If the defendant does not file an answer by the answer date, a notice of default shall be sent to all parties or their representatives and if the case does not come within the purview of Section 24-24, the clerk shall set a date for hearing, and the judicial authority shall require the presence of the plaintiff or representative. Notice of the hearing shall be sent to all parties or their representatives. If a defendant files an answer at any time before a default judgment has been entered, including at the time of a scheduled hearing in damages, the default shall be vacated automatically. If the answer is filed at the time of a hearing in damages, the judicial authority shall allow the plaintiff a continuance if requested by the plaintiff, or representative.
Section 24-25.—Failure of the Defendant To Answer
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule spells out what happens when a defendant misses the answer date outside the affidavit-based process in Section 24-24: the clerk sends a default notice, the court schedules a hearing requiring the plaintiff's presence, and a late-filed answer automatically vacates the default.
Full Text of Section 24-25
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 578.) (Amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011.)
Plain-English Summary
When a defendant doesn't answer by the answer date and the case doesn't qualify for judgment without a hearing under Section 24-24, the clerk sends a notice of default to everyone involved. The court then sets a hearing date, and this time the plaintiff or the plaintiff's representative must show up — notice of the hearing goes out to all parties or their representatives.
A defendant isn't locked out because the answer date passed. If the defendant files an answer at any point before a default judgment is entered, even showing up with an answer at the scheduled hearing, the default is automatically vacated. If that happens right at the hearing, the judicial authority must give the plaintiff a continuance if the plaintiff asks for one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a defendant misses the answer date in Connecticut small claims?
The clerk sends a notice of default, and unless the case qualifies for judgment without a hearing under Section 24-24, the court schedules a hearing that the plaintiff must attend.
Can I still file an answer after the answer date in small claims?
Yes, filing an answer at any time before a default judgment is entered, even at the scheduled hearing, automatically vacates the default.
What if the defendant answers right at the hearing in damages?
The judicial authority must grant the plaintiff a continuance if the plaintiff requests one.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-25). 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 date missed CTdefault notice small claims Connecticutvacating a default small claimslate answer small claims courthearing in damages small claims