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Connecticut · small claims

Small claims court CT (Connecticut)

Small claims court in CT is a session of the Superior Court for money claims of $5,000 or less. The entry fee is $95, which you can recover if you win, and lawyers may appear but are not required. A small claims decision cannot be appealed, so prepare as if the hearing is your only chance.

Statute of Limitations by State editorial teamUpdated 5 sources

Connecticut small claims limit, fees and rules

Connecticut’s small claims session hears claims for money damages of $5,000 or less (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-15(d)); most cases are decided by a magistrate rather than a judge. If your loss is larger, you can give up the excess to stay in small claims or sue on the regular civil docket of the Superior Court, where the rules of evidence and procedure apply in full.[1][2]

Connecticut small claims at a glance (checked November 2026)
RuleConnecticut
Dollar limit$5,000$5,000 or less.
CourtSmall Claims Session of the Superior Court
Filing fee$95 entry fee (recoverable if you win). Defendant's motion to transfer to the regular docket: $125.
LawyersAllowedYou do not need an attorney, but parties may appear through one; small claims cases are generally decided by magistrates (Connecticut Judicial Branch small claims FAQ; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-193l).
AppealNo appeal: a small claims decision cannot be appealed (Connecticut Judicial Branch small claims FAQ).

Before you file in Connecticut small claims

The no-appeal rule changes the strategy: a defendant who wants a full trial must ask to move the case to the regular docket before the hearing, which costs $125. Bring every document to the first hearing, because there is no second round in small claims.

  • Fee: $95 to file (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-259(b)); the court can order the losing side to pay it back.
  • Lawyers: optional on both sides.
  • Appeal: none from a small claims decision.

Deadline to file in Connecticut

Small claims cases have the same filing deadline as any lawsuit: once the statute of limitations runs, the court will dismiss the claim if the defendant raises it.[3][4][5]

Connecticut limitation periods for common small claims
ClaimDeadlineStatute
Unpaid loan or written contract6 yearsConn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576(a)
Oral agreement3 yearsConn. Gen. Stat. § 52-581
Credit card or open account6 yearsConn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576(a)
Property damage (e.g. fender bender)2 yearsConn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584

See the full Connecticut statute of limitations list for other claims, compare the small claims limit by state if the defendant is elsewhere, and read how to file a claim in small claims court for the general steps. Whether to bring counsel is covered on the small claims attorney page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the small claims limit in CT?
$5,000 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-15(d)). Larger claims go to the regular civil docket of the Superior Court unless you give up the excess.
How much does it cost to file in CT small claims court?
The entry fee is $95 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-259(b)), which a winning plaintiff can usually recover. A defendant’s motion to transfer the case to the regular docket costs $125.
Can you appeal a small claims decision in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut does not allow an appeal from a small claims decision, according to the Connecticut Judicial Branch. A defendant who wants a regular trial must move the case to the regular docket before the hearing.

Sources

  1. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 51-15(d), 52-259(b); Conn. Practice Book §§ 24-1 to 24-33: small claims jurisdiction and procedure · Connecticut statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026
  2. Connecticut small claims: official court self-help · Connecticut Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  3. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576(a): written contract limitation period · Connecticut General Statutes (official), checked November 2026
  4. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-581: oral contract limitation period · Connecticut General Statutes (official), checked November 2026
  5. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584: property damage limitation period · Connecticut General Statutes (official), checked November 2026