Understanding the CT Divorce 'Pathways' System: A Guide to § 25-50A

Filing for divorce in Connecticut involves navigating a series of legal steps, court forms, and deadlines. As of 2025, the landscape of family court is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of a new case management system. Governed by Connecticut Practice Book § 25-50A, this new procedure, often called the "Pathways" system, is designed to make the divorce process more efficient, predictable, and tailored to the specific needs of each family.

If you are starting the divorce process, understanding this new system is not just helpful—it's essential. Your case will be managed under these new rules, and your first major court date will be the gateway to the entire process.

This comprehensive guide will demystify the Connecticut divorce pathways system. We will provide a step-by-step explanation of what to expect, focusing on the three most critical components you need to understand:

1. The Resolution Plan Date (RPD): The crucial first court event where your case is assessed.
2. The Three Divorce Tracks (A, B, and C): The different "pathways" your case can be assigned to, based on its complexity.
3. The Role of the Family Relations Counselor: The court professional who will guide the initial assessment of your case.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap of the new CT family court case management process, empowering you to approach your divorce with more confidence and clarity.

What is the Connecticut Divorce 'Pathways' System? (§ 25-50A Explained)

For years, the Connecticut family court system often treated all but the simplest cases in a similar fashion. This "one-size-fits-all" approach could lead to delays for straightforward cases while not providing enough structure for highly complex ones.

The new case management system, established by Practice Book § 25-50A, changes that. Its primary goal is to streamline the process by identifying the core issues in a divorce early on and placing the case on a "track" with a schedule and resources appropriate for its level of complexity.

Think of it like a hospital emergency room's triage system. Instead of everyone waiting in the same line, a nurse assesses each patient's needs and directs them to the right level of care. Similarly, the Pathways system assesses each divorce case and directs it down one of three paths: an expedited track for simple agreements, a standard track for typical disputes, or a complex track for cases requiring intensive judicial oversight.

The entire system revolves around a new, mandatory court date: the Resolution Plan Date (RPD). This is where the "triage" happens and your case is set on its path. This new system applies to all new divorce, legal separation, and custody cases filed in Connecticut.

The First Crucial Step: The Resolution Plan Date (RPD) in a CT Divorce

The single most important event in the early stage of your divorce under the new system is the Resolution Plan Date, or RPD. This is not a trial where you argue your case before a judge. Instead, it is a management conference designed to organize your case and create a roadmap for resolving it.

When you file for divorce, your initial paperwork will include a "Return Date." The RPD is typically scheduled by the court clerk to occur approximately 30 to 35 days after this Return Date. Attendance at the RPD is mandatory for both you and your spouse (and your respective attorneys, if you have them).

How to Prepare for Your Resolution Plan Date

Success in the Pathways system begins with preparation for the RPD. Arriving unprepared can cause significant delays and start your case off on the wrong foot. There are three essential tasks you must complete before your RPD.

1. Complete and Exchange Financial Affidavits: This is the most critical preparation step. Both you and your spouse must complete a detailed Financial Affidavit (Form JD-FM-6-LONG or JD-FM-6-SHORT). This sworn document lists all your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Under the new rules, you are required to provide a copy of your completed affidavit to your spouse and file it with the court at least five days before the RPD. Failure to do so will prevent the court from properly assessing your case.

2. Discuss the Case Management Agreement (JD-FM-289): The court wants parties to communicate. The new system introduces a "Case Management Agreement" form. You and your spouse are expected to discuss this form before the RPD and try to agree on basic information, such as whether you believe your case belongs on Track A, B, or C. Even if you can't agree on everything, showing the court you've made an effort is beneficial.

3. Register for the Parenting Education Program (PEP): If you and your spouse have minor children, you are both required by law to complete a six-hour Parenting Education Program. You must show proof that you have at least registered for the program by the time of your RPD.

What Happens at the Resolution Plan Date?

When you arrive at court for your RPD, you will not immediately see a judge. Instead, you will meet with a Family Relations Counselor.

