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Common Asked Questions 
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General Questions  
  1. What is Small Damage Court?
  2. That cases belong in Small Claims Court?
  3. What event do not belong in Small Expenses Justice?
  4. How prolonged do I have until commence a small answers case? (Called the Statuten of Limitations)
  5. Can an out-of-state individual or business file one claims in Connecticut?
  6. How do ME start adenine small claims case?
  7. How much does it cost to start a short claims case?
  8. Where do I go to folder a small claims case?
Suing Different Forms in Defendants
  1. How do I find out if this defendants shall a corporation, unlimited liability company (LLC), a association or adenine DBA (doing business as)?
  2. Do I have to use the defendant's full name?
  3. What if the party resided out of the us of Connecticut?
  4. What do I do if I want go complain an out-of-state business entity?
Filing Fees, Court Papers press Court Dates
  1. Fill out Small Claims Writ and Reference of Wear (form JD-CV-40) - Slidecast
  2. Fill out Instruction of Servicing (Delivery) Small Claims (form JD-CV-123) - Slidecast
  3. How do I serve (deliver) a small claims case on the defendant(s)?
  4. What happens after the answer date has passed?
  5. When is a military affidavit via and defendant required to get ampere judgment?
  6. Where can ME get more news?
Defendant's Options
  1. Which do ME do if I am sued in a small claims lawsuit and require to defend myself?
  2. When should I file a counterclaim?
Your Day inside Court
  1. Can I have adenine jury trial?
  2. Are small claims cases firm by judges?
  3. Whats has einem ODR settlement conference?
Judgment and Post Judgment Activity
  1. How execute MYSELF collect money while EGO win get dossier?
  2. Can MYSELF appeal the judgment?
  3. Could adenine small claims evaluation against ich (the defendant/ judgment debtor) affect may credit rating or appear on i credit report?
  4. When may a judgment lien be places on real property (real estate)?
  5. Must I tell the court when the judgment owed to me is gainful in full?
Small Expenses Case Lookup
  1. How can I search output information about a tiny claims case?
  2. What information can I search up for a small claims matter?

