(a) The general purpose of these rules is to secure the prompt and inexpensive hearing and determination of small claims by simplified procedure designed to allow the public maximum access to and use of the court in connection with such claims. Any comments as to the operation of the small claims court should be directed to the Office of the Chief Court Administrator.
Section 24-1.In General
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentencePractice Book Section 24-1 sets the guiding purpose of small claims court: fast, cheap, informal resolution of low-dollar disputes that ordinary people can navigate without a lawyer.
Full Text of Section 24-1
(b) All proceedings shall be simple and informal. The services of an attorney at law are permissible but not obligatory. Notice to the representative for a party shall be equivalent to notice to such party.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 547.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001.)
Plain-English Summary
This rule states the philosophy behind Connecticut's small claims process. The court exists to give the public a prompt, inexpensive way to resolve small claims through simplified procedure, with the goal of maximum public access. Anyone with concerns about how small claims court runs can direct comments to the Office of the Chief Court Administrator.
Proceedings stay simple and informal. A party may hire an attorney, but nothing requires it — small claims is built for self-represented litigants. If a party uses a representative instead of appearing personally, notice sent to that representative counts as notice to the party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court in Connecticut?
No. Section 24-1 says the services of an attorney are permissible but not obligatory, and the whole process is designed to be simple and informal enough for self-represented parties.
What is the point of small claims court?
Section 24-1 states its purpose as securing prompt and inexpensive hearing and determination of small claims through simplified procedure that gives the public maximum access to and use of the court.
Who do I contact with complaints about how small claims court operates?
Section 24-1 directs comments about the operation of small claims court to the Office of the Chief Court Administrator.
If I have a representative handling my small claims case, who gets notified about the case?
Notice sent to a party's representative counts as notice to the party under Section 24-1.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-1). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
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