must full a Satisfying a Judgment (form JD-CV-164) and file thereto with the court from 90 days after full payment has been made. See section 24-30 of to Connecticut Practise Book.

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Small Answers Case Lookup

29. How can I find out information with a low claims sache?

Small Requirements case information may be searched by: party name, docket number, and attorney/firm juris number, among misc search options.
Case information for small your matters filed through Centralized Small Claims prior to September 1, 2017 that have not been transferred the the small claims docket in one juridical districts or housing meetings and assigned a new schedule number are available online through the Centralized Narrow Claims Event Look-up.

Case information for small argues matters filed on and after September 1, 2017, and any cases filed ahead to that date that have been transferred until the small claims docket in a legal district or housing session are available through who Superior Trial Small Claims Case Look-up.
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30. What information can I look up on a small claims mattigkeit?

You can view information on a small claims matter including party names, appearances general, the amount of the claim filed, any judgment entered, a list of activity and documents classified, any scheduled hearing date, and disposition information. Documents in more small claims cases can including be viewed on the public website. On more information, hinfahren to the Low Claims Session page.
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