The JD-CL-12 form, also known as the Appearance form, serves as a critical document in the Connecticut Superior Court system, allowing individuals to notify the court and all involved parties of their formal participation in a case, whether as a plaintiff or defendant, and to identify any changes to their contact information. It's applicable across a range of situations within the civil, family, criminal, and motor vehicle sectors. The form's instructions emphasize the importance of completeness and accuracy, including notifying the court of any address changes to ensure smooth communication. If you're preparing to engage with the Connecticut Superior Court, taking the step to fill out the JD-CL-12 form can be your next move toward managing your case effectively.
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Filling out the JD-CL-12 form is a critical step in participating in legal proceedings within the State of Connecticut. This form serves as the official notification to the court and all involved parties—whether they are attorneys or individuals representing themselves—of a participant's intention to appear in a legal matter. It covers various types of cases, including civil, family, criminal, and motor vehicle matters, and meticulously outlines how to inform the court of a change in address, thus ensuring smooth communication throughout the process. Besides its primary function of marking one's appearance, the form also includes options for specifying the capacity in which one is appearing, such as for plaintiffs, defendants, or other designations unique to the case at hand. Furthermore, it is adaptable to matters specifically within the Family Division of the Superior Court or Title IV-D Child Support issues. The form makes provision for attorneys and firm representatives to record their details and advises on the electronic delivery of documents, enhancing the convenience of the legal process. Notably, the JD-CL-12 form stipulates how to replace or add to existing appearances in a case, acknowledging the dynamic nature of legal representation. Its instructions emphasize clarity in filling out the form, the importance of keeping a copy for personal records, and the necessity of distributing copies to pertinent parties or the prosecutor, as the case may be. Additionally, it incorporates guidelines for self-represented parties and attorneys, including notices about e-filing and the expectation of address updates, reflecting the Judicial Branch's commitment to accessibility and efficiency in legal proceedings.
APPEARANCE
JD-CL-12 Rev. 12-21
P.B. §§ 3-1 through 3-12, 10-13, 25-6A, 25a-2, 25a-3
This form is available in other language(s).
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
SUPERIOR COURT
www.jud.ct.gov
There are instructions and important notices on page 2 (the back) of this form.
Read page 2 before filling out this form.
Return date (For Civil/Family cases)
I am filing this appearance to let the court and all attorneys and self-represented
Docket Number
parties of record know that I have changed my address. My new address is below.
Name of case (Full name of first Plaintiff v. Full name of first Defendant)
Note: In Criminal/Motor Vehicles cases, the Plaintiff is The State of Connecticut
Address of court (Number, street, town and zip code)
Scheduled court date (Criminal/Motor Vehicle cases only)
Housing
Judicial
Geographic
Session
District
Area
Enter the Appearance
of
Name (Your name or name of official, firm, professional corporation, or individual attorney)
Juris number (For attorney/law firm)
Mailing address
Post Office box number
Telephone number (Area code first)
City/town
State
Zip code
Fax number
E-mail address
in the case named above for: (Select one of the following parties. See descriptions/notes on page 2 of this form.)
PLAINTIFF
The Plaintiff.
All Plaintiffs.
The following Plaintiff(s) only:
DEFENDANT
The Defendant.
All Defendants.
The following Defendant(s) only:
Other (Specify):
This is a Family Matters case (such as divorce, custody, or child support). My appearance is for: (Select one or both)
matters in the Family Division of the Superior Court
Title IV-D Child Support matters
This is a Criminal/Motor Vehicle case, and I am filing this appearance as
a Public Defender or
Assigned Counsel
This appearance is for the purpose of a bail hearing only.
(Special Public Defender)
This appearance is for the purpose of alternative arraignment proceedings only.
If an appearance by other counsel or self-represented party is on file for this party/parties, select one option below:
1.
This appearance is in place of the appearance of:
Name and Juris Number (if applicable) to be replaced
2.
This appearance is in addition to an appearance already on file.
