Connecticut Legal Costs (2026)
Complete breakdown of common legal fees in Connecticut — from forming a business to filing in court. All data sourced from official Connecticut government websites.
How Connecticut ranks vs all 50 states
Understanding legal costs in Connecticut before you file saves money and prevents surprises at the courthouse. Forming an LLC costs $120 in state filing fees , with a $80 annual report due each year after. If you need to sue someone in small claims court, you can recover up to $5,000 — and filing costs between $95. Divorce filing in Connecticut starts at $350, not counting attorney fees or service costs. All figures below are sourced directly from official Connecticut government and court websites and updated for 2026.
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LLC Formation Costs in Connecticut
Full detailsForming an LLC in Connecticut requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the $120 state fee. After formation, Connecticut LLCs must file an annual report and pay $80 each year to stay in good standing. Your estimated first-year total including filing is $120+.
Connecticut requires an annual report every year — no biennial option.
Favorable business court system for LLC disputes.
Small Claims Court in Connecticut
Full detailsConnecticut's small claims court — the Small Claims Court — handles disputes up to $5,000 without requiring an attorney. Filing costs between $95 depending on the claim amount. You must file within the statute of limitations: 6 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral agreements. Send a demand letter before filing — it costs nothing and often resolves the dispute without a court date.
Connecticut offers a mediation option before trial, which often resolves cases faster.
Divorce Filing Costs in Connecticut
Full detailsFiling for an uncontested divorce in Connecticut starts at $350 in court filing fees. Cases involving minor children add a $25 surcharge. Serving your spouse through the sheriff's office costs an additional $50. Connecticut requires divorcing parents to complete a parenting class before the divorce is finalized. These are court fees only — attorney costs, if applicable, are separate and vary widely by case complexity.
Connecticut charges extra when minor children are involved. The fee structure is mostly consistent statewide with some court-level variation.
Notary Fees in Connecticut
Full detailsConnecticut caps notary fees by law. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment is $10 per signature. Jurat notarizations (sworn statements) cost up to $10. Remote online notarization (RON) is permitted in Connecticut and costs up to $10 per act. For documents requiring multiple signatures or notarial acts, fees multiply per signature — always confirm the total before your appointment.
$10 per notarial act from July 1, 2026 (Public Act 26-81, signed May 26, 2026; it was $5). The act also raised the mileage rate. State also sets allowable travel fees.
Common Legal Cost Scenarios in Connecticut
Real-world combinations of legal fees you may face — based on official Connecticut filing costs.
How Connecticut Compares to Neighboring States
| State | LLC Filing | Divorce Fee | SC Limit | Notary Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut ◀ | $120 | $350 | $5,000 | $10 |
| New York | $200 | $335 | $10,000 | $2 |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $200 | $7,000 | No cap |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $160 | $5,000 | $25 |
All fees from official state government sources. Compare all 50 states
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