Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Connecticut

Residency Requirements

One spouse must have been a Connecticut resident for at least 12 months before filing, OR was a resident when married and returned with intent to remain.

Waiting Period

90 days from return date before divorce can be finalized.

Grounds

Connecticut has both no-fault (irretrievable breakdown) and fault-based grounds.

Filing Process

1. File Summons and Complaint in Superior Court


2. Serve your spouse


3. Attend court-ordered mediation if required


4. Finalize after 90-day period

Family Courts in Connecticut

Family law cases in Connecticut are heard in Superior Court, Family Division.

Court Structure

• 13 judicial districts


• Family Division in each district

Major Courts

• Hartford: Hartford Judicial District


• New Haven: New Haven Judicial District


• Fairfield: Fairfield Judicial District

Family Services

Court-connected family services including mediation and custody evaluations.

Filing Fees in Connecticut

Fee Schedule

• Divorce filing fee: $360


• Service fees: Additional $25-$100

Fee Waiver

Application for Waiver of Fees available for those who cannot afford fees.

Typical Costs

• Uncontested: $1,500-$4,000


• Contested: $10,000-$50,000+

Free Legal Resources in Connecticut

Connecticut Legal Services

• Website: connlegalservices.org


• Phone: 1-800-453-3320

Greater Hartford Legal Aid

• Website: ghla.org


• Phone: 860-541-5000

Online Resources

• CT Free Legal Answers: ct.freelegalanswers.org


• CT Law Help: ctlawhelp.org

Critical Deadlines in Connecticut

Waiting Period

90 days from return date before divorce can be finalized.

Response Deadline

Return date: Court assigns a return date, typically 2-4 weeks from filing.

Financial Disclosure

Sworn financial affidavits required within 30 days of return date.

Residency

Must be Connecticut resident for 12 months before filing.

Connecticut's Unique Family Law Features

Return Date System

Connecticut uses a return date system rather than traditional service - court assigns a date when spouse must appear.

Family Relations Officers

Courts employ Family Relations Officers who mediate and investigate custody matters.

Alimony Factors

Connecticut considers 17 statutory factors for alimony determinations.

12-Month Residency

One of the longer residency requirements at 12 months.

Automatic Orders

Automatic orders take effect upon service, restricting property disposal and insurance changes.