State Court Notice of Appeal

NOTICE OF APPEAL — CONNECTICUT CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE

Connecticut Appellate Court / Connecticut Supreme Court
(Form JD-SC-033 (Adapted) — Filed with the Superior Court Clerk per Practice Book § 63-1)

PRACTITIONER OVERVIEW: CONNECTICUT APPELLATE STRUCTURE

Trial Court: Connecticut Superior Court (all civil matters originate here)

Intermediate Appellate Court: Connecticut Appellate Court — the court of first appeal for the vast majority of civil and family matters from the Superior Court. C.G.S. § 51-197a.

Highest Court: Connecticut Supreme Court — exclusive jurisdiction under C.G.S. § 51-199(b) over:

• Matters where the Superior Court declares invalid a state statute or provision of the State Constitution
• Capital felony and class A felony criminal appeals (certain categories)
• Election/primary disputes (C.G.S. §§ 9-323, 9-325)
• Reprimand/censure of probate judges (C.G.S. § 45a-65)
• Judicial removal/suspension (C.G.S. § 51-51j)
• Other categories specified in § 51-199(b)

Auto-Transfer: If an appeal is filed in the wrong court, it will automatically be transferred to the correct court under Practice Book § 65-4 and C.G.S. § 52-572. No penalty applies for good-faith misfiling.

2025–2026 Rule Updates: Rules of Appellate Procedure were updated effective January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026. The preargument conference (PAC) program changed to opt-in effective October 1, 2024. Counsel should verify current Practice Book provisions.

SECTION 1: APPELLATE COURT HEADER

STATE OF CONNECTICUT
[APPELLATE COURT / SUPREME COURT]
                                          Appellate Docket No. [____________________]
                                          (Assigned upon filing)

SECTION 2: SUPERIOR COURT CAPTION

STATE OF CONNECTICUT
SUPERIOR COURT
JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF [________________________________]
AT [________________________________]

[________________________________],
                     Plaintiff,

v.                                        DOCKET NO. [________________________________]

[________________________________],
                     Defendant.

SECTION 3: APPELLANT INFORMATION

Name of Appellant:        [________________________________]
Trial Court Status:       ☐ Plaintiff  ☐ Defendant  ☐ Intervenor  ☐ Third-Party Party
                          ☐ Other: [________________________________]

Attorney for Appellant:   [________________________________]
Juris Number:             [______________]
Law Firm:                 [________________________________]
Office Address:           [________________________________]
                          [________________], Connecticut [_____]
Telephone:                ([___]) [___]-[____]
Facsimile:                ([___]) [___]-[____]
E-Mail (Practice Book § 10-13): [________________________________]

SECTION 4: NOTICE OF APPEAL

Pursuant to Practice Book § 63-1 and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-263, [________________________________] (hereinafter "Appellant") hereby appeals to the [Connecticut Appellate Court / Connecticut Supreme Court] from the following judgment(s) and/or order(s) entered by the Honorable [________________________________], [Judge / Judge Trial Referee], Superior Court, Judicial District of [________________________________]:

Judgment / Order Appealed:
[________________________________]
(e.g., "Judgment after court trial entered in favor of Defendant"; "Order Granting Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment"; "Decision After Trial on Damages")

Date Judgment / Order Entered: [__/__/____]

Date Notice of Judgment Was Sent to Counsel / Parties: [__/__/____]

This Judgment / Order Is Appealable Pursuant to:
☐ C.G.S. § 52-263 (final judgment)
☐ Practice Book § [________________________________]
☐ Other statutory authority: [________________________________]

SECTION 5: PARTY DESIGNATIONS

SECTION 6: JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT

Appellant invokes the jurisdiction of the [Connecticut Appellate Court / Connecticut Supreme Court] on the following basis:

☐ Final Judgment — The judgment appealed from is a final judgment disposing of all claims and parties. C.G.S. § 52-263.

☐ Judgment Dissolving, Continuing, Granting, or Refusing an Injunction — Appealable as a matter of right. Practice Book § 61-1.

☐ Practice Book § 61-3 — Interlocutory Order — An interlocutory ruling on [________________________________] is immediately appealable because it falls within the recognized exception of State v. Curcio, 191 Conn. 27 (1983) [terminates a separate and distinct proceeding, or so concludes the rights of the parties that further proceedings cannot affect them].

