Important Information About Divorce in Connecticut
What is the waiting period for divorce in Connecticut?
90 days—but can be waived in some circumstances.
Do you need to be separated before filing for divorce in Connecticut? If so, how long?
No.
How is property divided in Connecticut (e.g., separate or equitable property)?
Pure equitable distribution state.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Connecticut?
$225-$275.
Is filing a joint petition possible in Connecticut?
Yes.
How do you waive the filing fee in Connecticut?
Fill out: Fee Waiver Form.
What are the annulment rules in Connecticut?
Consanguinity or affinity
Bigamy
Incompetence
Defects in marriage ceremony or license
Fraud, force, or duress
Concealment or misrepresentation of facts/circumstances
Annulment of Marriage in Connecticut
Is there a faster way to divorce in Connecticut (e.g., summary dissolution)?
Simplified/Non-Adversarial ("Non-Ad") Divorce: A simplified method where eligible spouses can divorce in 35 days or less without appearing before a judge.
What are the divorcing parties called in Connecticut?
Plaintiff and Defendant.
What methods are used to serve divorce papers in Connecticut, and can the respondent waive service?
Papers must be served by a State Marshal.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Connecticut?
A divorce complaint can be filed after either spouse establishes residency. Divorce will only be granted if:
Either spouse has lived in Connecticut for at least 12 months before the divorce is finalized.
Either spouse was domiciled in Connecticut at marriage, left, and returned permanently before filing.
The reason for divorce occurred after moving into Connecticut.
Does it matter who files first in Connecticut?
No.
What is the deadline for responding to a divorce petition in Connecticut?
30 days after the return day.
Are the parties required to go to court in Connecticut?
Not if the divorce is uncontested.
Are there requirements before filing or finalizing divorce in Connecticut (e.g., classes)?
Yes. If children under 18 are involved, you must complete a parenting education program within 60 days after filing.
Parenting Education Program
Is separation required before finalizing divorce in Connecticut?
No.
Is Connecticut a no-fault state?
Yes, it allows both fault and no-fault divorces.
If filing on fault grounds, what are they in Connecticut?
Marriage irretrievably broken
Incompatibility (18-month separation)
Adultery
Fraudulent contract
Willful desertion for one year
Seven-year absence
Habitual intemperance
Intolerable cruelty
Imprisonment for life or infamous crime involving conjugal duty
Mental illness confinement totaling five of six years preceding the complaint.
Is permanent alimony/spousal support available in Connecticut?
Yes.
What are the rules for alimony/spousal support in Connecticut?
The court considers marriage length, dissolution reasons, age, health, occupation, income, employability, skills, estate, child custody arrangements, and employment opportunities.
What are the child support rules in Connecticut?
Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model considering factors such as income, employability, health, age, vocational skills, and the child's needs.
What are the military divorce rules in Connecticut?
Active service members may pause ("stay") divorce proceedings during deployment or waive this right.
Is there an official spousal support calculator in Connecticut? If yes, provide the link.
No.
Is there an official child support calculator in Connecticut? If yes, provide the link.
No.
When can you file taxes as a single person in Connecticut?
If divorced or legally separated by December 31.
Can parties legally separate in Connecticut? If so, how?
Yes. A decree of legal separation has the same effect as divorce except that neither party may remarry.
Legal Separation Info
Where do you file for divorce in Connecticut?
Resident county—Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
What are the rules for filing divorce in Connecticut?
After completing paperwork, bring it to the Superior Court Clerk for signing. A State Marshal must serve your spouse. You'll have a "Return Date" (a Tuesday, at least 4 weeks from filing) and a "Case Management Date" (at least 90 days after the Return Date).
What primary documents are generated for divorce in Connecticut?
Summons Family Actions (JD-FM-3)
Divorce Complaint/Cross Complaint (JD-FM-159)
Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158)
Affidavit Concerning Children (JD-FM-164)
Temporary orders may include:
Motion for Orders Before Judgment (Pendente Lite, JD-FM-176)
Financial Affidavit (Long JD-FM-6 or Short JD-FM-6)
Dissolution Agreement (JD-FM-172)
Child Support Guideline Worksheet (CCSG-1)
Advisement of Rights (JD-FM-71)
Can you change your name during the divorce process in Connecticut? If so, how?
Yes. You can request a name change during your divorce or after the decree.
Name Change Information
Can you finalize a divorce while pregnant in Connecticut?
Yes.
How do you end domestic partnerships in Connecticut?
Connecticut doesn’t allow new domestic partnerships, but recognizes civil unions or partnerships from other states as marriages.
Domestic Partnership Info
Are financial disclosures required in Connecticut? If so, explain.
Yes. Parties must exchange sworn financial statements upon filing.
Financial Disclosure Rules
Is there free legal help for divorce in Connecticut? If so, where?
Yes. CT Free Legal Answers
Does Connecticut recognize common law marriage?
No.
Does Connecticut allow e-filing for divorce?
Yes. E-filing Information
Is a court appearance required at any point during the divorce process in Connecticut?
Yes, for uncontested divorces. No court appearance is required if using a non-adversarial divorce process (similar to summary dissolution for marriages up to 9 years).
Sources:
https://www.jud.ct.gov
http://uwc.211ct.org
Top Resources for Divorce in Connecticut
- Process to file for divorce in Connecticut
- Connecticut Divorce forms and papers
- How much does a divorce cost in Connecticut?
- How to serve divorce papers in Connecticut
- DIY divorce process in Connecticut without lawyers
- Contested Connecticut divorce
- Uncontested Connecticut divorce
- Legal separation vs. divorce in Connecticut
- Where to file for divorce in Connecticut
- Alimony in Connecticut
- Attorney fees in Connecticut
