Small claims court allows individuals to sue for up $5,000 in damages (except in home improvement cases, where the limit is $15,000). The court uses specialized, streamlined procedures to quickly resolve cases.

Generally, small claims cases consist of an individual seeking compensation for damages that caused them monetary loss. Examples could include back rent, return of security deposit, broken or damaged property, unpaid debts, motor vehicle accidents, breach of a written or verbal contract, doctor bills for medical treatment, or other claims asking for $5,000 or less (except in home improvement cases, where the limit is $15,000).

In small claims court, an individual cannot sue for anything other than money. Examples of cases that cannot be brought to small claims court are libel or slander, evictions, damage to reputation, name calling, or any claims asking for more than $5,000 (except in home improvement cases, where the limit is $15,000). 

The plaintiff should begin by sending a formal "demand letter" to the person they intend to sue. This letter should be concise, clearly presenting the plaintiff's viewpoint and detailing the harm experienced. It should provide a timeline of events, mention any legal rights that were violated, and include the specific amount of money owed. The letter should conclude with a warning that failure to respond within 30 days will result in the initiation of a small claims case.

To start a case in Connecticut small claims court, an individual begins by filling out the Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit form (JD-CV-40). They should refer to the "Instructions to Plaintiff" section on JD-CV-40 for specific guidance. In the case, the person seeking money is the plaintiff, and the person being sued is the defendant. The signature on JD-CV-40 must be notarized. This can be done by the Court Clerk, a Notary Public, or a Commissioner of the Superior Court (any Connecticut attorney). The plaintiff should sign the form in front of the notary, print their name, and take an oath at the time of signing. The person who administers the oath must also sign the form.

An individual can file a case in the small claims court for the city or town where (1) they live, (2) the defendant lives or operates their business, or (3) where the damages happened.

There is a $95.00 filing fee to enter a claim. A plaintiff can pay the Court Clerk with cash, a check, or a money order made out to "Clerk of the Superior Court." If the plaintiff is paying in person, they can also use MasterCard or Visa. If a plaintiff is delivering their claim by hand and paying with a personal check, they should bring a valid state-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, or Military ID. If the plaintiff wins their case, the filing fee and your service costs will be added to the money owed by the defendant.