How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Connecticut
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Connecticut, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: In a small claims case, the defendant must file an answer on or before the answer date set by the clerk and send a copy to the plaintiff. A defendant who does not respond risks a default judgment. Connecticut Judicial Branch Small Claims FAQ
| Answering a debt lawsuit | In a small claims case, the defendant must file an answer on or before the answer date set by the clerk and send a copy to the plaintiff. A defendant who does not respond risks a default judgment. |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for an action on a written contract, a simple or implied contract, or an account. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576(a) |
| How long a judgment lasts | An execution to enforce a money judgment may be issued for 20 years after the judgment is entered, and a lawsuit on the judgment may be brought for 25 years. For small claims judgments, the limits are 10 years for execution and 15 years for a lawsuit. A motion to revive a judgment may be filed before the period ends, but revival cannot extend these time limits. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-598 |
Where to get help in Connecticut
- Connecticut Department of Banking, Consumer Credit Division (licenses consumer collection agencies and enforces creditor collection rules)
- File a complaint or claim
More Connecticut debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Connecticut
- Wage Garnishment in Connecticut
- What Creditors Can't Take in Connecticut
- Medical Debt Protections in Connecticut
- All Connecticut debt & collections rules
FAQ
How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Connecticut?
In a small claims case, the defendant must file an answer on or before the answer date set by the clerk and send a copy to the plaintiff. A defendant who does not respond risks a default judgment.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Connecticut?
6 years for an action on a written contract, a simple or implied contract, or an account.
How long does a court judgment last in Connecticut?
An execution to enforce a money judgment may be issued for 20 years after the judgment is entered, and a lawsuit on the judgment may be brought for 25 years. For small claims judgments, the limits are 10 years for execution and 15 years for a lawsuit. A motion to revive a judgment may be filed before the period ends, but revival cannot extend these time limits.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.