The meeting will proceed as follows:

• Document Review: The Counselor's first step is to ensure both parties have complied with the initial requirements. They will check if you have both filed your Financial Affidavits and registered for the PEP (if applicable).
• Issue Identification: The Counselor will then speak with you and your spouse (or your attorneys) to understand the core issues of your case. They will ask questions like:
  • "Have you reached an agreement on any issues?"
  • "What are the main points of disagreement?"
  • "Do you agree on a parenting plan?"
  • "Are there complex financial assets, like a business or retirement accounts?"
  • "Do you anticipate needing experts, like a real estate appraiser or a business valuator?"
• Track Recommendation: Based on your answers and the documents provided, the Counselor will determine the complexity and level of conflict in your case. They will then recommend that the court assign your case to Track A, B, or C.
• Scheduling Order: If the parties agree with the Counselor's recommendation, the Counselor will help draft a Case Management Order. This order, which is signed by a judge, becomes the official roadmap for your case. It will contain all the key deadlines you must meet.

The resolution plan date in a CT divorce is the foundational event that sets the pace and procedure for everything that follows.

The Central Figure: The Role of the Family Relations Counselor

Under the Pathways system, the Family Relations Counselor plays a pivotal new role. It's important to understand who they are and what they do.

Family Relations Counselors are neutral employees of the Judicial Branch. They typically have backgrounds in social work, counseling, or mediation and are specially trained in family law matters, conflict resolution, and child development. They do not represent you or your spouse; they work for the court.

At the Resolution Plan Date, the Counselor's functions are:

• Triage Officer: Their primary job is to perform the initial assessment and sort cases into the correct track. They are the court's "triage nurse," ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
• Information Gatherer: They act as the court's eyes and ears, quickly gathering the essential facts needed to understand the scope of the disputes.
• Facilitator: While not a full mediation session, the Counselor will facilitate a discussion to identify areas of agreement and clarify the specific points of disagreement. This helps focus the case from the very beginning.
• Resource Navigator: If they identify a need for specific services, they can refer parties to court-sponsored mediation, parenting programs, or other family services designed to help resolve disputes.

It is crucial to remember that a Family Relations Counselor does not make decisions or issue orders. They cannot decide who gets custody or how your property will be divided. Their role is to assess, report, and recommend a procedural path to the judge, who retains all decision-making authority. Being cooperative, organized, and honest with the Counselor is the best strategy for a productive RPD.

Decoding the Tracks: Is Your Case a CT Divorce Track A, B, or C?

The core of the Connecticut divorce pathways system is the assignment of each case to one of three distinct tracks. The track determines the schedule, the level of court oversight, and the timeline for your divorce. The Case Management Order you receive after the RPD will explicitly state your track and its corresponding deadlines.

Track A: The Expedited Pathway

Track A is designed for uncontested or minimally contested cases where a resolution is already in hand or very close. The goal of this track is to move the case to a final hearing and judgment as quickly as possible.

• Who It's For:

  • Couples who have a signed, written settlement agreement resolving all issues (property, debt, alimony, custody, and child support).
  • Couples who have only one or two minor, easily resolvable issues remaining and are confident they can finalize an agreement quickly.

• Key Criteria for Track A:

  • A full settlement agreement is either complete or imminent.
  • All required documents are filed and in order, including Financial Affidavits, a Parenting Plan (if applicable), and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable).
  • There is a low level of conflict between the parties.

• What Happens on Track A: If your case is assigned to Track A, the court will typically schedule a date for your final, uncontested divorce hearing within 30 to 60 days of the RPD. The Case Management Order will be simple, essentially setting the date for you to appear before a judge to have your agreement approved and your divorce finalized.

• Real-World Scenario:

  • John and Lisa have been married for eight years with no children. They own a condo together and have agreed to sell it and split the proceeds equally. They have also agreed that neither will pay alimony. They worked together to write and sign a full Dissolution Agreement before their RPD. At the RPD, the Family Relations Counselor reviews their agreement and their completed Financial Affidavits. Seeing that all issues are resolved, the Counselor recommends Track A. The judge signs an order scheduling their final hearing in 45 days.

Track B: The Standard Pathway

Track B is the default path for the majority of divorce cases. It is intended for cases where there are genuine disputes that require a structured process of information exchange and negotiation, but that do not involve extreme complexity or conflict.

• Who It's For:

  • Couples who disagree on key issues like the parenting schedule, the amount or duration of alimony, or how to divide retirement assets.
  • Cases where one or both parties need to conduct "discovery"—the formal legal process of obtaining financial or other information from the other party.
  • Most standard, contested divorces will land on Track B.

• Key Criteria for Track B:

  • Disputes exist over custody, finances, or property division.
  • The parties have not reached a full agreement.
  • The case does not involve highly complex assets (like a family business) or severe issues (like allegations of serious abuse) that would require more intensive management.

