(a) A written decision stating the reasons for the decision shall be required in matters in which a contested hearing is held, in which a counterclaim is filed or in which a judgment is entered in an amount other than the amount claimed. Nothing in this section precludes the judicial authority from filing a written decision in any matter when such judicial authority deems it appropriate.
Section 24-29.—Decision in Small Claims; Time Limit
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule requires a written, reasoned decision in contested small claims cases, counterclaims, or judgments that differ from the amount claimed, and sets a forty-five-day deadline from the close of proceedings for the judge to render judgment.
Full Text of Section 24-29
(b) Judgments shall be rendered no later than forty-five days from the completion of the proceedings unless such time limit is waived in writing by the parties or their representatives. The judgment of the judicial authority shall be recorded by the clerk and notice of the judgment and written decision shall be sent by mail or electronic delivery to each party or representative, if any.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 582.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001; amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011; amended June 20, 2011, to take effect Jan. 1, 2012.)
Plain-English Summary
Not every small claims case gets a written explanation, but some must have one. A written decision stating the reasons is required when the hearing was contested, when a counterclaim was filed, or when the judgment awarded is for a different amount than what was originally claimed. Even outside those situations, the judicial authority can choose to file a written decision whenever it thinks that's appropriate.
The rule also sets a clock on the judge: judgment must be rendered no later than forty-five days after the proceedings are complete, unless the parties or their representatives waive that deadline in writing. Once judgment is entered, the clerk records it, and notice of the judgment and any written decision goes out to each party or representative by mail or electronic delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a small claims judge in Connecticut have to decide a case?
Judgment must be rendered no later than forty-five days from the completion of the proceedings, unless the parties waive that deadline in writing.
Does the small claims judge have to explain the decision in writing?
A written decision is required only when there was a contested hearing, a counterclaim, or a judgment for an amount different than what was claimed; the judge may also write one in any other case.
How will I find out about my small claims judgment?
The clerk records the judgment, and notice of the judgment and any written decision is sent to each party or representative by mail or electronic delivery.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-29). 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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