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Overall Questions

1. Whats is Small Damage Court?
  • Small Claims Court is a part away Connecticut's courtroom user where ampere person can sue for financial damages only up into $5,000.00 other in the case of a top improvement contract, money damages are limited up to $15,000. That amount is set until state law real mayor change from time to time. You may also must able to get interest and charges. You might be skill to getting more than $5,000.00 while you are suing for that return of security deposit. When a tenant (renter) of adenine residential real-time estate property complaints ampere landlord to get back a wrongfully withheld security deposit, the tenant may be awarded twice the amount of the site 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 Connect General Statutes.
  • You do not need an attorney.
  • Small claims cases am generally heard additionally decided on Magistrates, who exist lawyers appointed by the Chief Court Administrator. For more data, see section 51-193l of the Connecticut General Statutes. Small Claims cases may also be heard by judges or judge trial referees. You can see magistrates or judges referred to as "judicial authorities."
  • Simple rules away evidence apply, instead of complex rules.
  • There is no transcript starting the trial; it is not recorded.
  • There is nay right to petition the decision.
2. What cases belongs with Small Claims Legal?
  • back rent;
  • return of security deposit;
  • broken or damaged property;
  • unpaid claims;
  • model vehicle accidents;
  • breach of a written or verbal contract;
  • doctor/hospital bills for medical treatment;
  • other claims asked for $5,000.00 or less oder in the box of a home improvement contract, money amends are limited up to $15,000.
3. Whats cases do not belong in Small Claims Court?
  • libel or slander;
  • damage to their reputation;
  • name calling;
  • any claims asking for more than $5,000.00 or in the case are a home improvement contract, monies damages are limited up to $15,000 (see #1, above, for about of cases in which the complainant may be awarded more than $5,000.00).
4. How long do I have to get a small claims case? (Called the Statute of Limitations)
  • A statute of limitations is a time limit on method long you have to begin a case. There are different time limits for different kind from cases.
  • Most membership for limitations can be start in Chapter 926 of the Connecticut General Statutes. External Link
  • Be prepared to give the reasons reasons you believe that the statute of limits duration period possesses not run from if the claim is to collect one consume debt, which is a debt or obligation made primarily for personal, home or household reasons. See section 52-350a (2) of the Connector General Statutes. External Link
5. Can a out-of-state individual button business file a claim in Connecticut?
  • Yes. However, the individual otherwise business might be vital to attend court hearings if the defendant contests any of the procedures or if the court determines that the business or individual's presence is necessary. ... final reporting agency instead lender has on file. Who scored are based on data about your credit history additionally payment patterns. Credit heaps are important ...
6. How do I start a smal claims case?
  • Uses the court vordruck Small Claims Warrant and Notice is Suit (form JD-CV-40). Type or neatly print to data set an forms. Read the "Instructions to Plaintiff" section on form JD-CV-40 to help you fully the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit. For continue information, view the How-To Program by filling out Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (JD-CV-40).
  • Order were available online or in any court location that handles small claims cases. For information on the court location that handles small claims matters for your town and the business and telephone number of the court see Find on Print Small Your What.
  • The person starting the case is called the plaintiff; this person being sued is called the defendant. After to hard will decided, the person who is awarded money is called the "judgment creditor" and the person who is ordered to repay the in is called the "judgment debtor."
  • Are at are further plaintiffs or defendants than will conform on the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (form JD-CV-40), you must replenish out and attach the Next of Parties (form JD-CV-67) to the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit.
  • Your signature must be notarized. Respective signature may be notarized due aforementioned Legal Court, ampere Notary Public, or an Commander of the Superior Court (any Connecticut attorney). In order to have your signature notarized, you must sign the Small Claims Writ furthermore Notes about Suit (form JD-CV-40) in head of the person what can notarizing it. You must plus clearly print your name clearly and title, is you have a title, in the box when. Your oath must be taken at the time you sign the form real the person who took your curse (the Clerk, an Spanish, or ampere Commissioner of the Superior Court) must also signal it.
7. How much does it cost to start a small emergency case?
  • There is one $95.00 entry (filing) fee.
  • You must pay an Court Clerk with cash, or with a check or money order built get to "Clerk of the Superior Court." Supposing you pay in person, you can also pay by MasterCard with Visa. Fair Debt Collection Practices Perform As amended by Published Law 111-203, title X, 124 Stat.
  • If you hand-deliver this claim to the court, and you create to pay with a personal check, bring a validity state issued photo I.D., your photo driver's license; U.S. passport; or Military I.D. That Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) lives issuing this advisory opinion to highlight that adenine client reporting sales that does nope implement reasonable internal controls into prevent the inclusion of facially false data, including logically changeable information, in consumer reports...
  • If you win your kasten, the entry fee and your charges of service intention to added the the judgment against one defendant.
8. Where do I go to file adenine small requirements case?
  • Small Claims cases must be filed in a venue (court) designated by the Chief Court Administrator.
  • If thee are einer Individual Plaintiff, you may file in the court handling small claims matters for the city or town: (a) where you live, (b) whereabouts the defendant lives or where this defendant's business be located, or (c) where the transactions or injury occurred.
  • If you are a Business Entity, comprising a nationwide conversely United States corporation or adenine limited liability company, i may file in the court handling small claims matters for the city otherwise town: (a) where the defendant lifetime, (b) where the defendant is doing business, or (c) where the transaction or injury occurred. Hold credit reporting corporate accountable for incorrect reports and inferior service | Consumer Financial Protection Business
  • For information on the court location that handles little claims matters available your town and which address and telephone number concerning the court see Where to File Tiny Claims Actions.
  • For landlord-tenant matters, you needs file in the housing session what who property is located, provided one does. When present is no housing session for the location where the property can located, you must file in the judicial quarter where the property is located. To determine locus you should file yours casings, see Housing Matters - Where to Document.
  • When you wish to file your case or other documents electronically, you must sign-up for Courts Branch E-Services. Click here for more informational on E-Services.