• What Happens on Track B: A Track B case receives a comprehensive Case Management Order with a series of deadlines spanning several months. The goal is to keep the case moving forward toward either a settlement or a trial. A typical Track B order will include deadlines for:

  • Completing the exchange of financial discovery (e.g., bank statements, credit card bills).
  • Designating any expert witnesses (e.g., a real estate appraiser).
  • Attending mandatory mediation to try and resolve the disputes.
  • A "Pre-Trial Conference" with a judge to attempt a final settlement before trial.
  • The trial date itself, often set 9 to 12 months in the future.

• Real-World Scenario:

  • Michael and Emily have two school-aged children. They disagree on the weekly parenting schedule and on how much child support Michael should pay, as he is self-employed. They also disagree on whether Emily should receive alimony. At their RPD, they inform the Counselor of these disputes. The Counselor recommends Track B. The court issues a detailed order requiring them to exchange all business and personal financial records within 90 days, attend custody mediation within 120 days, and appear for a pre-trial conference in 7 months.

Track C: The Complex Pathway

Track C is reserved for the small percentage of cases that involve exceptionally complex issues or a high degree of conflict that requires intensive and ongoing judicial management.

• Who It's For:

  • High-net-worth divorces with complex assets like business ownership, trusts, deferred compensation packages, or significant investment portfolios.
  • High-conflict custody cases involving serious allegations of abuse or neglect, proposed parental relocation, or significant mental health or substance abuse issues.
  • Cases where there is a concern that one party is hiding assets.

• Key Criteria for Track C:

  • The need for multiple expert witnesses (e.g., a forensic accountant, a business valuator, a custody evaluator).
  • A high level of animosity and distrust between the parties that makes standard case progress difficult.
  • Significant legal or factual complexity that requires close supervision by a judge.

• What Happens on Track C: These cases receive the highest level of attention from the court. The Case Management Order will be highly customized to the specific needs of the case. It is common for:

  • A single judge to be assigned to oversee the case from start to finish.
  • Frequent status conferences to be scheduled with the judge to ensure deadlines are being met.
  • Early appointment of necessary experts, such as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for the children or a financial special master.
  • A detailed, multi-phased discovery plan.

• Real-World Scenario:

  • Dr. Chen is a partner in a large medical practice, and her husband, David, stayed home with the children for 15 years. The divorce involves valuing her partnership interest, dividing multiple properties, and addressing David's request for significant lifetime alimony. Furthermore, Dr. Chen has requested to relocate out of state with the children. The Counselor at the RPD immediately identifies the financial complexity and the high-stakes custody dispute, recommending Track C. The judge assigns the case to herself, orders the immediate appointment of a forensic accountant and a custody evaluator, and schedules the first of many status conferences for 30 days later.

How to Prepare for Success in the Pathways System

The new CT family court case management system rewards preparation and proactivity. Here are five tips to help you navigate it effectively:

1. Do Not Miss the Resolution Plan Date. This is a mandatory court appearance. Failing to appear can result in the judge entering orders against you, including potentially defaulting you from the case.
2. Prioritize Your Financial Affidavit. This document is your ticket to a productive RPD. Complete it early, be thorough, and be honest. Make sure you provide a copy to your spouse and the court at least five days before the RPD.
3. Communicate About the Case Management Form. If it is safe and possible to do so, talk to your spouse about the JD-FM-289 form before your court date. Agreeing on the undisputed facts and even a proposed track can demonstrate to the court that you are focused on resolution.
4. Get Organized. Create a folder for your divorce paperwork. Bring copies of everything you have filed, your completed Financial Affidavit, and your proof of PEP registration to the RPD.
5. Be Candid with the Counselor. The Family Relations Counselor's job is to help the court, not to take sides. Hiding a major issue (like a disagreement over an inheritance) will only cause it to erupt later, potentially derailing your case and damaging your credibility. Be upfront about the real issues.

Navigating Your Path to Resolution

The Connecticut divorce pathways system represents a fundamental shift in how the family courts manage cases. While any new process can seem intimidating, the goal of Practice Book § 25-50A is positive: to create a more logical, efficient, and responsive system that moves families toward resolution.

By understanding the central importance of the Resolution Plan Date, the helpful role of the Family Relations Counselor, and the purpose of CT divorce Tracks A, B, and C, you are already ahead of the curve. The key to success is preparation. A well-prepared party who understands the process is better equipped to advocate for their needs and achieve a fair and timely outcome.

This new system provides a clear path. By taking the time to understand the map, you can navigate your journey with greater control and peace of mind.