Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis section allows a person to waive counsel and represent themselves at any stage, but only after the court makes a thorough inquiry and is satisfied on four points.
A person shall be permitted to waive his or her right to counsel and shall be permitted to represent himself or herself at any stage of the proceedings, either prior to or following the appointment of counsel. A waiver will be accepted only after the judicial authority makes a thorough inquiry and is satisfied that the person:
(1)Has been clearly advised of his or her right to the assistance of counsel, including his or her right to the assignment of counsel when he or she is so entitled;
(2)Possesses the intelligence and capacity to appreciate the consequences of the decision to represent himself or herself;
(3)Comprehends the nature of the proceedings, the range of permissible sanctions and any additional facts essential to a broad understanding of the case; and
(4)Has been made aware of the risks and disadvantages of self-representation.
End
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 484B.)
Plain-English Summary
A person may waive the right to counsel and represent themselves at any stage of the proceedings, before or after counsel has been appointed. The waiver is accepted only after the judicial authority makes a thorough inquiry and is satisfied of each of the listed matters.
The court must be satisfied that the person has been clearly advised of the right to the assistance of counsel, including the right to assigned counsel where entitled; possesses the intelligence and capacity to appreciate the consequences of deciding to represent themselves; comprehends the nature of the proceedings, the range of permissible sanctions and any other facts essential to a broad understanding of the case; and has been made aware of the risks and disadvantages of self-representation.
The inquiry is the safeguard. A waiver given by someone who does not understand what they are giving up is not a waiver, and the rule makes the judge establish understanding on the record rather than assume it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I represent myself in a Connecticut family contempt proceeding?
Yes. A person shall be permitted to waive the right to counsel and represent themselves at any stage, either before or after the appointment of counsel.
What must the judge establish before accepting a waiver?
That the person has been clearly advised of the right to counsel, possesses the intelligence and capacity to appreciate the consequences, comprehends the proceedings and the range of permissible sanctions, and has been made aware of the risks and disadvantages of self-representation.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 25-64). 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:waiving right to counsel Connecticut familyPractice Book section 25-64self-representation contempt CTcanvass before waiver Connecticut