☐ Supreme Court Direct Jurisdiction — C.G.S. § 51-199(b) applies because: [________________________________]

☐ Transfer from Appellate Court to Supreme Court — Practice Book § 65-1 transfer sought on the grounds: [________________________________]

SECTION 7: TIMELINESS OF THIS NOTICE

Standard Deadline: Practice Book § 63-1 — 20 days from the date notice of the judgment or decision was sent.

Date Notice of Judgment Sent: [__/__/____]

Calculated 20-Day Deadline: [__/__/____]

Post-Judgment Tolling Motions (the timely filing of the following motions that, if granted, would render the judgment ineffective restarts the 20-day appeal period — the new period runs from notice of the ruling on the motion):

Extension of Time (Practice Book § 66-1(a)):
☐ Appellant has filed a motion to extend the appeal deadline in the trial court. The trial court may grant up to 20 additional days for good cause. Extension motion filed: [__/__/____]. Granted through: [__/__/____].

Date This Notice of Appeal Is Filed: [__/__/____]

This notice is timely because: [________________________________]

CRITICAL PITFALL: Connecticut's 20-day deadline is among the shortest in the nation. The period runs from the date notice of the judgment is sent — not from the date of the decision itself. Confirm the exact date from the trial court's notification. Failure to timely file is jurisdictional.

SECTION 8: PRELIMINARY PAPERS (PRACTICE BOOK § 63-4)

Within 10 days after the filing of this Notice of Appeal, the following preliminary papers must be filed with the Appellate Clerk. Failure to file may result in a nisi order and potential dismissal.

8A. Preliminary Statement of Issues (Practice Book § 63-4(a)(1))

(Filed simultaneously with or within 10 days of the appeal form — see also amended Rule effective October 1, 2024)

The issues Appellant anticipates raising on appeal include the following (this statement may be amended; issues need not be exhaustive at this stage):

1. Whether the trial court erred in [________________________________]
2. Whether the trial court abused its discretion in [________________________________]
3. Whether [________________________________] constitutes reversible error as a matter of law.
4. Whether [________________________________]
5. [________________________________]

Note (2025 Update): Amendments to Practice Book § 63-4(b)(1) effective October 1, 2024 modified the preliminary statement of issues requirements. Verify current requirements in the 2026 Practice Book.

8B. Docketing Statement (Practice Book § 63-4(a)(2); Form SC-041)

A completed Docketing Statement (Form SC-041) must be filed as a preliminary paper. The docketing statement includes:

☐ Names and addresses of all parties and counsel
☐ Nature of the proceeding (jury trial, court trial, motion, etc.)
☐ Brief description of the claims and judgment
☐ Whether oral argument is requested
☐ Estimated length of appeal (pages of transcript ordered)
☐ Related cases pending in appellate courts
☐ Whether the case involves constitutional issues

8C. Preliminary Designation of Contents of Record (Practice Book § 63-4(a)(3))

☐ Appellant designates the following portions of the Superior Court record to be included in the record on appeal:
[________________________________]
(List specific pleadings, motions, exhibits, and rulings to include)

8D. Preargument Conference (Practice Book § 63-10) [Opt-In as of October 1, 2024]

☐ Appellant requests referral to the Appellate Court Preargument Conference (PAC) program.
☐ Appellant does not request PAC referral at this time.

SECTION 9: TRANSCRIPT ORDERING (PRACTICE BOOK § 63-8)

9A. Transcript Order

Appellant orders transcripts of the following proceedings. Transcripts must be ordered within 35 days after filing the appeal (or promptly upon filing):

Certification: Pursuant to Practice Book § 63-8, Appellant certifies that:
☐ Transcripts have been ordered from the court reporter(s) identified above.
☐ Arrangements for payment have been made.
☐ Estimated completion date: [__/__/____]

9B. No Transcript Needed

☐ No transcript is required for this appeal because: [________________________________]
(e.g., appeal decided on pleadings only; no evidentiary hearing was held; only legal questions at issue)

SECTION 10: CROSS-APPEAL (PRACTICE BOOK § 63-4)

☐ Not Applicable — No cross-appeal is being filed.

☐ Cross-Appeal Filed Simultaneously — [________________________________] (Appellee / Cross-Appellant) hereby also appeals from the following judgment(s) / order(s):

Cross-Appealed Judgment / Order: [________________________________]

Date Entered: [__/__/____]

Cross-Appellant: [________________________________] Cross-Appellee: [________________________________]

Issues on Cross-Appeal:

1. [________________________________]
2. [________________________________]

Deadline: A cross-appeal must be filed within the 20-day period, or as otherwise provided under Practice Book § 63-4. A cross-appeal requires payment of the applicable entry fee.

