How to E-File Small Claims in Connecticut: The Judicial Branch E-Services Portal

The E-Services Portal

Connecticut lets you file a small claims case online through the Judicial Branch E-Services portal at jud.ct.gov after you complete service on the defendant. Both self-represented litigants and licensed attorneys can register and use the portal.

E-filing doesn't change the forms or proof of service you need. The $95 entry fee is separate from the cost of serving the defendant. E-filing replaces a paper delivery to the proper court.

Getting Set Up

Register for an account. Visit the E-Services section of jud.ct.gov and create a self-represented litigant account. You'll need a valid email address and basic identifying information.

Know what you're uploading. You'll submit PDF versions of:

• Completed Form JD-CV-40 (Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit)
• Form JD-CV-123 (Statement of Service) with proof of delivery
• Supporting evidence (contracts, invoices, photos)
• Form JD-CV-120 (fee waiver application) if applicable

Scan everything clearly. Blurry or unreadable uploads can delay processing.

The Serve-First Rule Still Applies

E-filing doesn't change Connecticut's pre-filing service requirement. You still need to:

1. Serve the defendant before filing by priority mail with delivery confirmation, certified mail with return receipt requested, a nationally recognized courier with delivery confirmation, or a proper officer such as a State Marshal
2. Get the delivery confirmation, signed return receipt, courier tracking, or officer's return of service for the method you used
3. Complete Form JD-CV-123

Only then do you upload everything to E-Services. The portal is your filing method — it doesn't handle service for you.

Filing Through E-Services

Once you have all your documents:

1. Log in to your E-Services account
2. Select the small claims filing option
3. Upload JD-CV-40, JD-CV-123, and proof of service as PDF files
4. Attach supporting evidence documents
5. Pay the $95 fee by credit card

The system generates a confirmation and a case tracking number. You can monitor the status of your case through the portal — whether the clerk has processed it, when the answer date is set, and whether the defendant has filed a response.

Common Upload Issues

File size limits. The portal has size limits for individual uploads. If you have many photos or a thick contract, break attachments into multiple labeled PDFs rather than one massive file.

File naming. Label your uploads clearly — "JD-CV-40-Writ.pdf," "JD-CV-123-Service-Proof.pdf," "Exhibit-Contract.pdf." The clerk processes hundreds of filings. Clear names reduce processing errors.

Scanned signatures. The portal accepts scanned signed documents. Complete the forms on paper, sign them, scan to PDF, then upload. Some forms can be filled on-screen and digitally signed, but check the portal's current instructions.

When to File on Paper Instead

E-filing works well for straightforward cases. But you might prefer paper filing if:

• You don't have reliable internet access or a scanner
• Your evidence includes physical items that are not suitable for electronic submission; contact the clerk about how to present them
• You need help accessing forms or public computers at a Court Service Center; clerks cannot give legal advice or guarantee that a filing is legally sufficient

Paper filings should be mailed or delivered to the proper court for venue. Use the Judicial Branch's small claims location directions to confirm where to send them.

Tracking Your Case

After filing, E-Services lets you:

• Check whether the defendant filed an answer or counterclaim
• See the assigned hearing date
• View any court notices or orders
• Confirm that your filing was accepted and docketed

This beats calling the clerk's office repeatedly, especially if you filed in a distant Judicial District.

The Connecticut Small Claims Filing Guide includes step-by-step instructions for both the E-Services and paper filing paths, plus a document checklist to make sure nothing's missing before you upload.

See more Connecticut guides →