Getting Divorced in Connecticut Without a Lawyer: Your Complete Self-Representation Guide

Facing a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you're concerned about the cost of legal representation. The good news is that Connecticut law explicitly allows you to represent yourself in divorce proceedings. You have the legal right to handle your own case from start to finish, without ever hiring an attorney.

While self-representation—also called appearing "pro se"—requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the process, thousands of Connecticut residents successfully navigate divorce proceedings on their own each year. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting divorced in Connecticut without a lawyer, using only the official statutes and court rules that govern the process.

Important Note: This guide covers the legal procedures and requirements. While you can legally represent yourself, complex cases involving significant assets, business interests, contested custody disputes, or domestic violence may benefit from professional legal consultation.

Your Legal Right to Self-Representation

Connecticut law firmly establishes your right to represent yourself in family court. While Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-43 explicitly grants this right to married minors, Practice Book § 25-6 establishes that all competent adults may appear and represent themselves in family matters. The Connecticut Constitution and court rules guarantee this fundamental right to self-representation.

The Connecticut Practice Book further recognizes self-represented parties throughout its family matter procedures. Practice Book § 25-6A even provides for situations where you might want to file a "self-representation appearance" in addition to having an attorney, giving you flexibility in how you handle your case.

Two Paths to Divorce in Connecticut

Connecticut offers two primary pathways for divorce, each with different requirements and procedures:

Path 1: Nonadversarial Dissolution (The Simplest Option)

The Nonadversarial Dissolution under C.G.S. § 46b-44a is Connecticut's streamlined divorce process for couples who meet strict eligibility requirements. This is often the best option for self-represented parties because it involves minimal court appearances and can be completed in as little as 30 days.

Eligibility Requirements (All Must Be Met):

According to C.G.S. § 46b-44a(b), you and your spouse must attest under oath that:

1. Irretrievable Breakdown: The marriage has broken down irretrievably
2. Short Marriage: The marriage duration does not exceed 9 years
3. No Pregnancy: Neither party is pregnant
4. No Children: No children were born to or adopted by the parties during the marriage
5. No Real Estate: Neither party has any interest or title in real property
6. Limited Assets: Total combined fair market value of all property (less debts) is under $80,000
7. No Pension Plans: Neither party has a defined benefit pension plan
8. No Bankruptcy: Neither party has a pending bankruptcy petition
9. No Other Actions: No other divorce actions are pending
10. No Protective Orders: No restraining or protective orders between the parties
11. Residency: Connecticut residency requirements under C.G.S. § 46b-44 are satisfied

The Nonadversarial Process:

1. Joint Petition Filing: Both parties file together under C.G.S. § 46b-44a(a)
2. Required Documents: Financial affidavits from both parties, name change requests if desired, and certification of waivers
3. Automatic Disposition: C.G.S. § 46b-44c(a) requires the court to assign a disposition date "not less than thirty days" after filing
4. No Hearing Required: Under C.G.S. § 46b-44c(b), the court may enter the divorce decree "without a hearing" if all conditions are met, and may do so within five days of the disposition date
5. Automatic Orders: Practice Book § 25-5B requires automatic restraining orders on both parties regarding property and insurance

Path 2: Standard Dissolution Process

If you don't qualify for nonadversarial divorce, you'll follow the standard dissolution process under C.G.S. § 46b-45.

Key Requirements:

Residency: Under C.G.S. § 46b-44, you can file as soon as either spouse establishes Connecticut residency, but a decree cannot be entered unless:

• One party has been a Connecticut resident for at least 12 months before filing or before the decree; OR
• One party was domiciled in Connecticut at the time of marriage and returned with intent to remain; OR
• The cause for divorce arose after either party moved to Connecticut

Grounds for Divorce: C.G.S. § 46b-40(c) provides 10 grounds, but most cases use "irretrievable breakdown."

Essential Forms and Documents

Required Complaint Contents

Practice Book § 25-2 mandates that every divorce complaint must state:

• Date and place of marriage
• Jurisdictional facts proving Connecticut has authority to hear the case
• Whether there are minor children and details about all children
• If the state has provided support, the Attorney General must be served

Automatic Orders

Practice Book § 25-5(b) requires that specific automatic restraining orders be included in bold text in every complaint. These orders immediately prohibit both parties from:

Property and Financial Restraints:

• Selling, transferring, or concealing property except for ordinary business or household expenses
• Converting joint assets to individual names
• Taking on unreasonable new debt
• Removing the other party from insurance policies
• Changing life insurance beneficiaries

Child-Related Orders (if applicable): Under Practice Book § 25-5(a), if children are involved:

• Removing children from Connecticut without written consent or court order
• Interfering with the children's relationship with both parents
• Both parents must complete parenting education within 60 days (per C.G.S. § 46b-69b(b) and Practice Book § 25-5(a)(5))

Financial Disclosure Requirements

Practice Book § 25-30(a) requires both parties to file sworn financial statements:

• Timeline: Within 30 days of the return date for automatic orders cases
• Updates: New statements must be filed within 30 days before final judgment
• Format: Must use the official Judicial Branch form
• Content: Current income, expenses, assets, and liabilities

Court Procedures for Self-Represented Parties

Filing Your Case

1. Service of Process: C.G.S. § 46b-45(a) requires service of the complaint and a blank appearance form
2. Waiver Option: C.G.S. § 46b-45(b) allows the other party to waive service by filing both a written waiver and an appearance
3. Return Date: The complaint must specify a return date for the other party to appear

Self-Represented Appearances

Practice Book § 25-26(c) specifically addresses self-represented applicants, noting that "the clerk reviews and, if form is proper, signs the order and summons and assigns a hearing or other court event date."

