Connecticut Divorce Guides
Your comprehensive resource for Connecticut divorce information. Start with our complete guide, then explore detailed resources for specific legal topics.
Start here: Complete Connecticut Divorce Guide
Our comprehensive guide covers the entire Connecticut divorce process from start to finish. This is where most people should begin their divorce journey.
Featured Legal Guides
Property & Financial Matters
How Is Property Divided in a Connecticut Divorce? Understanding C.G.S. 46b-81
Property & AssetsA comprehensive guide to Connecticut's property division laws under C.G.S. 46b-81. Explains the 12 factors courts consider when dividing marital assets, debts, and property in divorce cases.
Calculating Alimony in Connecticut: A Guide to the Factors in C.G.S. 46b-82
Spousal SupportA detailed guide to Connecticut's alimony laws under C.G.S. 46b-82. Explains the 17 factors courts consider when determining spousal support awards, duration, and modification requirements.
Child Custody & Parenting
The 17 'Best Interests of the Child' Factors in Connecticut Custody Cases (C.G.S. 46b-56)
Child CustodyA comprehensive analysis of the 17 'best interests of the child' factors under C.G.S. 46b-56 that Connecticut courts use to determine child custody and parenting arrangements in divorce cases.
How to Get an Emergency Ex Parte Custody Order in Connecticut (C.G.S. 46b-56f)
Child CustodyHow to Get an Emergency Ex Parte Custody Order in Connecticut (C.G.S. § 46b-56f)
Modifying a Connecticut Divorce Decree: Alimony and Child Support (C.G.S. 46b-86)
Child CustodyGuide to modifying Connecticut divorce decrees under C.G.S. 46b-86. Learn the 'substantial change in circumstances' standard for alimony and child support modifications.
Relocating with a Child After a Connecticut Divorce (C.G.S. 46b-56d)
Child CustodyGuide to Connecticut's child relocation laws under C.G.S. 46b-56d. Learn the legal requirements for moving with a child after divorce and the five-factor best interest test.
Legal Foundation & Concepts
CT Divorce Default: When a Spouse Won't Respond
Legal FoundationCT divorce default process guide under Practice Book § 25-51. What happens when your spouse doesn't respond, waiting periods & default hearings.
Understanding the CT Divorce 'Pathways' System: A Guide to § 25-50A
Legal FoundationComplete guide to Connecticut's new divorce Pathways system under Practice Book § 25-50A. Learn about Resolution Plan Dates, Family Relations Counselors, and Track A, B, C assignments.
Connecticut Educational Support Orders: Paying for College After Divorce (C.G.S. 46b-56c)
Legal FoundationA comprehensive guide to Connecticut's unique educational support law (C.G.S. 46b-56c) that allows judges to order parents to pay for college after divorce. Learn about the four required legal findings, the UConn cap, and children's obligations.
Getting Divorced in Connecticut Without a Lawyer: Your Complete Self-Representation Guide
Legal FoundationComplete guide to getting divorced in Connecticut without a lawyer. Learn about self-representation rights, nonadversarial divorce, required forms, court procedures, and what to expect when representing yourself in CT family court.
Grandparent and Third-Party Visitation Rights in Connecticut (C.G.S. 46b-59)
Legal FoundationGrandparent and Third-Party Visitation Rights in Connecticut (C.G.S. § 46b-59)
Grounds for Divorce in Connecticut: No-Fault vs. Fault-Based (C.G.S. 46b-40)
Legal FoundationComplete guide to Connecticut's divorce grounds under C.G.S. 46b-40. Learn the difference between no-fault 'irretrievable breakdown' and 10 fault-based grounds like adultery, desertion, and intolerable cruelty, and when fault may impact alimony or property division.
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Connecticut? Complete Cost Breakdown
Legal FoundationLearn the true cost of divorce in Connecticut, from court filing fees to attorney costs. Discover how to minimize expenses with DIY options and uncontested divorce.
How to Get a Quick Divorce in Connecticut: A Guide to the Fastest Path
Legal FoundationLearn the fastest way to get a divorce in Connecticut. Our guide explains the Nonadversarial Divorce (C.G.S. § 46b-44a), its strict requirements, and the step-by-step process for a quick, amicable separation.
Service of Process in Connecticut Divorce: Hiring a Marshal vs. Waiving Service
Legal FoundationLearn when to hire a CT state marshal vs. waive service in divorce. Compare costs, timing, and requirements for serving divorce papers in Connecticut.
Court Procedures & Motions
Preparing for Your CT Divorce Hearing: A Checklist of Required Filings Under § 25-30
Court ProceduresPreparing for Your CT Divorce Hearing: A Checklist of Required Filings Under § 25-30
How to File a Motion in a CT Divorce: Navigating the New Motion Docket (§ 25-34A)
Court ProceduresHow to File a Motion in a CT Divorce: Navigating the New Motion Docket (§ 25-34A)
Filing a Motion for Contempt in a CT Divorce: A Guide to § 25-27
Court ProceduresFiling a Motion for Contempt in a CT Divorce: A Guide to § 25-27
Legal Costs & Fees
Who Pays Attorney's Fees in a Connecticut Divorce? (C.G.S. 46b-62)
Legal CostsWho Pays Attorney's Fees in a Connecticut Divorce? A Deep Dive into C.G.S. 46b-62
Connecticut Divorce Form Instructions
Court Filing Forms
JD-FM-159: Divorce Complaint
Complete guide to filling out the divorce complaint form that officially starts your case.
JD-FM-003: Summons Family Actions
Step-by-step instructions for the summons that officially notifies your spouse of the divorce.
JD-CL-012: Appearance
How to complete the appearance form that officially enters you into the court case.
JD-FM-158: Notice of Automatic Orders
Understanding the automatic restraining orders that take effect when you file for divorce.
Financial Disclosure Forms
JD-FM-006-SHORT: Financial Affidavit Short
Complete instructions for the short form financial affidavit (under $75k income/assets).
JD-FM-006-LONG: Financial Affidavit Long
Comprehensive guide to the long form financial affidavit for higher income/asset cases.
CCSG-1: Child Support Worksheet
Step-by-step guide to calculating child support using Connecticut's guidelines worksheet.
Children & Custody Forms
JD-FM-164: Affidavit Concerning Children
Required form for any divorce involving minor children in Connecticut.
JD-FM-164A: Addendum to Children Affidavit
Supplemental form for additional children information when needed.
JD-FM-284: Custody & Parenting Plan
Comprehensive 7-page form for creating your parenting plan and custody agreement.
Agreements & Relief Forms
JD-FM-172: Dissolution Agreement
Complete guide to the comprehensive settlement agreement that resolves all divorce issues.
JD-FM-175: Certificate of Compliance
Required notice form for cases involving public assistance or state benefits.
JD-FM-249: Waiver of Service
Form allowing your spouse to waive formal service by a marshal, saving time and money.
JD-FM-149: Parent Education Relief
Request relief from the mandatory parenting education program requirement.
Complete Connecticut Divorce Form Library
Our comprehensive form instruction library covers all 14 major Connecticut divorce forms with:
- • Step-by-step, field-by-field instructions
- • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- • Practical examples and real-world guidance
- • Connecticut-specific legal requirements
- • Related forms and filing sequences
- • Frequently asked questions
45,975 words of professional form instructions • 236 minutes of comprehensive guidance • All based on analysis of actual Connecticut court PDFs
Comprehensive Connecticut Divorce Resources
Our growing library includes detailed legal guides covering property division, alimony, child custody, court procedures, and more — plus step-by-step form instructions.