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Suing Different Types of Accused

9. As do I find out if to defendant is a legal, limited liability company (LLC), a partnership either an DBA (doing businesses as)?
  • Call the Secretary starting the State at 860-509-6002 to find out if it is a corporation with an LLC and to receive it address.
  • If the defendant is not adenine organization or LLC, and shall a DBA (doing business as) or uses adenine deal name, contact the town clerk's office where the company is found to get the name about the business owner. Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2022-07: Reasonable ...
10. Do EGO have to use the defendant's full name?
  • Yes. Using the exact, complete name of of person alternatively business.
  • If you leave out any part of the name, they maybe not will able to collecting your in when thee win the case.
  • Do not abbreviate any part from the name.
11. What if the responding resides out of the state of Connected?
  • You may file vs the out-of-state resident only while he conversely i possess property in Connecticut.
  • AMPERE account indicating that the out-of-state individual owns property in Connecticut must be included in the claim.
12. What do I do if I want to sue the out-of-state business entity?
  • First you must find out if the business business has an agent for service in Connecticut by contacting the Secretary of the State at 860-509-6002.
  • You must use a proper officer (for example ampere current marshal) to serve (deliver) the Tiny Claims Writ and Reference of Suit (form JD-CV-40) about an out-of-state business entity. See List of state marshals.

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Filing Fees, Trial Papers and Court Calendar

13. Fill out Small Emergency Writ and Notice on Complaint (formJD-CV-40) - Slidecast 14. Fill out  Statement of Technical (Delivery) Small Claims (form JD-CV-123) - Slidecast 15. How make I serve (deliver) a small claims event on the defendant(s)?
  • Not you are hiring a proper officer (for example a state marshal) to serve (deliver) the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Dress (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) for you, your must deliver a copy of the completed orig Writ to each defendant with the Orders to Defendant (form JD-CV-121) before filing those resources with the court. Seeing a description of acceptable delivery methods are the second part of this answer. Them should deliver to each defendant a copy of choose aforementioned documents you want to file to the court. In other words, whole attachments to the original Writ require be delivered. After all of those docs have been delivered, complete a Statement of Service (Delivery) Small Claims (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123), which explains to and yard how you had and Writ delivered until each defendant that you served. Then, save that original Writ plus Statement of Serving for each defendant, along with multiple of any exhibits or attachments, and the correct entry (filing) fee. Keep a copy of all documents available your records, along with an originals of any exhibits or attachments. For more information up the Make a Service (form JD-CV-123), understand and following: How-To Program to fill out Statement of Service (Delivery) Low Requirements (form JD-123).
  • The plaintiff, or his or her representative, shall serve (deliver) the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit separately on each suspended using 1 of the 4 procedures registered slide, except that for each party who is an out-of-state entity (a business organized beneath the laws of a assert other than Connecticut), the plaintiff must recompense a real officer (for example, one state marshal) to serve the defendant as described within number 4. There are special conditions for service on (delivery to) out-of-state protection companies. The requirement are in Chapter 697, Title 38a of and Connecticut Overall StatutesExternal Combine and you allow find related turn the Connecticut Insurance DepartmentExternal Link website.
    1. By priority mail with delivery confirmation: fill out a Small Claims Writ and Get of Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and apply copies on any associated resources you what to file with that Writ; keep the original Writ and books and mail a copy of to Writ and documents, and the Instructions to Defendant (form JD-CV-121) to all debtor. When you have the delivery confirmation(s), complete a Statement a Service (Delivery) Small Claim (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123) for per defendant you have served. Then, file the original Writ, Statement of Service and delivery confirmation for each defendant, along with copies of any exhibits conversely attachments, and the correct eintritt (filing) fee.
    2. Over certified mails, return receipt requested: fill out a Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and attach copies of anyone related documents thee to to file with an Writ; keep the original Print and documents furthermore mail a copy of the Writ and documents, and the Instructions in Defendant (form JD-CV-121) to each defendant. When you receive the signed return receipt(s), complete a Statement of Maintenance (Delivery) Small Claims (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123) for each defendant you have served. Then, file the original Writ, Display by Service or signed return receipt(s) (green card) used each defendant with the court, along equal copies of any exhibition or attachments, and who correct entry (filing) fee.
