State Court Answer - General Denial - Connecticut

DEFENDANT'S ANSWER AND SPECIAL DEFENSES

Before you use this: Read every allegation of the operative complaint. Use the general denial below only if the defendant in good faith controverts all allegations. Otherwise use the paragraph responses. Practice Book § 10-46 also calls for a specific denial when disputing representative capacity or execution or delivery of a sued-upon writing; § 10-49 limits what a general denial contests in a specified corporate contract action. Check the actual pleading deadline under § 10-8, including its summary process and mortgage foreclosure exceptions and any preceding pleading or court decision.

Defendant [NAME], by [counsel / self-represented], answers the complaint dated [__/__/____] as follows. Select one response method and complete any special defenses supported by facts.

Answer — select one method

☐ General denial. Defendant, intending in good faith to controvert all the allegations of the complaint, denies every allegation of Counts [IDENTIFY EVERY COUNT]. Defendant specifically denies the following matter, if applicable and if properly contested: [representative capacity, execution or delivery of identified writing, and facts supporting denial: ____________].

☐ Paragraph-by-paragraph answer. Defendant responds to each paragraph of each count below. Attach additional rows so that every allegation receives a response. For a mixed paragraph, identify the portion admitted and the portion denied. If Defendant cannot admit or deny an allegation for lack of information, state that lack of knowledge and leave Plaintiff to its proof. Do not omit a response.

Special defenses — include only those supported by this case

Practice Book § 10-50 requires facts consistent with the complaint that nonetheless defeat the claim to be specially alleged. Identify the count and plead each distinct defense separately under § 10-51. Do not insert a defense merely because it appears on a list.

First Special Defense to Count [____]: [NAME OF DEFENSE]

1. [Specific facts supporting this defense: ________________________________________].
2. [Additional facts and any applicable statutory provision: ________________________].

Second Special Defense to Count [____], if any: [NAME OF DEFENSE]

1. [Specific facts supporting this different defense: ______________________________].
2. [Additional facts and any applicable statutory provision: ________________________].

Requested disposition

Defendant asks the court to enter judgment on the complaint as warranted by the answer, any supported special defense, and the evidence, and to award only relief authorized by applicable law.

Dated [__/__/____].

Signature: __________________________________

Printed name and capacity: [________________________________]

Connecticut Juris number, if counsel: [____________]

Address, phone, and email: [________________________________]

Certification of service

I certify that on [__/__/____] I served a copy of this answer and its attachments on each other party who has appeared, or on that party's attorney where represented, by [METHOD], as follows. For electronic service, confirm written consent from a self-represented recipient; an attorney who files electronically must serve participating recipients electronically as Practice Book § 10-13 directs. This certification is proof of service under § 10-14.

Signature: __________________________________ Printed name: [____________]

Sources and references

• Connecticut Judicial Branch, 2026 Connecticut Practice Book, §§ 10-8, 10-12 to 10-14, 10-46, 10-49 to 10-51: https://www.jud.ct.gov/Publications/PracticeBook/PB.pdf