(a) A defendant, unless the judicial authority shall otherwise order, shall be defaulted and judgment shall enter in accordance with the provisions of Section 24-24, unless such defendant shall, personally or by representative, not later than the answer date, file an answer or file a motion to transfer pursuant to Section 24-21. The answer should state fully and specifically, but in concise and untechnical form, such parts of the claim as are contested, and the grounds thereof, provided that an answer of general denial shall be sufficient for purposes of this section. Each defendant shall send a copy of the answer to each plaintiff and shall certify on the answer form that the defendant has done so, including the address(es) to which a copy has been mailed. Upon the filing of an answer, the clerk shall set the matter down for hearing by the judicial authority.
Section 24-16.Answers; Requests for Time To Pay
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceA defendant must file an answer or a motion to transfer by the answer date or risk default judgment, and a defendant who admits the claim but needs time to pay can ask the court for a payment arrangement in that same answer.
Full Text of Section 24-16
(b) A defendant who admits the claim but desires time in which to pay may state that fact in the answer, with reasons to support this request, on or before the time set for answering, and may suggest a method of payment which he or she can afford. The request for a proposed method of payment shall be considered by the judicial authority in determining whether there shall be a stay of execution to permit deferred payment or an order of payment. The judicial authority in its discretion may require that a hearing be held concerning such request.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 567.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001; amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011.)
Plain-English Summary
This rule sets out what a defendant must do to avoid a default judgment. Unless the court orders otherwise, a defendant who does not file an answer or a motion to transfer by the answer date will be defaulted, with judgment entering against them. An answer must lay out, concisely and without legal jargon, which parts of the claim the defendant disputes and why, though a general denial is enough to satisfy the rule. The defendant must also send a copy of the answer to each plaintiff and certify on the answer form that this was done, including the address it was mailed to. Once an answer is filed, the clerk schedules the case for a hearing.
A defendant who does not dispute the claim but needs time to pay can say so in the answer, on or before the answer date, and explain why along with a payment method the defendant can afford. The court weighs that proposal in deciding whether to stay enforcement of the judgment to allow deferred payments or to enter a payment order, and it may, at its discretion, hold a hearing on the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not answer a small claims suit in Connecticut by the answer date?
Unless the court orders otherwise, you will be defaulted and judgment will enter against you.
Does my answer have to dispute every detail of the claim?
No. The answer should specifically state what parts of the claim you contest and why, but a general denial is sufficient.
Do I have to send my answer to the plaintiff myself?
Yes. You must send a copy of your answer to each plaintiff and certify on the answer form that you did so, including the address you mailed it to.
How do I ask for time to pay a small claims debt I don't dispute?
State in your answer, by the answer date, that you admit the claim, explain why you need time, and suggest a payment method you can afford; the court considers this in deciding whether to allow deferred payment.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-16). 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
Also known as: small claims answer requirements CTrequesting time to pay small claims Connecticutsmall claims default judgment answer datehow to answer small claims suit CTgeneral denial small claims