How to File for Divorce in Connecticut: Step-by-Step Process

Confirm You Meet Connecticut's Residency Requirements

Before you file anything, you need to satisfy the residency rules under C.G.S. § 46b-44. You can physically file the complaint as soon as you move to Connecticut, but the court cannot grant a final decree unless at least one spouse has lived in the state continuously for 12 months before the decree is entered — or the marriage took place in Connecticut and you returned with the intent to stay permanently.

If neither spouse meets the 12-month threshold yet, you can still file now. The clock keeps running while your case is pending, and many uncontested cases take three to six months anyway. Just know that the judge cannot sign off until that residency box is checked.

You'll file in the Superior Court for the Judicial District where either you or your spouse lives. Connecticut has 13 Judicial Districts — Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield at Bridgeport, Stamford-Norwalk, New London, and others.

Prepare the Initial Filing Package

Connecticut requires three core forms to start a divorce case:

Summons — Family Actions (JD-FM-3). This document notifies your spouse that a divorce action has been filed. You must select a "Return Date" — a Tuesday at least four weeks in the future. The Return Date is not a court appearance. It is an administrative deadline that triggers all subsequent deadlines in your case.

Divorce Complaint (JD-FM-159). This states the grounds for divorce, lists any minor children, and spells out what you are asking for — property division, alimony, child support, or name restoration. Most filers check "irretrievable breakdown" as the no-fault ground under C.G.S. § 46b-40.

Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158). These orders kick in immediately when you sign the complaint. They prohibit both spouses from selling assets, canceling insurance, or relocating children out of state without court permission.

If you have children under 18, also complete the Affidavit Concerning Children (JD-FM-164), which certifies where the children have lived for the past five years.

Serve Your Spouse and File with the Court

You cannot hand the papers to your spouse yourself. Connecticut requires a licensed State Marshal to deliver the summons, complaint, automatic orders, and a blank Appearance form (JD-CL-12) to the defendant. Marshal fees typically run $50 to $150 depending on mileage and attempts.

Service must be completed at least 12 days before the Return Date. The marshal gives you a notarized Return of Service as proof.

Saving money on service: If your spouse is cooperative, they can sign a Certification of Waiver of Service (JD-FM-249) and file their own Appearance. This skips the marshal entirely and saves you both time and fees.

After service, file the original summons, complaint, and Return of Service with the Superior Court Clerk's Office. The filing fee is $360. If you cannot afford it, file a Fee Waiver Application (JD-FM-75) — you may qualify if your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level or you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying assistance.

All documents must be filed at least six days before the Return Date.

What Happens After Filing

Once your case is docketed, here is what to expect:

Financial Affidavits (within 30 days of the Return Date). Both spouses must complete and exchange Form JD-FM-6, listing all income, expenses, assets, and debts — calculated on a weekly basis.

Resolution Plan Date (30–45 days after the Return Date). You meet with a court-appointed Family Relations Counselor who screens your case and assigns it to one of three tracks: Track A (full agreement — fast-tracked), Track B (limited disputes — mediation), or Track C (high conflict — headed to trial).

Parenting Education Program. If children are involved, both parents must complete a six-hour court-approved parenting course within 60 days of filing. Cost is $150 per person, waived if you received a fee waiver.

90-day waiting period. Under C.G.S. § 46b-67, the court cannot enter a final decree until 90 days after the Return Date. If you and your spouse agree on everything, you can submit your Dissolution Agreement (JD-FM-172) and request approval "on the papers" — no courtroom appearance required.

Two Paths: Standard vs. Nonadversarial

Most filers go through the standard family docket described above. But Connecticut offers an expedited nonadversarial track under C.G.S. § 46b-44a for couples who meet all of these criteria: married nine years or less, no minor children, no jointly owned real estate, no defined benefit pensions, no pending bankruptcy, and combined net assets under $80,000.

Qualifying couples file a joint petition (JD-FM-242) instead of the standard complaint. There is no marshal service, no 90-day wait, and no courtroom hearing. A decree can be entered in roughly 35 days.

If you are not sure which path fits your situation, the Connecticut Divorce Filing Process Guide walks you through both tracks with decision trees, form-by-form instructions, and pre-filled worksheet templates — so you file correctly the first time.

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