Default judgment in Connecticut: how to set it aside

What a default judgment means and how to ask the court to set it aside, with a deadline calculator.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A default judgment means the court decided against you because you didn't answer. File a Motion to Open Judgment (JD-CV-51 in small claims; $75 fee in small claims, $130 on the regular docket).

Shortest time to ask
4 months (Motion to Open Judgment)
Time to answer
See the rule

What a default judgment means in Connecticut

Small claims: if you do not answer by the answer date, you get a notice of default and the magistrate can enter judgment without a hearing if the plaintiff filed the required affidavits. If you file an answer before a default judgment is entered, the default is erased automatically. Regular docket: if you do not file an appearance, the plaintiff can move for default and judgment.

Asking the court to undo a default in Connecticut

File a Motion to Open Judgment (JD-CV-51 in small claims; $75 fee in small claims, $130 on the regular docket). You generally have 4 months from the date the notice of judgment was sent. You must show a good reason you did not appear and that you have a defense. In small claims, a default judgment can also be opened within 4 months after an execution was levied, or any time if you never got actual notice.

Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 52-212, 52-212a; Conn. Practice Book §§ 17-20, 17-43, 24-25, 24-31

Count your deadline to set aside a default

The date is counted in your browser.

The court's name is at the top of the judgment.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

The judgment in Connecticut

Interest after the judgment

The court may award interest of up to 10% a year. For debts from hospital services, the cap is 5% a year and interest is up to the court.

How long it lasts

Small claims judgment: can be enforced by execution for 10 years. Other civil judgments: 20 years. A motion to revive can be filed before the time runs out, but it cannot extend these limits.

Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 37-3a, 52-598

After a judgment in Connecticut

Mediation and settlement in Connecticut

Small claims cases may get a remote settlement conference with a court mediation specialist before the hearing.

Military service and defaults

Before the court gives the plaintiff a default judgment, the plaintiff must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in military service.

Law: 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1)

Steps after a default in Connecticut

  1. Find the judgment

    Get the judgment from the clerk; the date on it starts your time limits.

  2. Act within the time limit

    The rule in Connecticut: File a Motion to Open Judgment (JD-CV-51 in small claims; $75 fee in small claims, $130 on the regular docket).

  3. Give your reason and your defense

    Write down why you missed the deadline and why you don't owe what they claim.

  4. Protect your money

    Read After a judgment in Connecticut.

Free legal help in Connecticut

Questions about default judgments in Connecticut

What is the deadline to answer a debt suit in Connecticut?

Small claims: by the answer date printed on the Answer form the court mails you. Regular civil docket: file an appearance on or before the second day after the return date on your summons; pleadings then must move forward within 30 days of the return date.

What if I miss the deadline in Connecticut?

Small claims: if you do not answer by the answer date, you get a notice of default and the magistrate can enter judgment without a hearing if the plaintiff filed the required affidavits. If you file an answer before a default judgment is entered, the default is erased automatically. Regular docket: if you do not file an appearance, the plaintiff can move for default and judgment.

How do I set aside a default in Connecticut?

File a Motion to Open Judgment (JD-CV-51 in small claims; $75 fee in small claims, $130 on the regular docket). You generally have 4 months from the date the notice of judgment was sent. You must show a good reason you did not appear and that you have a defense. In small claims, a default judgment can also be opened within 4 months after an execution was levied, or any time if you never got actual notice.

Related Connecticut pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources