Short answer. In Connecticut, small claims (Small Claims session of the Superior Court) cover claims up to $5,000. Where to file: Individuals: where the plaintiff lives, where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened. The fee to start a case is $95, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Connecticut small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Connecticut limit of $5,000.
Connecticut small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $5,000. $5,000, or $15,000 for home improvement contract claims. A tenant suing for a wrongfully withheld security deposit may recover twice the deposit even if the total is more than $5,000. Not for libel, slander or damage to reputation.
- Also
- home improvement contracts: $15,000
- Court
- Small Claims session of the Superior Court
- Who can file
- Individuals and business entities, including corporations and LLCs. Out-of-state individuals and businesses may file but may need to attend hearings.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- Individuals: where the plaintiff lives, where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened. Business plaintiffs: where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened. Landlord-tenant: the housing session where the property is.
- Serving the other side
- The plaintiff serves each defendant by priority mail with delivery confirmation, certified mail return receipt requested, a national courier with delivery confirmation, or a proper officer such as a state marshal (required for out-of-state business entities). File the Statement of Service (JD-CV-123).
- Appeal
- No right to appeal a small claims decision.
Connecticut filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| entry (filing) fee | $95 | |
| counterclaim | $95 | |
| motion to transfer to the regular docket | $125 | |
| application for wage, property or bank execution | $105 |
From the Judicial Branch small claims FAQ. If the plaintiff wins, the entry fee and service costs are added to the judgment.
Not confirmed for Connecticut: online filing. The official Connecticut page we checked didn't state this, so we left it out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Connecticut, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Connecticut limit is $5,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtIndividuals: where the plaintiff lives, where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened. Business plaintiffs: where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened. Landlord-tenant: the housing session where the property is.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Connecticut is $95, depending on the claim. From the Judicial Branch small claims FAQ. If the plaintiff wins, the entry fee and service costs are added to the judgment.
- Have the other side servedThe plaintiff serves each defendant by priority mail with delivery confirmation, certified mail return receipt requested, a national courier with delivery confirmation, or a proper officer such as a state marshal (required for out-of-state business entities). File the Statement of Service (JD-CV-123).
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionNo right to appeal a small claims decision.
Official Connecticut links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Connecticut pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Connecticut small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Connecticut?
$5,000. $5,000, or $15,000 for home improvement contract claims. A tenant suing for a wrongfully withheld security deposit may recover twice the deposit even if the total is more than $5,000. Not for libel, slander or damage to reputation.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Connecticut?
entry (filing) fee: $95; counterclaim: $95; motion to transfer to the regular docket: $125; application for wage, property or bank execution: $105. From the Judicial Branch small claims FAQ. If the plaintiff wins, the entry fee and service costs are added to the judgment.
Can a lawyer represent me in Connecticut small claims?
Allowed in Connecticut, per the official page. Individuals and business entities, including corporations and LLCs. Out-of-state individuals and businesses may file but may need to attend hearings.
Where do I file a small claim in Connecticut?
Individuals: where the plaintiff lives, where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened. Business plaintiffs: where the defendant lives or does business, or where the transaction or injury happened. Landlord-tenant: the housing session where the property is.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Connecticut?
No right to appeal a small claims decision.
How is the other side served in a Connecticut small claims case?
The plaintiff serves each defendant by priority mail with delivery confirmation, certified mail return receipt requested, a national courier with delivery confirmation, or a proper officer such as a state marshal (required for out-of-state business entities). File the Statement of Service (JD-CV-123).
Compare every state: small claims limits by state · Colorado small claims · Delaware small claims