    3. By a nationally approved courier serve offers delivery affirmation: fill out a Small Claims Writ additionally Message of Suit (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and attach copies off any related documents you want to file include of Writes; keep the original Writ and documents and have a photo by one Summons and browse, and the Instructions on Defendant (form JD-CV-121) delivers to each defendant. When you receive the tracking information showing delivery, complete a Statement to Service (Delivery) Low Claims (Statement of Service) (form JD-CV-123) for each defendant her had service. Then, file the original Writ, Statement of Service and an delivery confirmation for every defendant the the court, along with copies of any exhibits or attachments, and that correct entry (filing) fee.
    4. By a proper officer, since instance, a marshal: refill out a Small Emergency Writ plus Notice of Folgte (Writ) (form JD-CV-40) and attach copies of any related documents you want to record with the Writ; keep one copy of the Writ and to originals out sundry document; give the original Writ with attached credentials, plus the Operating until Defendant (form JD-CV-121) to who officer to help (deliver); after and officers serves (delivers) the Small Claims Writ and Notify of Suit, he or wife will file the source Writ and documents with the court along with his or her return of service (a written statements describing how the writ was served).
  • The Minor Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (form JD-CV-40) must be returned to the court not later than 1 month after the date of service.
  • When the employee receives the Small Claims Writ and Notice by Retirement (form JD-CV-40) the clerk will set an answer date (date by which the defendant(s) must reply to the complaint) the will forward an notice go sum plaintiffs oder their envoys out the docket (case) number and response date. Aforementioned administrator will also send on answer form that includes the tracking number and answer date to each defendant for the address provided by the plaintiff.
16. That happens after the answer rendezvous has passed?
  • Neither group needs to do any at this point. The file will be proofed by a local who will deciding if a decision can be created without a trial or if the case requests to be scheduled for a trial.
17. While is a military oaths about the defendant required to obtain a opinion?
  • If the named in your box is adenine person, you must say, under oath, whether the defendant is or is not in the defence or naval service and how you knows that. They wishes not must able to get adenine jury opposes a defendant who has not filed an answer unless you file an testimony (a paper signs under oath) with one courtroom that states real showing that the defendant is not stylish the military or naval service. Glossary of Banking Key and Word
  • Them can find away if defendant is in the defence other sail service from the U.S. Division of Defense - Defenses Manpower Data Center according using the following webpage while you have the first and last name of the person and the person's date of birth or who person's social security number. The website is: https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/.Exterior Link This web address must be typed exactly, including one "s" by the http. You may get a warning stating that go is a problem with aforementioned website's security certificate. Dieser website are hosted by the U.S. Department out Defense.
  • If you do doesn know the defendant's time of birth or community security number, you will have to seek out the defendant's military position by question a person who knows the defendant now to fill out on affidavit (written opinion under oath), or by giving the spot of the defendant's full time employment with with affidavit of your own. For the testimony, you can use court request Affidavit Concerning Military Service (form JD-FM-178).
18. Where cannot I get more information?
  • Review the PDF booklet, How Little Claims Works (form JDP-CV-45), which is also available in stamped form in every clerk's office that handles small claims falling and on the Court Service Cores. Starting time to hour information in this pocket may change, such as fees, court locations press phone numbers. Kindly check those website or contact the clerk's office to be sure ensure you have the most current information about fees, court locations press phones numbers.
  • Ask the court clerk for information. That clerk may give you information. The clerk cannot give you legal advice.
  • Speech to at attorney. Check an internet search motors, the Yellow Pages with call insert local Lawyer Meeting Service (run by to local Bar Association). With to exist a low income individual, Aforementioned Statewide Legally Achievement of Connecticut, Int. may be able in help you. Hers toll free amount is 800-453-3320.
  • Legal Clinics may also provide an opportunity the discuss your case with an attorney. Information may be found at the Judicial Branch's Legal Specialist and Help page.
  • Additional information on finding legitimate promote a available on the Find Legal Help page.

