Updated on 6/4/2024
This article helps plaintiffs and attorneys alike learn more about lawsuit loans and alternatives in Connecticut. Below you will find the following information:
Lawsuit loan companies serving Connecticut
Below you will find a list of companies that provide funding in Connecticut. We highlight lawsuit loan companies we recommend, as well as local and regional funding companies where applicable.
Recommended lawsuit loan companies funding Connecticut residents
Compare Lawsuit Loans’ recommended funding companies do not operate in Connecticut at this time.
See our full list of recommended companies here.
Lawsuit funding laws, regulation, and relevant ethics opinions in Connecticut
In 2022, The Banking Commissioner of Connecticut investigated the activities of a legal funding company and issued a cease and desist letter. As a result, many companies now choose not to provide lawsuit loans to Connecticut residents. Connecticut common law also prohibits providing lawsuit funding for litigation expenses in exchange for a share of the recovery from the case. The bar does not allow attorneys to make or guarantee loans to clients for living expenses. Most legal funding companies provide non-recourse funding for living expenses in CT that is not structured as a loan.
Legal funding case law in Connecticut
Connecticut courts refused to uphold a litigation financing agreement between a property owner and a third party. The court stated that such assistance is permissible only when the third party does not share in the proceeds of the litigation.
Source: Rice v. Farrell
Can a lawyer lend money to a client in Connecticut?
Lawyers are not allowed to provide financial assistance to clients, except to pay court costs and litigation expenses. Repayment of advanced case expenses must be contingent upon the success of the case.
Source: Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.8(e)
Can attorneys help clients receive lawsuit loans in Connecticut?
While Connecticut lawyers may not make nor guarantee loans to their clients for living expenses, standard lawsuit lending agreements do not require the attorney to guarantee the loan.
Source: Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct 1.8(e)
Lawsuit loan alternatives in Connecticut
Lawsuit loans are expensive. Plaintiffs in Connecticut should exhaust all other options before seeking legal funding. Check out the local resources below for some ideas:
- Connecticut 211 – a cost-free program that will connect you to the health and human services programs in your area to get you the assistance you need. Call anytime, 24/7, to give or get help for housing, food assistance, medical access, and more.
- Rental Assistance Program (RAP) – low-income families can apply for a RAP certificate if their income is less than 50% of their area’s annual median income. Participants are responsible for finding a safe and qualified private rental, including their current resistance, where the landlord agrees to rent to them under the terms of the program.
- CT Section Housing 8 – federally funded program that provides housing vouchers to qualified very low-income families. The subsidy is paid directly to the landlord from the managing public housing agency.
- Connecticut Utilities Assistance – provides energy and utility assistance for families. Apply through your local Operation Fuel agency.
- Emergency Food Resources – lists the various programs available to assist with emergency food needs and regular meals. The resources include food pantries, food stamps (SNAP), and home-delivered meals.