For modifications and motions, self-represented parties can present their paperwork directly to the clerk for review and scheduling.

Mandatory Timing Requirements

C.G.S. § 46b-67(a) establishes critical timing requirements:

• 90-Day Trial Rule: No trial of a contested dissolution can commence until at least 90 days after the return date
• Default Judgments: If your spouse doesn't appear, you can file for default 30 days after the return date, but specific procedures apply based on how they were served

Required Hearings and Evidence

Uncontested Cases: Even uncontested cases require the court to review agreements for fairness and make findings about the breakdown of the marriage.

Contested Cases: C.G.S. § 46b-51 allows the court to make findings based on:

• Stipulation by both parties (in person or written)
• Testimony of either party
• Affidavit made under oath (if no restraining orders are in effect)

Special Considerations for Self-Represented Parties

Cases Involving Children

If you have minor children, several additional requirements apply:

Parenting Education: C.G.S. § 46b-69b(b) requires both parents to complete a parenting education program unless:

• Both parties agree not to participate (with court approval)
• The court determines it's unnecessary
• The parties select a comparable program

Best Interests Analysis: If custody is contested, C.G.S. § 46b-56(c) requires the court to consider 17 specific factors, including the child's physical and emotional safety, developmental needs, and each parent's ability to meet the child's needs.

Affidavit Concerning Children: Practice Book § 25-57 requires filing an affidavit detailing the children's living arrangements for the past five years.

Financial Matters

Property Division: C.G.S. § 46b-81(c) requires the court to consider multiple factors when dividing property, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Age, health, occupation, and earning capacity of each party
• Each party's contribution to acquiring and preserving the marital estate

Alimony Considerations: C.G.S. § 46b-82(a) lists similar factors for alimony decisions, emphasizing the court's discretion based on the specific circumstances of each case.

Required Court Filings

Practice Book § 25-30 mandates several pre-hearing filings:

Five Business Days Before Hearing:

• Sworn financial statements (if not already filed)
• Written proposed orders (served on the other party but not filed until hearing)

Child Support Cases:

• Completed Child Support & Arrearage Guidelines Worksheet at hearing
• Advisement of Rights Re: Income Withholding (Form JD-FM-71)

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

Service of Process Issues

If you can't locate your spouse or they're out of state, Practice Book § 25-28 allows for alternative service methods. The court may order:

• Publication in newspapers
• Service through last known address
• Other methods the court deems reasonable

Default Proceedings

If your spouse doesn't respond, C.G.S. § 46b-67(b) provides a specific procedure for default judgments, including required affidavits about:

• How service was made
• Whether there are children or pregnancy
• Whether restraining orders exist
• Whether you're seeking alimony
• Whether there's joint property or debt

Discovery and Financial Disclosure

Practice Book § 25-32 incorporates civil discovery rules, allowing you to:

• Request documents from your spouse
• Serve interrogatories (written questions)
• Take depositions if necessary
• Compel compliance through court orders

Court Resources and Support

Connecticut courts provide several resources for self-represented parties:

Family Relations Services: Practice Book § 25-61 authorizes Family Relations counselors to assist with mediation, evaluations, and case management.

Mediation Services: The Judicial Branch's Family Services Division offers mediation authorized by C.G.S. § 46b-53a. While parties generally share costs, fees may be waived for qualifying parties based on financial need.

Forms and Instructions: C.G.S. § 46b-87a requires the court system to prepare forms "including instructions in plain language" for various family court procedures.

Court Clerks: While clerks cannot provide legal advice, they can help ensure your paperwork is properly formatted and guide you through filing procedures.

When Self-Representation May Not Be Advisable

While Connecticut law guarantees your right to self-representation, certain situations may warrant professional assistance:

Complex Financial Situations:

• Business ownership or valuation issues
• Significant retirement assets or pension plans
• Hidden assets or suspected financial misconduct

High-Conflict Custody Disputes:

• Allegations of abuse or neglect
• Mental health concerns affecting parenting
• Interstate custody jurisdictional issues

Legal Complications:

• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement enforcement
• Military service considerations
• Immigration status concerns

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

Representing yourself in a Connecticut divorce is not only legally permissible—it's a right protected by state law. Whether you choose the streamlined nonadversarial process or navigate the standard dissolution proceedings, Connecticut's statutes and practice rules provide a clear framework for self-represented parties.

Success in self-representation requires careful attention to:

• Meeting all filing deadlines and requirements
• Complying with automatic orders and court directives
• Providing complete financial disclosure
• Following proper service and notice procedures
• Understanding the legal standards that apply to your case

While the process requires diligence and organization, Connecticut law provides multiple pathways to achieve a fair and legally sound divorce without the expense of legal representation. By understanding your rights and responsibilities under the statutes and practice rules, you can confidently navigate this challenging time and move forward to the next chapter of your life.

Remember: This guide provides information about the legal process, but every case is unique. Consider consulting with a family law attorney if your situation involves complex legal or financial issues, or if you encounter unexpected complications during your proceedings.