In New Haven County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by the Superior Court, New Haven Judicial District (Small Claims). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 235 Church St, New Haven, CT 06510 · Map
Phone: 203-503-6800
Online filing: available, per the court
New Haven County is served by 4 locations: New Haven J.D., 235 Church St, New Haven (New Haven, Hamden, East Haven, Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Haven, Wallingford and others; most of these may instead use Meriden); Meriden J.D., 54 West Main St, Meriden, 203-238-6666 (Meriden and nearby towns); Ansonia-Milford J.D., 14 West River St, Milford, 203-877-4293 (Milford, Ansonia, Derby, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Beacon Falls, West Haven/Woodbridge/Bethany as an option); Waterbury J.D., 300 Grand St, Waterbury, 203-591-3300 (Waterbury, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Prospect, Wolcott, Southbury option). Housing small claims for New Haven towns: 121 Elm St, New Haven.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Where you live, where the defendant lives or does business, or where the deal or injury happened. Landlord-tenant cases go to the housing session where the property is. Businesses can't file where they themselves are located unless it fits one of the other places.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Connecticut counties.
Connecticut doesn't require a demand letter before filing, but asking for payment in writing first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit Get the form.
$95 to file, the same for any amount. A counterclaim also costs $95. Service by a state marshal costs extra; service by mail costs only postage. Fee waiver: Application for Waiver of Fees (form JD-FM-75).
You serve the papers yourself by certified mail (return receipt), priority mail or a national courier with delivery confirmation, or by a state marshal. Out-of-state businesses must be served by a marshal. Then file a Statement of Service (JD-CV-123).
After the answer date, a magistrate reviews the file and either decides it or sets a hearing. This can take a few months. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Connecticut filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in New Haven County are filed with the Superior Court, New Haven Judicial District (Small Claims), 235 Church St, New Haven, CT 06510. Phone: 203-503-6800.
Up to $5,000. You can sue for up to $5,000 plus interest and costs. Claims about a home improvement contract can go up to $15,000. A tenant suing for a security deposit can get double the deposit even if that's over $5,000.
$95 to file, the same for any amount. A counterclaim also costs $95. Service by a state marshal costs extra; service by mail costs only postage.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.