A party may request from the opposing party documents, or copies thereof, that are necessary or desirable for the full presentation of the case. The party requesting such documents, or copies thereof, shall make the request directly to the opposing party or the party’s representative. When a party refuses to honor such request, the requesting party may bring the request to the judicial authority’s attention, either orally or in writing, for a decision. No deposition shall be taken except by order of the judicial authority.
Section 24-20A.—Request for Documents; Depositions
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceParties in small claims court may request documents directly from the opposing side that are needed to present their case, may ask the judicial authority to intervene if the other side refuses, and cannot take depositions unless the court specifically orders one.
Full Text of Section 24-20A
Amendment History
(Adopted June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001; amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011.)
Plain-English Summary
Discovery in small claims court is narrow, and this rule defines its limits. A party may request documents, or copies of them, from the opposing party when they are necessary or desirable to fully present the case. That request goes directly to the opposing party or their representative, not through formal discovery procedures. If the other side refuses to provide the documents, the requesting party can bring the dispute to the judicial authority's attention, either orally or in writing, for a ruling. Depositions are off-limits by default — the rule permits one only if the judicial authority specifically orders it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get documents from the other side in Connecticut small claims court?
Yes. You may request documents or copies that are necessary or desirable for presenting your case, made directly to the opposing party or their representative.
What if the other party won't hand over documents I requested?
You may bring the refusal to the judicial authority's attention, either orally or in writing, and the court will decide.
Can I take a deposition in a small claims case?
Only if the judicial authority orders it. Depositions are not permitted otherwise in small claims proceedings.
Is there formal discovery in small claims court like in regular civil cases?
No. This rule limits discovery to direct document requests between the parties, with depositions available only by court order, which is far narrower than discovery in the regular civil docket.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-20A). 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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