The signature by the plaintiff, or representative, on the small claims writ and notice of suit, and the filing of the writ with the clerk, together with the payment of all required fees, shall be deemed the beginning of the action. Any plaintiff or representative who wishes to obtain a judgment pursuant to the provisions of Section 24-24 shall also file the affidavits required by that section.
Section 24-8.Institution of Small Claims Actions; Beginning of Action
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentencePractice Book Section 24-8 says a small claims action officially begins when the plaintiff or representative signs the writ and notice of suit, files it with the clerk, and pays all required fees.
Full Text of Section 24-8
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 556.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001.)
Plain-English Summary
Under Section 24-8, three things together mark the start of a small claims action: the plaintiff's or representative's signature on the small claims writ and notice of suit, filing that writ with the clerk, and payment of all required fees. A plaintiff or representative who wants a judgment under Section 24-24 must also file the affidavits that section requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a small claims case officially start in Connecticut?
Section 24-8 marks the beginning of the action as the point when the writ and notice of suit is signed and filed with the clerk and all required fees are paid.
Do I need to pay a fee to start a small claims case?
Yes. Section 24-8 requires payment of all required fees, along with the signed and filed writ, before the action is deemed begun.
What else do I need to file if I want a judgment under Section 24-24?
Section 24-8 requires a plaintiff or representative seeking judgment under Section 24-24 to also file the affidavits that section requires.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 24-8). 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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