Connecticut Divorce Decree: What It Is and How to Get One

What a Connecticut Divorce Decree Actually Is

A divorce decree — formally called a "Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage" in Connecticut — is the court order that legally ends your marriage. It is signed by a Superior Court judge and becomes part of the permanent court record. Until the judge signs this document, you are still legally married regardless of how long you have been separated or how many forms you have filed.

The decree incorporates all the terms of your divorce: property division, debt allocation, alimony, child custody arrangements, child support orders, and any name restoration. If you filed an uncontested case with a Dissolution Agreement (JD-FM-172), the decree typically adopts that agreement verbatim. In contested cases, the decree reflects the judge's rulings after trial.

How the Decree Is Entered

The path to getting your decree depends on your case type:

Uncontested cases. After the 90-day waiting period (counted from the Return Date under C.G.S. § 46b-67), you submit your signed Dissolution Agreement along with updated Financial Affidavits (JD-FM-6). Since 2022, Connecticut allows couples to request approval "on the papers" by filing Forms JD-FM-281 and JD-FM-282 — the judge reviews everything and can enter the decree without a courtroom appearance.

Nonadversarial cases. Qualifying couples (married nine years or less, no children, limited assets) who file under C.G.S. § 46b-44a can receive a decree in approximately 35 days. No waiting period, no hearing, no marshal service.

Contested cases. The decree is entered after a trial or final settlement conference. The judge issues written findings covering all disputed issues.

Default cases. If your spouse never filed an Appearance, you can move for a default judgment after 30 days from the Return Date. The court schedules a short hearing where you present your proposed terms, and the judge enters a decree based on your testimony and financial disclosures.

Getting a Certified Copy of Your Decree

You will need certified copies of your divorce decree to update your name, adjust insurance, refinance property, and handle dozens of other post-divorce tasks. Here is how to get them:

From the courthouse. Visit or contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office in the Judicial District where your case was heard. Request a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution. There is a small per-page copying fee.

Through E-Services. If you registered for the Judicial Branch E-Services portal during your case, you can view and download court documents electronically. However, downloaded copies are not certified — you still need the clerk's stamp for official purposes.

By mail. Send a written request to the clerk's office with your case number, the names of both parties, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a check or money order for the copying fee.

Keep multiple certified copies. You will likely need them for the DMV (name change on your license), Social Security Administration, banks, mortgage companies, and your employer's benefits department.

What to Do After You Receive Your Decree

The decree is the starting line for several time-sensitive tasks:

Appeal window. Either party has 20 days from the date the decree is entered to file an appeal. After 20 days, the decree is final.

Name change. If the decree includes a name restoration order, bring a certified copy to the DMV, Social Security office, and your bank to update your records.

Property transfers. If the decree orders the transfer of real estate, you need to execute a quitclaim deed and record it with the town clerk.

Retirement accounts. Dividing a 401(k) or pension requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), which is a separate court order sent to the plan administrator.

Update beneficiaries. Review and update beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts.

The Connecticut Divorce Filing Process Guide includes a post-decree checklist covering every update you need to make — from government IDs to financial accounts — so nothing falls through the cracks.

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