Connecticut Small Claims FilingStep-by-Step Guide for Connecticut's 54 Judicial Districts
File your small claims case correctly in Connecticut Superior Court. We guide you through every step from choosing the right district to serving the defendant.
$29 service fee + court filing fees
Connecticut Small Claims Filing Process
Determine the Correct Judicial District
You must file in the judicial district where the defendant:
- Lives (for individuals)
- Has their principal place of business (for companies)
- Regularly does business
Complete the JD-CV-40 Form
The Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (JD-CV-40) is the main form required. Include:
Plaintiff Information
Your full name and address
Defendant Information
Full legal name and service address
Claim Statement
Clear description of what happened and why defendant owes money
Amount Sought
Specific dollar amount up to $5,000
File with the Court Clerk
Submit your completed forms to the clerk's office in the appropriate judicial district:
What to Bring
- • Completed JD-CV-40 form
- • $35 entry fee
- • $50 for marshal service
- • Copy of evidence (optional)
Filing Hours
- • Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- • Closed weekends and holidays
- • Some courts close for lunch
- • Call ahead to confirm
Service of Process
Connecticut requires service by a state marshal. The defendant must be served at least 12 days before the answer date.
Connecticut Service Requirements
- • Must use state marshal (not sheriff)
- • Marshal fee: $50 (paid at filing)
- • Service must be at least 12 days before answer date
- • Marshal will file return of service with court
Defendant's Response Period
The defendant has 30 days from the service date to file an answer with the court. They may:
Admit
Agree they owe the amount
Deny
Contest the claim
Counterclaim
File their own claim against you
Connecticut Small Claims Timeline
Day 1: File Your Case
Submit forms and pay fees
Days 2-7: Service of Process
Marshal serves defendant
Days 8-37: Answer Period
Defendant has 30 days to respond
Days 45-60: Hearing Scheduled
Court date set, parties notified
Where to File in Connecticut
Choosing the Right Judicial District
For Individual Defendants
File where the defendant lives. Use their home address to determine the judicial district.
For Business Defendants
File where the business has its principal office or regularly conducts business. Check with the Secretary of State for registered business addresses.
For Out-of-State Defendants
If the defendant doesn't live in Connecticut but the incident occurred here, file where the incident happened.
Major Connecticut Court Locations
Hartford Judicial District
95 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 548-2700
New Haven Judicial District
235 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: (203) 503-6800
Bridgeport Judicial District
1061 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (203) 579-6527
Stamford Judicial District
123 Hoyt Street
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: (203) 965-5308
Start Filing Your Connecticut Small Claim Today
Don't navigate the filing process alone. Get professional help for just $29.
$29 service fee + court filing fees