I agree that documents can be delivered (served) to me electronically in this case. (Practice Book Sec. 10-13)
Yes
No
Signed (Individual attorney or self-represented party)
Name of person signing at left (Print or type)
Date signed
Certification
FOR COURT USE ONLY
I certify that a copy of this document was or will immediately be mailed or delivered electronically or
non-electronically on (date)to all attorneys and self-represented parties of record and that written consent for electronic delivery was received from all attorneys and self- represented parties of record who received or will immediately be receiving electronic delivery.
Name and address of each party and attorney that copy was or will be mailed or delivered to*
*If necessary, attach additional sheet or sheets with name and address which the copy was or will be mailed or delivered to.
Signed (Signature of filer)
Print or type name of person signing
Print Form
Page 1 of 2
Reset Form
Instructions
Do not use this form for Juvenile cases.
1.Type or print clearly in dark ink.
2.Fill out page 1, including the Certification section at the bottom.
3.Make a copy of the completed form and keep it for your records.
4.File your completed form with the court clerk.
5.For Criminal and Motor Vehicle cases: Mail or deliver a copy of the appearance to the prosecutor.
For all other cases: Mail or deliver a copy to all counsel and self-represented parties of record.
Notice for Civil cases, including Housing Matters and Small Claims
If a party who has been defaulted for failure to appear files an appearance before the entry of judgment after default, the default will automatically be set aside by the clerk.
Notice to people representing themselves
People who represent themselves in court are called self-represented parties.
Self-represented parties: Which party do I select on page 1?
You are a plaintiff if...
•You filed this court case to sue someone.
•You are the one who started this court case.
•Your name is listed before the "v." in the name of case on court documents. If you are the ONLY plaintiff, select "The Plaintiff".
If there is more than one plaintiff, select "The following Plaintiff(s) only" and write your name on the line.
You are a defendant if...
•This is a criminal or motor vehicle case.
•You are being sued.
•Your name is listed after the "v." in the name of case on court documents.
•Your landlord started this case to evict you.
•You were served with the court papers at the beginning of this case.
If you are the ONLY defendant select "The Defendant".
If there is more than one defendant, select "The following Defendant(s) only" and write your name on the line. Select Other...
•If you and your spouse filed a nonadversarial divorce, select "Other" and write if you are Petitioner A or Petitioner B on the line.
•If you asked the court to let you intervene and you are listed as an intervenor, select "Other" and then describe who you are.
•If you are listed as a party to the case for some other reason, select "Other" and write who you are in the case on the line.
Self-represented parties in Family Matters: Filing “in addition to” an attorney (dual representation)
If you are a self-represented party who is filing an appearance “in addition to” an attorney who already has an appearance in this court case, be aware of the following:
•Any document being filed on your behalf must be signed by your attorney pursuant to Practice Book Section 4-2.
•If a document being filed on your behalf is not signed by your attorney, the court may order that the matter be stayed (delayed) until the attorney adopts the document.
•If you inform the court that there is no attorney actively representing you, the court may delay the matter until you file a new appearance “in place of” your attorney(s).
•If your attorney does not adopt your motion and the motion is not disposed of or withdrawn:
•You are responsible for prosecuting or litigating that motion.
•An attorney for any other party on the case may contact you directly with respect to the subject matter of that motion.
•If multiple motions are scheduled for hearing at the same time, one or more of which have been adopted by your attorney and one or more of which have not, it is up to the court how to proceed.
•If you file any other document that is not signed by your attorney, it is up to the court how the document will be treated.
Self-represented parties: Address changes
If you are a self-represented party, you must give notice if your mailing address changes after you file an appearance.
You must tell the court and all attorneys and self-represented parties of record your new mailing address by filling out another appearance. Select the box at the top of page 1 of this form and fill out the rest of page 1 using your new mailing address.
Notice to attorneys/law firms
1.Except as noted below, if you are an attorney, you are not exempt from e-filing, and the file in this case is electronic, do not use this form. File your appearance in the E-filing system.
2.Notices from the court will be mailed to the address associated with your Juris Number. You cannot use this form to have the court mail notices to a different address.
3.If you are an attorney admitted pro hac vice or filing on behalf of a non-party, you must file this form on paper with the clerk.
ADA NOTICE
The Judicial Branch of the State of Connecticut complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA, contact a court clerk or an ADA contact person listed at www.jud.ct.gov/ADA.
