Connecticut Small Claims Fees: Complete Guide to Costs, Payments, and Waivers
Introduction: Why Connecticut small claims fees matter
Fees matter because a small mistake can cost you time, and real money. Connecticut small claims fees include filing charges, service fees, and sometimes court costs; miss a fee and your case can be delayed or dismissed. That happens more often than you think, especially when people assume small claims are free.
Knowing the fee structure helps you pick the fastest, cheapest path. For example, consolidating two related claims into one filing can save you multiple filing fees. Asking for a fee waiver if you qualify, or choosing certified mail instead of a marshal for service, are small moves that cut costs.
This guide shows you exactly what fees to expect, how to pay them, how to request a fee waiver, and practical hacks to keep more money in your pocket when you file a Connecticut small claims case.
Quick overview of Connecticut small claims court
Connecticut small claims court is your go to forum for straightforward money disputes. It handles most claims up to $5,000, including unpaid invoices, property damage, and security deposit disputes. You can sue a person or a business, usually in the town where the defendant lives or where the problem occurred.
The process is informal, paperwork is minimal, and lawyers are optional. After you file and pay Connecticut small claims fees, the clerk sets a hearing date; expect a hearing in roughly 4 to 12 weeks depending on the courthouse backlog. Many cases settle at or before the first hearing, but if a trial happens you should bring copies of contracts, invoices, photos, and any witnesses.
If you win, collecting the judgment is a separate step, so plan for collection methods like wage garnishment or bank execution if the other party does not pay.
Who can file a small claims case and dollar limits
Anyone with a legal claim can use Connecticut small claims, including private individuals, sole proprietors, and most businesses such as LLCs and corporations. If you run a small business and someone owes you $3,200 for services, you can file in small claims rather than the regular civil docket. Large corporate disputes are also eligible, though companies often send an authorized agent to appear.
The monetary cap matters. Connecticut small claims currently accept cases up to $5,000. If your claim is $5,001 or more you must file in the regular civil court. For example, a broken contractor contract for $4,800 fits small claims, while a $7,500 construction dispute does not.
Keep this in mind when budgeting for Connecticut small claims fees and court time. If your amount is borderline, consider breaking claims only if legally valid, or consult an attorney to decide the best court to file in.
Breakdown of Connecticut small claims fees
Here are the common Connecticut small claims fees you will encounter, with real world examples and when they apply.
Filing fee, the cost to start a case. Typical range, $20 to $60 depending on the court and claim size. Example, you might pay $25 to file a $2,500 claim at a municipal court. This fee is due at filing.
Service fee, the cost to have the defendant served. State marshals or constables usually charge $40 to $100 for personal service, plus mileage. Example, expect about $75 if the marshal travels out of town.
Motion fees, for things like a motion to open judgment, motion to dismiss, or motions for additional relief. These commonly run $40 to $150. Example, a motion to open a default judgment could cost $90 to file.
Appeal fees, if you push the case up to the regular civil docket or appeal a magistrate ruling. Expect $75 to $150, depending on the level. Example, filing an appeal to the regular civil court often requires paying the appellate fee plus any transcript costs.
Tip, always confirm exact amounts with the clerk before you go to court, and ask about fee waivers if you cannot afford the costs.
How to calculate the exact fee you will pay
Start with the official fee schedule, either on the Connecticut Judicial Branch website or by calling the clerk. Then follow these steps.
- Determine the base filing fee for your claim amount. Fees often scale by claim brackets, so match your dollar amount to the correct bracket.
- Add service costs, per defendant. If you use a constable, sheriff, or certified mail, include each charge.
- Add hearing or administrative fees, if any, plus fees for subpoenas or interpreter services.
- If you win and need a writ of execution or garnishment, add those enforcement fees.
- Add copy and certification fees, and factor in possible appeal fees.
- Subtract any fee waiver or indigency exemption you qualify for.
