How To Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Connecticut

Here are the basic steps to respond to a Connecticut debt collection lawsuit:

• Receive and read your Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit
• Fill out the court-provided answer form with your defense
• File your answer with the court before the deadline
• Send a copy to the plaintiff (person suing you)
• Attend all scheduled court hearings and mediation

How Connecticut Debt Collection Lawsuits Work

When creditors can’t collect a debt, they may file a lawsuit against you. You’ll receive official court paperwork starting the legal process.

Debt collection lawsuits are civil cases, not criminal. For debts of $5,000 or less, you’ll be served with a Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit. Most debt collection cases fall in this range.

For debts over $5,000, your case goes to Superior Court on the regular docket. You’ll receive a summons and complaint instead. The process is similar but more complex.

If you’re facing a debt lawsuit and need help, our partner Solo can help you respond properly. They’ve helped over 300,000 people answer debt lawsuits with a money-back guarantee.

What Is a Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit?

The Small Claims Writ is official notice that someone has sued you for debt. You must take this seriously and respond quickly.

The form tells you:

• Which court is handling your case
• Who is suing you (the plaintiff)
• How much money they claim you owe
• Why they believe you owe this money

Read every word carefully. Check if the debt amount is accurate. Verify that the debt is actually yours.

How To Respond to Your Connecticut Small Claims Lawsuit

You must respond by filing an answer form with the court. The court will mail you an answer form titled “Answer – Small Claims.”

You must also file an appearance form within two days of the return date on your writ. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment against you.

Step 1: Fill Out Your Response to the Claim

Your answer form will have the claim amount and answer date already filled in. You need to complete the rest.

Check the option that matches your situation:

• I disagree with the claim because
• I admit I owe part of the claim
• I admit I owe the claim but need more time to pay

If you disagree with the entire claim, check the first box. Provide a brief explanation of why you disagree.

List Your Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses are legal reasons you shouldn’t lose the case. Common defenses in debt collection lawsuits include:

• The debt is beyond the statute of limitations (6 years for credit card and medical debt in Connecticut)
• You already paid the debt in full
• The debt doesn’t belong to you
• The debt was discharged in bankruptcy

Include any relevant defenses in your answer. Be specific and truthful.

Step 2: File a Counterclaim if Applicable

You can file a counterclaim if the plaintiff violated your rights. The filing fee is $95 for counterclaims.

Filing a counterclaim changes your role. You’ll need to prove your claim to the court. Your case may move from small claims to regular civil court.

Consider getting legal help before filing a counterclaim. You’ll have more work to do if you bring your own claim.

Step 3: Sign and Certify the Form

The certification section comes last. Your signature confirms you will send a copy to the plaintiff.

Include the plaintiff’s name and address in the box provided. Make sure all information is accurate.

Step 4: Make Copies and File the Form

Make three copies of your completed answer form. Keep one for yourself. File one with the court. Send one to the plaintiff.

You can file with the court by:

• Hand-delivering it to the courthouse clerk
• Mailing or faxing it to the court
• Filing electronically through the court’s E-Services (free to enroll)

Send the plaintiff’s copy by certified mail. You’ll have proof of delivery if questions arise later.

The Connecticut Judicial Branch provides a detailed instructional packet covering all these steps.

What Happens After You File Your Answer

Before your court hearing, you may need to participate in online dispute resolution (ODR). ODR gives you and the plaintiff a chance to settle without seeing a judge.

Attending ODR is required. Reaching an agreement is not. If you can’t settle, your case proceeds to a court hearing.

You’ll receive notice about your hearing date and time by mail or email. Mark your calendar and don’t miss it.

What Happens if You Don’t Respond to the Lawsuit

Ignoring the lawsuit leads to a default judgment. The debt collector wins automatically because you didn’t show up.

Many debt collectors count on this. They file lawsuits knowing most people won’t respond. Don’t let them win by default.

Simply filing an answer sometimes scares off debt collectors. They may drop the lawsuit rather than prove their case.

A default judgment has serious consequences. The debt collector can:

• Garnish your wages
• Levy your bank account
• Place liens on your property

For auto loan debt, you risk repossession. For mortgage or rent debt, you risk foreclosure or eviction.

What To Do if the Court Already Issued a Default Judgment

You can still act even after a default judgment. The path forward depends on which type of default the court entered.

If the Court Entered a Default for Failure To Appear

Missing your appearance deadline (within two days of the return date) results in a “default for failure to appear.”

Court processes take time. A default judgment usually follows but not immediately.

If you file an appearance after the default but before the judgment, the court must cancel the default. You can still fight the lawsuit.

Follow the standard response steps: file an answer, list your defenses, serve the plaintiff, and attend court.

If the Court Entered a Formal Default Judgment

You can still have the case reopened after a formal judgment. File a Motion To Open Judgment with the court.

Send a copy of your motion to the plaintiff or their attorney. You must “show good cause” for missing the initial case.

You have four months from the judgment date to file. Some exceptions apply for fraud or other special circumstances.

Watch this video from the CT Judicial Branch to learn more about opening judgments.

Can You Appeal a Small Claims Ruling?

No. Connecticut doesn’t allow appeals of small claims rulings. You get one shot to present your case.

Prepare thoroughly before your hearing. Present your best defense from the start.

If you lose, you can still negotiate a payment plan with the creditor. Show good faith and willingness to repay. Many creditors prefer payment plans to collection efforts.

Need Legal Help?

Many people successfully represent themselves in small claims court. If you want legal guidance, try these resources:

• Connecticut Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal help for low-income residents
• Pro Bono Organizations from the Connecticut Bar Association: Volunteer attorneys and affordable legal services statewide
• Legal Clinics from the CT Judicial Branch: Monthly in-person help from volunteer attorneys for small claims cases
• Our partner Solo: Affordable debt lawsuit response help with expert guidance