Page 2 of 2
Filling out the JD CL 12 form is a straightforward process intended to ensure your participation is correctly recorded for a court case in Connecticut. By completing this form accurately, you're taking an important step towards ensuring your involvement in the case is officially recognized. Below is a guide to help you navigate through the form.
After you've submitted the form, the official process of recognizing your appearance in the case will begin. The court will use the information provided to ensure you receive notifications related to the case and are properly listed as a participant in the court's records. It's important to keep a copy of the form for your records and take note of any communications from the court regarding the case.
What is the JD-CL-12 form used for in the State of Connecticut Superior Court?
The JD-CL-12 form, also known as the Appearance form, is used in the State of Connecticut Superior Court to formally notify the court and all other parties involved in a case (both attorneys and self-represented parties) that an individual is entering the case as a party or representing an existing party. It's typically filed when a lawyer or a self-represented individual wishes to participate in a case, change their address, or when there's a need to update representation information for individuals or entities involved in civil, family, or criminal/motor vehicle cases.
Who needs to fill out the JD-CL-12 form?
Any attorney or self-represented party who is either new to a case or needs to update their information with the court must fill out the JD-CL-12 form. This includes changes in address or when a party changes their legal representation. Attorneys filing on behalf of a client in any legal matter, as well as individuals representing themselves in court, are required to complete and submit this form.
Can the JD-CL-12 form be used for criminal and motor vehicle cases?
Yes, the JD-CL-12 form is applicable for criminal and motor vehicle cases in addition to civil and family matters. Specifically, public defenders or assigned counsel can file an appearance for criminal/motor vehicle cases. There are also provisions for filing an appearance solely for a bail hearing or alternative arraignment proceedings.
What happens if I change my address after filing an appearance?
If your address changes after you have filed an appearance, you are required to notify the court and all attorneys and self-represented parties involved in the case. This is done by filling out a new JD-CL-12 form with your updated address and checking the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that it's an address change.
Is electronic delivery of documents allowed with the JD-CL-12 form?
Yes, when filling out the JD-CL-12 form, there's an option to agree to have documents delivered (served) electronically in the case. However, you must ensure that written consent for electronic delivery has been received from all attorneys and self-represented parties of record who will be receiving electronic delivery, as per Practice Book Sec. 10-13.
What if I'm representing myself but also have an attorney listed on the case?
If you are a self-represented party and have an attorney also listed in the case, you can file an appearance "in addition to" the attorney's appearance. However, be aware that any document filed on your behalf must be signed by your attorney, according to Practice Book Section 4-2. If a document is not signed by your attorney, the court may stay (delay) the matter until the attorney adopts the document or you file a new appearance replacing your attorney.
Are there special notices for attorneys regarding the use of the JD-CL-12 form?
Yes, attorneys are advised that if the case file is electronic, they should not use this paper form to file their appearance but rather file it through the e-filing system. Additionally, notices from the court will be mailed to the address associated with the attorney's Juris Number and cannot be changed through this form. Attorneys admitted pro hac vice or filing on behalf of a non-party must file this form on paper with the clerk.
Filling out the JD-CL-12 form, also known as the Appearance form, seems straightforward but small errors can lead to significant delays in your case. One common mistake is not reading the second page of the form, which contains crucial instructions and important notices. People often skip this part, leading to incomplete or incorrectly filled forms.
Another frequent oversight is not specifying the correct party role on the form. Whether you're a plaintiff, defendant, or another party (like Petitioner A or Petitioner B in nonadversarial divorce cases), clearly indicating your role is essential. Misidentification can cause confusion and hinder the court process.
A significant error is failing to update or incorrectly entering contact information, including the mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and email address. This mistake can result in missing important documents or notifications, potentially jeopardizing the case.
Not indicating whether the appearance is in addition to or in place of a previous appearance also leads to unnecessary complications. This information is crucial for the court to understand the representation status and ensure proper communication and document delivery.
Some individuals forget to select the correct case type, such as Family Matters or Criminal/Motor Vehicle cases. This selection affects how the case is processed and which additional steps might be necessary, especially regarding communication with other parties like the prosecutor or special considerations for Family Matters.
