Section 24-15.—Scheduling of Hearings; Continuances
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
Full Text of Section 24-15
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 565.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001.)
Plain-English Summary
After the answer date passes, the court must schedule the hearing within a set window — not less than six days and not more than forty-five days later. The rule also covers continuances, or hearing postponements. A judge may postpone a hearing if the plaintiff shows prejudice from an unexpected defense or counterclaim, or if either party shows good cause, and any resulting rescheduled hearing must happen within ninety days of the original hearing date.
Requests for a continuance must be in writing to the clerk and must explain the reason. The requesting party must first try to notify the other side and must state in the request whether that notice was given and whether the other party agreed. A request made before the scheduled hearing date is decided by the clerk; a request made on the hearing date itself is decided by the judicial authority. Oral continuance requests are allowed only in extraordinary circumstances, and the clerk must notify all parties of the decision and of any new hearing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after the answer date will my small claims hearing happen?
The hearing must be scheduled not less than six days and not more than forty-five days after the answer date.
How do I ask for a continuance in Connecticut small claims court?
You must submit a written request to the clerk stating your reasons, note whether you notified the other party, and state whether that party agreed to the request.
Can I request a continuance by phone or in person on the hearing day?
Oral requests are permitted by the clerk only in extraordinary circumstances; otherwise requests must be in writing.
Who decides whether I get a continuance?
A request made before the scheduled hearing date is decided by the clerk, while a request made on the scheduled hearing date itself is decided by the judicial authority.