SECTION 11: STAY OF EXECUTION PENDING APPEAL

(Practice Book §§ 61-11 through 61-14)

11A. Automatic Stay

Practice Book § 61-11 provides an automatic stay of execution in most civil cases upon the filing of a proper appeal, subject to the following exceptions:

☐ Automatic stay applies — no further motion needed.
☐ Automatic stay may not apply because: [________________________________] (e.g., dissolution of marriage actions; discretionary orders; injunctions where stay requires separate motion)

11B. Motion for Stay (When Automatic Stay Does Not Apply or Has Been Modified)

☐ Appellant moves by separate motion pursuant to Practice Book § 61-12 and Practice Book § 61-13 for a stay of execution pending appeal.

Grounds for stay: [________________________________]

Proposed security / bond: [________________________________]

11C. Modification of Stay

☐ Appellee seeks modification of the automatic stay under Practice Book § 61-11(b) on the grounds: [________________________________]

11D. Money Judgment — Appeal Bond

For money judgments, the automatic stay may require a bond or other security to protect the appellee.

Judgment amount: $[________________________________]

☐ Appellant has posted a bond in the amount of $[________________________________].
☐ Appellant requests a waiver of bond requirement under Practice Book § 61-11(c).

SECTION 12: INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL

☐ Not Applicable — This is an appeal from a final judgment.

☐ Interlocutory Appeal — This appeal is taken from an interlocutory ruling under the following basis:

Standard (State v. Curcio, 191 Conn. 27):
☐ The ruling terminates a separate and distinct proceeding.
☐ The ruling so concludes the rights of the parties that further proceedings cannot affect them.

Specific ruling appealed: [________________________________]

Date of ruling: [__/__/____]

Grounds for immediate appellate jurisdiction: [________________________________]

SECTION 13: FILING FEE CERTIFICATION

☐ The required entry fee of $250.00 has been paid to the Appellate Clerk upon filing of this appeal. Receipt No. [________________________________].

☐ A fee waiver has been requested by separate application based on financial hardship. Application filed: [__/__/____].

☐ Appellant is exempt from the entry fee because: [________________________________]

Note: Verify current entry fee amounts with the Appellate Clerk's office, as fees may be adjusted. No additional fee is charged for an amended appeal.

SECTION 14: RELIEF REQUESTED

Appellant respectfully requests that the [Connecticut Appellate Court / Connecticut Supreme Court]:

1. Accept jurisdiction of this appeal;
2. Reverse / Vacate / Modify the judgment and order(s) identified in Section 4 above;
3. ☐ Remand this matter to the Superior Court for a new trial or further proceedings;
4. ☐ Direct entry of judgment in favor of Appellant;
5. ☐ Award Appellant appellate costs pursuant to Practice Book § 71-3;
6. ☐ Award attorney's fees as authorized by [________________________________]; and
7. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

SECTION 15: SIGNATURE BLOCK

Respectfully submitted,

DATED: [__/__/____]


________________________________________
[________________________________]
Juris No. [______________]
[________________________________] (Law Firm)
[________________________________] (Address)
[________________], Connecticut [_____]
Tel: ([___]) [___]-[____]
Fax: ([___]) [___]-[____]
Email: [________________________________]
Attorney for Appellant [________________________________]

SECTION 16: CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE

(Practice Book § 63-3 — Service on all parties and the trial court clerk)

I certify that a copy of the foregoing NOTICE OF APPEAL was delivered electronically or by hand on [__/__/____] to all counsel and self-represented parties of record, and transmitted to the appellate clerk, as follows:

Counsel for Appellee(s):

☐ [________________________________], Esq. (Juris No. [________])
[________________________________] (Law Firm)
[________________________________] (Address)
Service by: ☐ CT e-Services Electronic Delivery ☐ Email (with consent) ☐ U.S. First-Class Mail ☐ Hand Delivery

☐ [________________________________], Esq. (Juris No. [________])
[________________________________] (Address)
Service by: ☐ CT e-Services Electronic Delivery ☐ Email (with consent) ☐ U.S. First-Class Mail ☐ Hand Delivery

Superior Court Clerk:

☐ Clerk of the Superior Court, Judicial District of [________________________________]
[________________________________] (Address)
Filed via: ☐ CT e-Services ☐ Hand Delivery ☐ U.S. Mail