Another easily overlooked step is agreeing or disagreeing to electronic document delivery. In today’s digital age, consenting to electronic delivery can expedite the process. However, not checking a box can lead to delays in receiving documents.
One more common mistake is not properly addressing the Certification section at the bottom of Page 1. This section requires the filer to certify that a copy of this document was or will be immediately sent to all attorneys and self-represented parties of record. Neglecting this step or incorrectly completing it can result in processing delays.
Additionally, failing to attach additional sheets when there is insufficient space to list all necessary names and addresses under the Certification section is an error. This ensures that everyone involved is properly notified and can result in important parties being left out of crucial communications.
Lastly, a simple but impactful mistake is not keeping a copy of the completed form for personal records before filing it with the court clerk as advised. Retaining a copy is vital for reference and for your records, especially if any disputes or questions about your appearance submission arise later.
When navigating the legal system, especially within the scope of Connecticut's Superior Court, various forms and documents complement one another to ensure proceedings run smoothly. Among these, the Appearance form (JD-CL-12) plays a critical role, informing the court and all involved parties of a legal representative's involvement in a case. However, several other forms often work in tandem with the JD-CL-12 to facilitate different facets of legal representation and procedure.
Together, these documents contribute to a more comprehensive management of a legal case, enabling parties to communicate effectively with the court and each other. The Appearance form (JD-CL-12) marks the beginning of active participation in a case, with subsequent forms like the Summons for Civil Action, Motion for Continuance, Change of Address, and Request for Nonsuit or Withdrawal facilitating the navigation through different stages of the legal process. Understanding and utilizing these forms correctly helps ensure that one's legal affairs are handled with due diligence and attention to detail.
One document similar to the JD-CL-12 form is the Notice of Representation form used in various courts. Like the JD-CL-12 form, the Notice of Representation alerts the court and other parties involved in a case that an attorney will be representing a party. This document includes the attorney's contact information, the party they are representing, and in some instances, specific instructions related to the representation. Both forms serve as critical administrative tools within the legal process, ensuring that communication flows properly among parties and the court.
The JD-CL-12 form is also akin to the Change of Address form found in court proceedings. When a party or attorney involved in a case needs to update their mailing address, they must file a specific form indicating their new address to ensure they receive court correspondence and filings. The JD-CL-12 serves a similar function by allowing parties to notify the court and others of a new address alongside its primary purpose of entering an appearance in a case. These documents are essential for maintaining the accuracy of contact information within the legal system.
Another comparable document is the Summons form, which is used to officially notify a defendant that they are being sued or are required to appear in court. While the JD-CL-12 form is used by an individual or attorney to officially appear in a case, both documents are procedural in nature and mark the initiation of formal participation in the judicial process. The Summons, like the JD-CL-12, contains crucial information such as case numbers, parties involved, and court dates.
The Subpoena form, used to compel the appearance of a witness at a deposition or trial, shares similarities with the JD-CL-12 form in terms of its function of formally requiring someone's participation in a legal proceeding. Both forms are tools through which the court exercises its authority to ensure the presence of necessary individuals, whether they are parties to the case or witnesses, at legal proceedings or to produce evidence.
The Motion to Intervene is another document related to the JD-CL-12 form. It is filed by a person or entity wishing to become a party in a case for the protection of an interest that could be significantly affected by the outcome. This document, similar to the JD-CL-12, is used to formally announce the intention to participate in the case, although the JD-CL-12 specifically relates to appearance for already recognized parties.
The Withdrawal of Counsel form, indicating an attorney's intention to no longer represent a party in a case, parallels the JD-CL-12 form in its administrative role within legal proceedings. While the JD-CL-12 is used to announce an attorney's or party's appearance in a case, the Withdrawal of Counsel marks the termination of representation. Both documents are essential for maintaining clear records of representation.
Pretrial Hearing Notice forms, which inform parties of scheduled pretrial hearings, serve a similar purpose in the procedural flow of a case as the JD-CL-12 form. By informing parties of critical dates and requiring their presence or the presence of their legal representatives, these documents ensure that everyone involved in a case is adequately prepared for the steps ahead. Both forms are integral to the scheduling and management of a case.
