Civil Procedures
Motion for Default for Failure to Appear and Judgment

Revised 01/2026

A motion for default and judgment, affidavit of debt, military affidavit, and bill of costs may be filed in any civil action that is based upon an express or implied promise to pay a definite sum and claiming only liquidated damages. ( Section 17-23 et seq. of the Connecticut Practice Book ). If you have already filed and obtained a default for failure to appear in an action, this procedure is no longer an option.

Note: Documents must be filed electronically in accordance with the E-Services Procedures and Technical Standards .

Documents to be filed with the court (Section 17-25 of the Connecticut Practice Book):

Use the forms prescribed by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator. ( Section 17-24 (b) of the Connecticut Practice Book )

Note: Under Section 4-7 of the Connecticut Practice Book, any documents filed with the court must not include personal identifying information. If any personal identifying information is present, the information must be redacted from any documents filed with the court, whether filed in electronic or paper format, unless otherwise required by law or ordered by the court.

  1. A Motion for Default for Failure to Appear, Judgment, and, if applicable, Order for Weekly Payments (JD-CV-49)
  2. A Military Affidavit (JD-CV-49)

Note: The military affidavit should be executed within 30 days of the entry of judgment to avoid a judge finding it insufficient.

  1. A Bill of Costs (JD-CV-49)
  2. An Affidavit of Debt (JD-CV-52)

    Section 17-25 (b)(1)(A) – (C) provides detailed information on what must be included in an affidavit of debt and documents that may be needed. Be sure to review these sections to ensure that you have provided all the necessary information and documentation. Note: It is helpful to include the per diem in the affidavit of debt.

COMPLETION OF THE PROCESS (Section 17-28 of the Connecticut Practice Book):

  1. Once the judgment has been entered, the court will send notice to all parties of record. The plaintiff must serve a copy of the judgment on each judgment debtor.
  2. The plaintiff must file the Notice of Judgment - Certified/Served with the Court.

Note: No execution on the judgment may be obtained until 20 days after the Judgment and Notice with a certification that a copy has been served on each judgment debtor in accordance with P.B Sections 10-12 - 10-14 of the Connecticut Practice Book has been filed with the Court.

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