Signed: ________________________________________
        [________________________________]
        [Attorney / Self-Represented Party]
Date:   [__/__/____]

SECTION 17: DEADLINE CALCULATION GUIDE

SECTION 18: POST-FILING CHECKLIST

Immediately / Same Day as Filing:
☐ File Notice of Appeal with the Superior Court Clerk (original + copies)
☐ Pay entry fee ($250) or file fee waiver application
☐ Serve Notice of Appeal on all parties and their counsel
☐ Calendar the 10-day preliminary papers deadline
☐ Calendar the 20-day cross-appeal deadline (if potentially needed)

Within 10 Days of Filing Notice of Appeal:
☐ File Preliminary Statement of Issues (Practice Book § 63-4(a)(1))
☐ File completed Docketing Statement (Form SC-041)
☐ File Preliminary Designation of Record Contents
☐ File any additional preliminary papers required under Practice Book § 63-4

Within 35 Days of Filing:
☐ Order all necessary transcripts from court reporters
☐ Certify transcript order per Practice Book § 63-8
☐ Confirm arrangements for payment of transcript costs

Ongoing:
☐ Monitor case assignment (Appellate Court or Supreme Court)
☐ Respond to any nisi orders promptly
☐ Monitor appellate docket for scheduling orders
☐ Calendar all briefing deadlines per scheduling order

SECTION 19: PRACTITIONER NOTES — COMMON PITFALLS

1. 20-Day Deadline — Shortest in the Region
Connecticut's 20-day deadline from notice of judgment is strict. The clock starts running when the clerk sends notice, not when the party receives it. Always check the clerk's notification date, not the date of receipt.

2. Tolling Motions Must Render the Judgment "Ineffective"
Not every post-judgment motion tolls the appeal period. Only motions that, if granted, would render the judgment, decision, or acceptance of the verdict ineffective restart the clock. Advisory opinions, motions for clarification, and motions for articulation do NOT toll the period.

3. Preliminary Papers Deadline Is Also Strict
The 10-day deadline for preliminary papers under Practice Book § 63-4 is strictly enforced. Nisi orders may issue for missing papers, potentially resulting in dismissal if not cured. Calendar this deadline carefully.

4. Electronic Filing Is Mandatory for Attorneys
Counsel of record must file all appellate papers electronically through the CT e-Services system unless a court-granted exemption applies. Paper filing without an exemption may result in rejection of documents.

5. Automatic Stay vs. Need for Bond
Connecticut's automatic stay under Practice Book § 61-11 provides useful interim protection, but verify whether your case falls within an exception (particularly family matters, injunctions, and certain discretionary orders). In those cases, file a motion for stay promptly.

6. Appellate Court vs. Supreme Court — Know the Difference
Most civil appeals go to the Appellate Court. Filing directly in the Supreme Court when jurisdiction is in the Appellate Court (or vice versa) will result in a transfer, not a dismissal — but it wastes time and may create procedural complications. Know your case type before filing.

7. Preargument Conference (PAC) — Now Opt-In
Effective October 1, 2024, the PAC program changed from mandatory to opt-in. Consider whether PAC referral serves your client's interests before requesting it.

8. Docketing Statement Form SC-041
Use the official Form SC-041 for the docketing statement. This is distinct from the preliminary statement of issues. Both are required within 10 days of filing the notice of appeal.

9. 2026 Practice Book
As of March 2026, the 2026 Connecticut Practice Book is the operative version. Verify that all rule references used in this template correspond to current provisions, particularly §§ 63-1 through 63-10.

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• Connecticut Practice Book (2026 Edition): https://www.jud.ct.gov/publications/PracticeBook/PB.pdf
• Connecticut General Statutes § 52-263 (Right of Appeal): https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/
• Connecticut General Statutes § 51-199 (Supreme Court Jurisdiction): https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-51/chapter-883/section-51-199/
• August 2024 Rules of Appellate Procedure Amendments: https://www.jud.ct.gov/lawjournal/Docs/Misc/2024/33/pblj_8607.pdf
• Connecticut Appellate Law Firm — 2025 Updates: https://www.ctalf.com/2025-connecticut-appellate-rules-updates/
• Official Docketing Statement Form SC-041: https://jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/SC041.pdf
• Preliminary Statement of Issues Sample: https://www.jud.ct.gov/external/super/E-Services/efile/supapp/Samples/Preliminary_Statement_Issues.pdf