The Entry of Judgment form, which indicates the court's final decision in a case, is procedurally similar to the JD-CL-12 form. While the Entry of Judgment signifies the conclusion of a case, the appearance form marks an individual or attorney's intent to participate in the unfolding case. Both are key documents in the lifecycle of a case, marking its significant milestones.
Last, the Request for Continuance form, submitted when a party seeks to have a court date postponed, shares procedural characteristics with the JD-CL-12. Both documents necessitate official filings with the court and involve altering the court's schedule or records regarding a case. Whether it’s entering an appearance or seeking more time, these documents play crucial roles in the management and flow of legal proceedings.
Overall, while each of these documents serves distinct purposes, they collectively facilitate the orderly conduct of legal proceedings, ensuring fairness, clarity, and efficiency in the administration of justice.
When filling out the JD-CL-12 form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness. Below are ten things you should and shouldn't do:
Do's:
Don'ts:
Understanding the JD-CL-12 form can sometimes be confusing due to misconceptions about its purpose and use. It's important to clear up these misunderstandings to ensure proper legal procedures are followed. Here are four common misconceptions and the truth behind them:
It's only for changing addresses. While the form does include a section for updating an address, its primary purpose is broader. It is used to formally notify the court and all involved parties of your appearance in a case, indicating you will represent a client or yourself in court proceedings.
It's not available in other languages. This is incorrect. The form indicates that it is available in other languages. This ensures that non-English speakers can understand and properly complete the form, ensuring wider access to legal representation and participation in legal proceedings.
It can be used for Juvenile cases. The form specifically states that it should not be used for Juvenile cases. This is an important distinction, as Juvenile cases have different procedures and forms to ensure the privacy and protection of minors involved in such proceedings.
Electronic filing is optional for everyone. While the form allows for electronic delivery of documents, it notes exceptions for certain scenarios and roles within the legal system. Specifically, attorneys and law firms are generally expected to file electronically unless an exemption applies. This helps streamline the court's processing of cases and ensures efficient communication among parties.
Understanding these aspects of the JD-CL-12 form can help ensure that parties correctly appear in court cases, whether they are representing themselves or someone else. Proper use of this form is a critical step in participating in Connecticut's legal system.
Filling out the JD-CL-12 form correctly is crucial for anyone involved in a legal case in Connecticut's Superior Court. This document serves to notify the court and involved parties of one's representation status, changes in address, or other critical information pertaining to a case. Understanding the key points of completing and using this form can greatly impact the smooth progression of your legal matters.
Type or print clearly in dark ink: When filling out the JD-CL-12 form, ensure that all your information is legible. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings or delays caused by unreadable details.
Know your role in the case: The form requires you to identify whether you are representing the plaintiff(s), defendant(s), or another party within the case. Correctly identifying your role is crucial for the proper processing of the form and ensuring that communications and legal documents are appropriately directed.
Address Changes must be communicated: For self-represented parties, it’s important to notify the court and all other parties involved in the case of any changes to your mailing address by refilling this form with your updated details. This ensures that you receive all necessary correspondence and keeps the court records accurate.
Notification of Representation Changes: If you are changing the existing legal representation, or if another attorney is appearing in addition to or in place of a previously filed appearance, this form allows you to indicate such changes. This helps maintain the integrity of the court’s records and ensures proper legal representation is documented.
Certification and Copies: Completing the certification section at the bottom of the form is a mandatory step, confirming that copies of the form will be or have been sent to all required parties. Assuring that all involved parties receive this information prevents unnecessary legal complications.
Electronic Delivery Agreement: When filling out the form, attorneys and self-represented parties can agree to electronic delivery of documents. If any party opts for this convenience, it’s essential to ensure that all the necessary agreements are in place to facilitate this method of communication.
Clearly understanding and adhering to the directives provided for the JD-CL-12 form not only aids in your personal legal journey but also aids in the efficiency and effectiveness of court procedures. Taking the time to accurately complete this form is a step towards ensuring your voice is heard accurately within the judicial system.
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