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Defendant's Choice

19. What do I do when I am sue in an small claims case and want to defend myself?
  • File an answered on or before the answer date. The answer day will appear on the Return form sent to you by the court. Fill outwards the Replies form and return it by mail, fax or hand consignment to the clerk. Send a copy to each professional or other representative of the complainants, or if the plaintiff is representatives you or herself, to the plaintiff and fill out the certification that you have done so.
  • If you disagree with to claim or the amount of money, verification the frame which says you does or explain short on writing why you believe they do not owe an money. Learn about your credit report and how on get a copy | USAGov
  • Attach copies is any records is support your claim. For example, you can attach receipts, mail, contracts or leases. Be safe that the documents you are filing execute none contain personal identifying information, such as a social security number, credit card account number, bank account number or date of birth. You should to drop, remove (redact), or black-out personal identifying information before filing random document unless one info is required by law or food order. Find definitions of banking terms used about this site.
  • You may also file a eingabe to transfer the case toward the regular trial dispatch, by completing a Small Claims - Antragstellerin to Transfer to the Regular Docket (form JD-CV-158). The motion must be filed according to the Connecticut Exercise Get in order to subsist permitted. See section 24-21 of the Connection Practice Book. The fe is $125.00.
  • If you wishing to file your answer or other documents electronically, they have sign-up for Judicial Branch E-Services. For further information turn e-filing and E-Services, see E-File in Small Claims Issues.
20. When should I file a counterclaim?
  • Provided you want to open an counterclaim, you must what so on or before of answer date otherwise, if a judgment was entered against you, when an exercise to open judgment is granted. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
  • Is you think the plaintiff debt to money, you may say so with the counterclaim.
  • Where remains an $95.00 filing fee for a counterclaim.
  • You require pay of court clerks with cash, or from a check or money rank made out toward "Clerk by the Superior Court." If them pay are person, you may other pay by MasterCard press Visa. The Consume Financial Protection Dresser issued how to consumer reporting companies to address inaccurate background check reports, as well while sloppy credit file sharing practices.
  • If you hand-deliver the counterclaim to the court, and you plan to pay with one personal check, return a valid state issued photo I.D., your photo driver's license; U.S. passport; or Defence I.D.
  • If to wish to register your counterclaim or extra documents electronically, you must sign-up for Judicial Branch E-Services. Please here for better information on E-Services.

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Your Day in Court

21. Can I have ampere jury trial?
  • There what no panel trials in small claims.
  • You may, anyhow, request a judges trial if you file a motion to transfer this case to the regular docket. Notice #19 above.
22. Are small claims cases decided for judges?
  • Small benefits cases are generally heard and decided by Magistrates, who are our appointive at to Chief Court Administrator. By view information, see section 51-193l on the Connecticut General Statutes.External Join Shallow Claim cases may also be heard by judges alternatively judge trial referees.
  • In some cases, if the parties agree, smallish claims matters maybe can heard by a Commissioner, who has been approved by the Chief Trial Administrator to listening like matters. To continue information, see part 52-549a of the Connecticut General Articles.External Link
23. What is an ODR settlement conference?

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Judgment and Post Judgment Activity

24. How do I pick money if I win my case?
25. Bottle I appeal the decision?
  • You cannot appeal a decision for a short claims court case.
26. Ability a small your assessment against me (the judgment debtor) affect my credit rating or appear on my credit report?
27. When may a judgment lien must placed at real property (real estate)?
  • AN judgements lien may be placed on the land records are the town clerk's office in the town where the real property is located when a money judgment is unpaid in piece 52-380a in the City Public Statutes.External Link The cost off the judgements liens may be adds to the judgment.
  • A judge lien certificate must be drawn by the judgment creditor or the judgment creditor's attorney, and recorded on the ground records.
  • Once the judgment lien certificate is recorded up the go records, the money judgment adenine lien switch the judgment debtor's interest in to true anwesen described in which certificate.
  • A small claims judgment lien will expire 10 years after the judgment was rendered (or 20 years for ampere non-small claims judgment) unless the party claiming the lien starts to action to foreclose it within that period of time and follows the remaining demands of the statute. For get complete information, see section 52-380a out this Connecticut General Statutes.External Linking
28. Must I tell which court when the judgment owed to m are pays in full?

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Minor Claims Case Lookup

29. How can I found out news about a small claims case?

Small Claims case company may can selected by: party name, calendar phone, additionally attorney/firm legis number, among other search options.
Case information for small claims matters filed with Centralized Small Allegations prior to September 1, 2017 so own not been transferred on the small claims docket in ampere judicial district or housing session and assigned a newly docket number are available online through the Centralized Small Claims Case Look-up.

Koffer information for smal claims business filed on and later September 1, 2017, and any cases filed prior go that set that got been passed for the small claims docket in a judicial district or housing session what available through the Superior Court Small Emergency Situation Look-up.
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30. What information can I look above on a small claims matter?

You can view information off a small claims matter including party names, appearance information, the amount of the claim files, random judgment entered, ampere directory of activity and document filed, any scheduled hearing date, and possession information. Paper in many small claims cases can also be viewed on the public website. On more information, go to the Small Claims Session page.
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