New Haven County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in New Haven County, CT. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the New Haven area.
Small claims in Connecticut — the numbers for New Haven County courts
$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.
Main Courthouse
Superior Court, Geographical Area 23 at New Haven
121 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Other Courthouse Locations
Superior Court, Geographical Area 4 at Waterbury
400 Grand Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
Serves: Middlebury, Naugatuck, Prospect, Southbury, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, Woodbury
Superior Court, Geographical Area 5 at Derby
106 Elizabeth Street
Derby, CT 06418
Serves: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton
Superior Court, Geographical Area 7 at Meriden
54 West Main Street
Meriden, CT 06451
Serves: Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, North Haven, Wallingford
How to File in New Haven County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Important for New Haven County: New Haven (Yale University area). CT limit is $5,000.
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 guideSmall 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 in New Haven County?
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 New Haven County?
Small claims cases in New Haven 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 in New Haven County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in New Haven County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in New Haven County?
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.