How to get a divorce in CT

Answer the questions in the flowchart below to see which of the three main Connecticut divorce routes likely fits your situation. Each outcome in the chart will then link you to more details about that specific pathway described on this page.

Follow these phases. Form numbers (e.g., JD-FM-3) are provided for easy reference on the CT Judicial Branch website.

1. Gather Information: Collect full names, addresses, dates of birth (yours, spouse, children), date and place of marriage, and details about your separation.
2. Complete Initial Forms:
   • Standard Pathway / No Agreement:
     • Summons (JD-FM-3)
     • Divorce Complaint (JD-FM-159)
     • Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158) - print front AND back.
     • Appearance (JD-CL-12) - for yourself.
   • Simplified Pathway (if you meet ALL Section 1A criteria):
     • Joint Petition for Nonadversarial Divorce (JD-FM-242) - both spouses complete and sign.
     • Financial Affidavits (JD-FM-6-SHORT or JD-FM-6-LONG, as appropriate for each spouse). Links: Short, Long.
     • Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158) - for each spouse.
     • Appearance (JD-CL-12) - for each spouse.
     • Agreement for Nonadversarial Divorce (JD-FM-243) - if dividing any property/debts.

     Note: For Simplified, you'll file these together. Skip to Phase 3, Step 1 for filing, then adapt subsequent phases.

3. If you have minor children (Standard/No Agreement Pathways):
   • Affidavit Concerning Children (JD-FM-164)

Keeping track of these initial details and ensuring you select and complete the correct set of forms for your specific pathway is crucial. Untangle's guided process can help you gather this information systematically and generate the right starter forms accurately.

4. Visit the Court Clerk: Take your completed Summons (JD-FM-3), Complaint (JD-FM-159), and Appearance (JD-CL-12) to the Superior Court clerk in your judicial district.
5. Pay Filing Fee & Get Summons Signed: Pay the current filing fee (approx. $360 - verify current fee; fee waiver JD-CV-120 available if eligible). The clerk will sign your Summons and assign a "Return Date."
6. Make Copies: Make at least three complete sets of all documents returned by the clerk (one for your spouse, one for the Marshal, one for your records).

7. Hire a State Marshal: Provide a set of the court-stamped copies to a State Marshal for official "service" on your spouse. They will complete a "Return of Service" document.
8. File Return of Service: File the original Summons (with the Marshal's original Return of Service attached) and your original Complaint with the court clerk. This must be done AT LEAST SIX (6) DAYS BEFORE the Return Date.
9. Spouse's Appearance: Your spouse should file their own Appearance (JD-CL-12) by the second day after the Return Date. If they don't, see Section 6.

10. Financial Affidavits: Both spouses must complete and exchange Financial Affidavits (JD-FM-6-SHORT or JD-FM-6-LONG). File yours with the court within 30 days of the Return Date (or with Joint Petition for Simplified). Links: Short Form, Long Form.
11. If you have minor children:
    • File your Affidavit Concerning Children (JD-FM-164) if not already done.
    • Complete a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CCSG-1).
    • Develop a Parenting Plan (JD-FM-284). This outlines custody, visitation, decision-making.
    • Attend a Parenting Education Program (PEP). Both parents must complete this. Book early.

      Parenting education pro tip

      Many towns offer the PEP online or on evenings/weekends. Completing it sooner prevents last-minute rushes.

12. Negotiate & Draft Agreement: If you and your spouse agree on all issues (property, debt, support, parenting if applicable), formalize this in a written Dissolution Agreement (JD-FM-172).
    • If children: Attach the signed Parenting Plan (JD-FM-284) and Child Support Worksheet (CCSG-1).
13. File Agreement & Supporting Documents: File the signed Dissolution Agreement and any attachments (Financial Affidavits, Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheet) with the court.

14. Waiting Period: There's a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the Return Date before a divorce can be finalized (unless on Simplified path, which is ~35 days total).
15. Case Management / Resolution Plan Date: The court will schedule a date. If you have a full agreement, you might be able to finalize by submitting paperwork ("on the papers") or at a brief uncontested hearing.
16. If No Agreement: The case proceeds. You may attend status conferences, mediation, or pre-trials. If issues remain, a trial will be scheduled.
17. Final Hearing/Judgment:
    • Uncontested: Attend a brief hearing or submit documents for judge's review. The judge reviews your agreement and financials. If approved, the divorce is granted. You may need an Advisement of Rights form (JD-FM-71).
    • Contested: After trial, the judge issues a decision.
    • Simplified: If all paperwork is correct, judgment may enter after ~35 days without a hearing.
18. Post-Judgment: Ensure you get a certified copy of your Divorce Decree. Update names, beneficiaries, property titles as needed per your agreement/judgment.

Full financial transparency is mandatory. Both parties must complete and exchange Financial Affidavits (JD-FM-6-SHORT or JD-FM-6-LONG). This provides a complete picture of income, expenses, assets, and debts, crucial for fair agreements or court decisions. Key points are covered in Phase 4 of the checklist in Section 3.

Dividing what you own:

Your Dissolution Agreement (JD-FM-172) will detail how property and debts are split. Real estate often involves a quit-claim deed or sale. Consider tax implications.

If you share minor children, Connecticut law prioritizes their best interests. You'll need to address custody, visitation schedules, decision-making for health/education/religion, and child support. These are formalized in a Parenting Plan (JD-FM-284) and Child Support Worksheet (CCSG-1). Both parents must also complete a Parenting Education Program. Key steps are in Phase 4 of the checklist in Section 3.

If your spouse was properly served with the divorce papers but fails to file an Appearance (JD-CL-12) with the court by the deadline (typically two days after the Return Date), you may be able to proceed by "default."

1. Waiting Period: You must wait at least 30 days after the Return Date if your spouse was served in-hand in Connecticut, or 60 days if served by other methods or out-of-state.
2. File Motion for Default: Submit a Motion for Default for Failure to Appear and Judgment (JD-FM-176) to the court.
3. Proposed Orders: Include your proposed orders regarding property, alimony, etc., with your motion.
4. Hearing: The court may schedule a brief hearing. You'll present your case, and if the judge approves, the divorce can be granted based on your requests.

The court needs to be satisfied that the non-appearing spouse had fair notice.

Self-represented divorce can be empowering, and these practical tips will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Read every instruction line on each form - many signature blocks must be completed in front of a clerk.

Keep a binder or cloud folder titled "divorce paperwork CT" so nothing goes missing.

For a digital-first approach to organization and form preparation, Untangle offers a dashboard to track your steps and manage documents, turning that messy pile into a clear checklist.

Untangle helps transform complex paperwork into a clear, step-by-step dashboard.

Use certified mail or a state marshal for service if you suspect future disputes.

Double-check that your Automatic Court Orders aren't violated (selling a car, canceling insurance, moving).

Attend the Parenting Education class early; spots fill quickly.

9. When to ask for help

Even the most confident diy divorce ct filer can hit a snag—especially with pensions, real estate equity, or complex parenting issues. Mediation or a brief consult with an attorney can prevent costly do-overs later in CT divorce court.