The biggest driver of cost isn’t who files—it’s how many issues you disagree on and how efficiently you resolve them. With a plan, you can control both.
Opening a case requires a three-figure court filing fee. There is an additional charge for service by a state marshal or process server. Attorney retainers for contested matters often start in the low thousands and rise with discovery, motions, and hearings. Mediation is billed hourly and commonly split between spouses. Using technology for form preparation and hiring lawyers for targeted tasks can cost far less than full-scope representation, especially for uncontested cases.
Disagreements about parenting schedules, child support adjustments, spousal support expectations, a home sale or buyout, and dividing retirement accounts add time and filings. Responsiveness matters too: exchanging pay stubs, tax returns, budgets, and account statements early avoids rework and duplicate fees.
Define your must-haves, your trade-offs, and your nice-to-haves. Use mediation to test solutions before positions harden. Hire a lawyer for the key issues instead of the entire case. Keep one working draft of your settlement to reduce version chaos and repeated edits.
Hello Divorce can prepare all your Connecticut divorce forms for you with our divorce plans, helping you reduce errors and move from decision to decree with fewer detours.
What is the least expensive path to divorce in Connecticut?
An uncontested case with a signed settlement and accurate paperwork.
Does filing first affect the cost?
No. Cost tracks with conflict and complexity, not who files.
Who pays attorney fees?
Each spouse typically pays their own. In limited circumstances, a judge may shift fees.
How much does a contested divorce cost?
There is no cap. Costs rise with experts, complex assets, and the number of court appearances.
Can filing fees be waived?
If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver and whether you qualify.