Connecticut · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Connecticut: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for Connecticut, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Connecticut

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$5,000
Court
small claims court
Filing fee
$95
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Connecticut

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
21 days (or 15 after your address)
Security deposit limit
2 months' rent (with exceptions)
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
3 days (after a 9-day grace period)
Notice before the landlord enters
Reasonable notice

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Connecticut

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
Connecticut Department of Labor
Minimum wage (2026)
$16.94
Final paycheck if fired
Next business day
Deadline to file a wage claim
2 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Connecticut

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
24 mo / 24,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
4 repairs · 2 if unsafe · 30 calendar days
Covers used cars
No
Before you sue
If maker has a program

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Connecticut

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
Feb 20 (Mar 20 if extended)
Where you appeal first
Board of Assessment Appeals (town)
Median effective tax rate
1.81%
Median yearly tax on a home
$6,643

Opens soonClosed for 2026. The next window opens with the October 1, 2026 grand list; appeals are due February 20, 2027. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Connecticut

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
No general exemption
Homestead deadline
See the guide
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
Full exemption (100% rating)

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Connecticut

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
CT Big List (CTBigList.gov)
Held by the state
About $1.85 billion (June 30, 2026)
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Connecticut

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
1 year (with exceptions)
Waiting period
See the guide
Filing fee
$360

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Connecticut

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Connecticut
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement3 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage2 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit21 days (or 15 after your address)Tenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent3 days (after a 9-day grace period)Tenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim2 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedNext business dayWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period24 mo / 24,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineSee the guideLemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealFeb 20 (Mar 20 if extended)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineSee the guideExemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file1 year (with exceptions)Divorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting periodSee the guideDivorce Law Map

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Links checked Oct 2026. Sources are listed in how we research.

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