JD-CV-40 Form: Connecticut Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit

What Form JD-CV-40 Is

Form JD-CV-40 — officially titled "Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit" — is the document that starts a small claims case in Connecticut. It tells the court who you are, who you're suing, how much you're claiming, and why.

You can download it from the Connecticut Judicial Branch website (jud.ct.gov) or pick up a paper copy at any Superior Court clerk's office.

The Key Fields

Plaintiff information: Your full legal name, mailing address, and phone number. If you are a sole proprietor, identify yourself as the individual owner and include the trade name as a d/b/a. If you are filing for an LLC or corporation, use its exact legal entity name.

Defendant information: The defendant's full legal name and address where they can be served. For individuals, that's their residential address. For businesses, it's either their principal office or their registered agent's address. Look up business entities at business.ct.gov (the SOTS business search portal) to get the correct legal name and agent.

Claim amount: The dollar figure you're seeking, up to the statutory limits ($5,000 general, $15,000 for registered home improvement contractors, or above $5,000 for security deposit double damages under CGS § 47a-21).

Statement of claim: A brief, factual description of what happened and why the defendant owes you money. Keep it straightforward — "Defendant was hired on [date] to repair kitchen cabinets for $3,500. Work was never started. Demand letter sent [date]. No response received."

Venue selection: Select the proper Judicial District under CGS § 51-345. Venue depends on whether the plaintiff is an individual or a business, where the defendant lives or does business, and where the injury or transaction occurred.

Common Mistakes That Get Writs Rejected

Wrong defendant name. Suing "Joe's Plumbing" when the legal entity is "Joseph Smith d/b/a Joe's Plumbing" or "Smith Plumbing Services LLC" can lead to an unenforceable judgment. Always verify through the Secretary of the State portal.

Missing attachments. You should attach copies of contracts, invoices, receipts, photos, or other evidence supporting your claim. The form itself is just the framework — the attachments carry the substance.

Forgetting to redact. Under Practice Book § 4-7, you must black out Social Security numbers, full bank account numbers, and credit card numbers from any document you file. The court won't do this for you.

Filing before serving. Connecticut requires you to serve the defendant first, then file. If you send the writ to the clerk before completing service of process, they'll send it back.

The Other Forms You'll Need

JD-CV-40 doesn't travel alone. Here's the complete set:

• JD-CV-121 — Instructions to Defendant. You attach this when you serve the writ so the defendant knows their options.
• JD-CV-122 — How to Serve a Small Claims Writ. Instructions for you on executing service correctly.
• JD-CV-123 — Statement of Service. After service is done, you fill this out confirming how and when the defendant was served, and file it with the writ.
• JD-CV-120 — Application for Waiver of Fees. Only needed if you qualify for fee relief.

Where to File

You have two options:

Online: Register at the Judicial Branch E-Services portal (jud.ct.gov) and file electronically. You can upload PDFs, pay the $95 fee by credit card, and track your case status.

By mail or in person: Send the completed JD-CV-40, JD-CV-123, proof of service, and a $95 check or money order (payable to "Clerk of the Superior Court") to the proper court for venue. The $95 entry fee is separate from the cost of service. Use the Judicial Branch's small claims location directions to confirm where to send or deliver the papers.

The Connecticut Small Claims Filing Guide includes field-by-field instructions for JD-CV-40 and every companion form, plus a tracking sheet to make sure nothing gets missed.

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