Connecticut Small Claims Virtual Hearing: How Microsoft Teams Hearings Work
If Your Connecticut Hearing Is Virtual
When a Connecticut small claims hearing is scheduled remotely, the notice explains how to participate. Microsoft Teams is one platform used; participation may be by computer, phone, or from a remote room at a courthouse. Follow the instructions in your notice.
The upside is convenience: no commute, no parking, no sitting in a waiting room. The downside is that presenting evidence digitally requires preparation you would not need in a physical courtroom.
Before the Hearing
The court sends you a hearing notice with the scheduled date and time and participation instructions, such as a Microsoft Teams link or phone information. A few things to handle in advance:
Test your equipment. If you are joining by video, you need a device with a working camera and microphone — a laptop, desktop with webcam, tablet, or smartphone. Follow the notice about joining by browser or app, and test the audio and video before the hearing day.
Prepare your environment. The magistrate expects to see you clearly and hear you without background noise. A quiet room with a plain background and good lighting is ideal. If other people are in the room, keep them off-camera and silent.
Organize your evidence digitally. In an in-person hearing, you may need to bring your original documents plus three copies of each exhibit — one for the magistrate, one for the opposing party, and one for yourself. In a virtual hearing, have digital versions ready to share. Scan or photograph your contracts, receipts, messages, and photos. Name each file clearly: "Exhibit-1-Contract.pdf," "Exhibit-2-Payment-Receipt.pdf."
The court may instruct you to upload or email exhibits in advance. Follow those instructions exactly. If the hearing notice says to submit documents by a specific date, do it — the magistrate may not accept late evidence.
During the Hearing
Join early. Log in to the Teams link at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time. The magistrate may be running through a docket of multiple cases, and you could be called at any point after the scheduled start.
Identify yourself. The magistrate places both parties under oath at the start. State your full name clearly when asked.
Present your case. If you are the defendant, the plaintiff goes first. They present their testimony and evidence, and you get a chance to ask questions (cross-examine). Then you present your side — your testimony, your exhibits, and your witnesses. The magistrate may also ask questions directly.
Share your screen if needed. When the magistrate asks to see a document, you may need to share your screen or hold the document up to the camera. Practice screen-sharing in Teams beforehand so you can do it quickly.
Speak one at a time. Virtual hearings break down fast when people talk over each other. Wait for the other person to finish. If you disagree with something, note it and address it when it is your turn.
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Witnesses in Virtual Hearings
Follow the court's instructions for witness participation in a remote hearing; do not assume a witness will use the same link or device as you.
If a witness is unwilling to participate, you can subpoena them under Practice Book § 24-22. Contact the clerk for instructions on how a subpoenaed witness should appear in a remote hearing.
After the Hearing
The magistrate may take the case under advisement and mail a written decision to both parties.
The Connecticut Small Claims Response Guide includes a virtual hearing preparation checklist covering evidence formatting, Teams setup, and a timeline for what to do in the days before your hearing.
Get Your Free Connecticut Small Claims Response Checklist
Download the Connecticut Small Claims Response Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.