Example: claim $2,200. Filing fee $80. Service to one defendant $70. Subpoena $25. Certified copy $5. Total Connecticut small claims fees to budget, $180. Always verify current amounts with the clerk before filing, and ask about fee waivers if you have limited income.
How and where to pay small claims fees in Connecticut
Most courts accept cash, personal check, money order, cashier’s check, and major credit or debit cards for Connecticut small claims fees. Call the clerk first, because some locations do not take cards or charge a processing fee for card payments.
If you pay in person, bring your case number, a photo ID, and a copy of the complaint or summons. Bring exact change when using cash, and make checks payable to the "Clerk of Court" or as the local clerk instructs.
Many Connecticut courts let you pay online through the Judicial Branch e filing and payment portal for small claims, but you usually must create an account first. Tip, pay when you file to avoid processing delays, and arrive 15 to 30 minutes before closing.
Fee waivers, reductions, and refunds: who qualifies and how to apply
If you cannot afford Connecticut small claims fees, you may qualify for a waiver, generally based on income or public benefits. Typical qualifying situations include enrollment in SNAP, SSI, state cash assistance, or very low monthly income. Veterans with limited income often qualify too. Each courthouse applies the same legal standard, but proof requirements vary.
How to apply, step by step:
- Get the court fee waiver or in forma pauperis form from the Connecticut Judicial Branch website or the clerk’s office.
- Complete the affidavit, attach proof such as pay stubs, DSS award letters, or Social Security statements.
- File the form with the clerk when you file your claim, or submit it before the hearing, and request a stamped copy for your records.
Refund rules are strict. Filing fees are rarely refunded after the clerk processes your case. If you withdraw before service, ask the clerk in writing and include your receipt, because some courts will return service fees or correct overpayments. Always keep originals and get everything stamped.
Common mistakes that add costs and how to avoid them
Most extra costs come from small, fixable mistakes. Common culprits include paying the wrong amount, using an unacceptable payment method, and filing incomplete forms. Example, some Connecticut courts require a cashier check for a filing fee, not a personal check, which forces a return trip and extra postage.
Service errors are costly too. If you fail to properly serve the defendant, you may need to re serve and pay a sheriff or process server again. Always confirm acceptable service methods on the court website, and get proof of service.
Other mistakes include missing exhibits, forgetting to request a fee waiver, and missing deadlines. Prevent problems by using the court checklist, calling the clerk before filing, sending certified mail for documents, and keeping receipts. Doing these cuts unnecessary Connecticut small claims fees and speeds your case.
After you pay: service, hearings, judgments, and collecting a judgment
Once you pay Connecticut small claims fees the clerk gives you a case number, scheduled hearing date, and service instructions. Arrange service right away, usually through a state marshal or a professional process server, and always get proof of service. If you try certified mail, follow the clerk’s rules exactly and keep the return receipt.
Prepare for the hearing, bring contracts, photos, receipts, and two copies of every document. Courtroom procedures are fast, expect a 10 to 20 minute hearing for simple claims, and be ready to explain damages clearly and calmly.
If you win the court enters a judgment and the clerk will give you a certified copy. Collecting a judgment usually requires additional steps and fees, for example requesting a writ of execution to levy a bank account, filing for wage garnishment through the court, or hiring the state marshal to seize nonexempt property. Plan for marshal fees and filing costs when you budget for collection.
Conclusion and practical next steps
Keep it simple. Connecticut small claims fees are generally modest, but they add up if you need service or appeals, and fee waivers are available if you qualify. The small claims limit is $5,000, so confirm your amount, assemble invoices and photos, and know the basic filing costs before you go to court.
Checklist for filing:
- Confirm claim is under $5,000.
- Gather contracts, receipts, and witness info.
- Complete the Statement of Claim.
- File with the clerk, pay the filing fee or request a waiver.
- Serve the defendant and prepare for the hearing.
Official resources: Connecticut Judicial Branch, jud.ct.gov, has small claims forms, fee schedules, and clerk contact info for updates.
