Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO)
Filing information for Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO) in Hartford, CT. Part of the Hartford County small claims court system.
Small claims in Connecticut — the numbers that apply at this court
$5,000
maximum claim
$95
filing fee (published)
2–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Connecticut small claims guide · The form that starts a case (JD-CV-40): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO)
80 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (doors open 8:30 AM)
Area Served
ALL of Connecticut — every CT small claims case files here regardless of geography
How to File at Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO)
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Connecticut Judicial Branch E-Services portal accepts small claims filings from both attorneys and pro se litigants as of 2026. CSCO handles all electronic intake. CT's centralized e-filing model differs from most states — there is no need to determine 'which courthouse to e-file with' because all filings go to CSCO regardless of which Judicial District ultimately hears the trial.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWrong court? Hartford County has 3 courts.
See all 3 courts in Hartford County →Small claims rules in Connecticut
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO)?
Filing fees in Connecticut are set by the state and are $95. If you can't afford the fee, Connecticut offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Hartford County?
Small claims cases in Hartford County are limited to $5,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO)?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Hartford County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO), and when is it open?
Centralized Small Claims Office (CSCO) is at 80 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Posted hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (doors open 8:30 AM). Phone: (860) 756-7800. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Hartford?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.