Connecticut Small Claims Hearing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Who Hears the Case

Most Connecticut small claims cases are heard by magistrates — experienced licensed attorneys appointed under CGS § 51-193l. They're not full judges, but they have the authority to decide your case and issue a binding judgment.

The atmosphere is more relaxed than a regular courtroom. Formal rules of evidence are relaxed under Practice Book § 24-23. You don't need to know legal terms or courtroom procedure. The magistrate guides both sides through the process, asks questions, and makes sure everyone gets to present their side.

The Hearing Day Sequence

Here's what a typical small claims hearing day looks like:

Join the hearing. Use the link or phone instructions in your hearing notice and join on time. If you are using a remote room at a courthouse, arrive early and check in with the clerk.

Settlement conference. The case may have a settlement conference with a mediation specialist before the remote trial. If you reach an agreement, the court may review it and enter it as a judgment.

Plaintiff presents. You go first. Describe what happened, explain the amount you're claiming, and present your evidence. The magistrate may ask clarifying questions. The defendant can ask you questions too.

Defendant responds. The defendant presents their side and any evidence. You can ask them questions.

Decision. The magistrate usually takes the case under advisement and mails the written decision later rather than ruling on the spot.

Preparing Your Evidence

Organization wins cases. The magistrate has a short docket and limited time for each case. Make your story clear through your documents.

Submit evidence before the hearing as directed in the court notice, electronically or to the clerk. Keep a complete copy for yourself and follow the notice about sharing exhibits with the other party.

Organize chronologically. Number each exhibit and create a simple index listing what each one is and its date. A cover page that lists "Exhibit 1: Signed contract dated March 15, 2026" through "Exhibit 7: Final demand letter dated August 1, 2026" gives the magistrate the narrative arc in 30 seconds.

Categories of evidence that matter:

• Written contracts or lease agreements
• Invoices, receipts, and proof of payment (cancelled checks, bank statements)
• Photographs (date-stamped if possible)
• Text messages and email correspondence (printed, with headers showing dates)
• Repair estimates from third parties
• Certified mail receipts and return receipt cards

Witness Rules

Live witness testimony carries more weight than written statements or affidavits. If someone saw what happened and can come to court, bring them.

If a witness refuses to appear voluntarily, submit a completed subpoena (Form JD-CL-43) to the clerk for review. A proper officer must serve it at least 18 hours before the hearing. The witness is entitled to statutory fees under CGS § 52-260.

Remote Hearings

Connecticut small claims hearings are remote; parties may participate by computer, phone, or from a remote room at a courthouse. Follow your notice for participation instructions:

• Submit all exhibits before the court date, electronically or to the clerk, following the deadline and instructions in your court notice
• Join from a quiet location with a stable internet connection, camera, and clear audio
• Have your physical evidence binder ready to reference even during a video hearing
• Report technical problems immediately to the clerk's phone line

What Not to Do

Don't argue legal theory. You're not a lawyer and the magistrate doesn't expect you to be. Stick to facts: what happened, when it happened, what it cost you, and what evidence shows it.

Don't interrupt. Wait for your turn. The magistrate will give you time.

Don't bring surprises. If you have additional evidence, contact the clerk and follow the notice to submit it before the hearing. Do not rely on introducing it for the first time during the hearing.

After the Decision

The magistrate's written decision specifies the judgment amount (if any), whether court costs are included, and any interest awarded. This judgment is final and binding — there's no appeal in Connecticut small claims court. Neither side can take the case to the Appellate Court.

If you need appeal rights, either party must file a Motion to Transfer to the regular Superior Court civil docket (with a $125 fee) on or before the answer date.

The Connecticut Small Claims Filing Guide includes a hearing preparation checklist and evidence inventory sheet designed for the Connecticut small claims process.

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