Can I file for divorce online in Connecticut?

Yes, you absolutely can file for divorce online in Connecticut. The Connecticut Judicial Branch has a modern electronic filing system, known as "E-Services," that allows you to submit your divorce paperwork to the court digitally. This is a significant step forward, making the process more accessible and convenient than the traditional method of physically going to the courthouse.

However, it's crucial to understand what "filing online" really means. While you can start your case and submit all your documents through the online portal, it doesn't mean the entire divorce process happens on the internet without any other steps. You will still need to follow all of Connecticut's legal procedures, which may include formal service of process on your spouse and attending court hearings, which could be virtual or in-person.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully file for divorce online in Connecticut, from understanding the system to the step-by-step process and important legal requirements you must follow.

Understanding "Filing Online" vs. an "Online Divorce"

When navigating your options, you might see the terms "filing online" and "online divorce" used, but they mean different things in Connecticut.

Filing Divorce Online in Connecticut: This refers to using the official Connecticut Judicial Branch's E-Services portal to submit your legal documents. You are still representing yourself (or working with an attorney) and are directly interacting with the state court system, just through a web-based platform. This is the focus of our article.
"Online Divorce" Services: These are typically third-party commercial websites that offer to prepare your divorce forms for a fee. While some can be helpful, they are not the court itself. They cannot file the documents for you in Connecticut or provide legal advice. You would still need to take the documents they prepare and file them yourself using the state's E-Services portal.

This guide focuses exclusively on the official process to file divorce online in Connecticut using the court's own system.

The Legal Framework for Your Connecticut Divorce

Before you begin the online filing process, it's important to know the basic legal requirements for any divorce in the state.

Residency Requirements

To get divorced in Connecticut, you must first meet the state's residency requirements. According to Connecticut law, a court can grant a divorce if at least one of the following is true:

"One of the parties to the marriage has been a resident of this state for at least the twelve months next preceding the date of the filing of the complaint or next preceding the date of the decree" (C.G.S. § 46b-44(c)(1)).
One of the parties lived in Connecticut at the time of the marriage and returned to the state with the intention of staying permanently before filing the divorce complaint (C.G.S. § 46b-44(c)(2)).
The reason for the divorce (the "cause for the dissolution") happened after either you or your spouse moved to Connecticut (C.G.S. § 46b-44(c)(3)).

You must meet one of these conditions for a Connecticut court to have jurisdiction over your case.

Types of Divorce You Can File Online

You can use the online portal to file for either of the two main types of divorce processes in Connecticut:

Regular Divorce (Contested or Uncontested): This is the standard path. It begins with one spouse (the "filing spouse") filing a complaint and having it legally served on the other spouse (the "responding spouse"). Even if you agree on all issues (uncontested), you still follow this basic procedure.
Nonadversarial Divorce (Simplified Divorce): This is a streamlined, faster option for couples who meet a very specific and strict set of criteria and agree on everything. Both spouses file a joint petition together.

The Connecticut Nonadversarial Divorce: A Simpler Online Path

If your situation is straightforward, the nonadversarial divorce might be the best route for your online filing. Under C.G.S. § 46b-44a, you can use this process only if you and your spouse can attest under oath that all of the following conditions are true:

The marriage has broken down irretrievably.
The marriage has lasted nine years or less.
Neither party is pregnant.
You have no children born or adopted together before or during the marriage.
Neither of you owns any real estate (like a house or land).
The total value of all your property (combined) is less than $80,000.
Neither of you has a defined benefit pension plan.
There are no active restraining or protective orders between you.
You meet the state residency requirements.

If you meet every single one of these requirements, you can file a joint petition online, which simplifies the process significantly. If you don't meet even one of these, you must proceed with a regular divorce filing.

Step-by-Step: How to File Divorce Online in Connecticut

Ready to begin? Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the Connecticut online divorce process.

Step 1: Create Your E-Services Account

Your first step is to register with the Judicial Branch's E-Services system.

Go to the Connecticut Judicial Branch website.
Look for the "E-Services" or "E-Filing" section.
You will need to register for an account as a self-represented party. This will require providing your name, address, and email address, which will be used for all court communications.

Step 2: Prepare Your Initial Divorce Documents

Before you can upload anything, you need to complete the correct forms. You can find all official forms on the CT Judicial Branch website.

For a Regular Divorce, you will need:

Summons Family Actions (JD-FM-3): This is the official document that notifies your spouse of the lawsuit.
Divorce Complaint (JD-FM-159): This document formally asks the court to dissolve your marriage and states the grounds (most commonly, "irretrievable breakdown").
Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158): This is a critical document that outlines the Automatic Orders that apply to both of you as soon as the case begins.

For a Nonadversarial Divorce, you will need:

Joint Petition for Nonadversarial Divorce (JD-FM-242): This is the main form you and your spouse complete and sign together.
Financial Statement (JD-FM-6): Both you and your spouse must each complete and file a sworn financial statement.

Step 3: E-File Your Documents and Pay the Fee

Once your forms are completed and saved as PDFs, you can log into your E-Services account to file them.

Log in to the E-Services portal.
Choose the option to "Start a New Case."
Select the correct case type (e.g., "Dissolution of Marriage").
Follow the prompts to upload your completed PDF documents.
You will be required to pay the court filing fee using a credit or debit card. If you cannot afford the fee, you can file an Application for Waiver of Fees (JD-FM-75).

Step 4: Arrange for Service of Process (Regular Divorce Only)

This is a step that trips many people up. E-filing your complaint does not legally notify your spouse. For a regular divorce, you must arrange for formal service of process.

Marshal Service: You must hire a Connecticut State Marshal to personally deliver a copy of the summons, complaint, and automatic orders to your spouse. You can find a list of marshals on the Judicial Branch website. The marshal will provide you with a "Return of Service" document, which you must then e-file with the court to prove service was completed.
Waiver of Service: If your spouse is cooperative, they can agree to waive formal service. They would need to sign a Waiver of Service form (part of the Summons packet) and file an Appearance form (JD-CL-12) with the court. This avoids the need for a marshal.

This step is not required for a nonadversarial divorce because both parties file the petition together.

Step 5: Navigating the Case After Filing

After the initial filing, your case enters the court system. Thanks to the new "Pathways" case management system, the process is more structured.

The Waiting Period: Connecticut has a mandatory waiting period. For most cases, a judge cannot finalize your divorce until at least 90 days have passed from the "return date" listed on your summons (C.G.S. § 46b-67).
Resolution Plan Date: After filing, the court will schedule a Resolution Plan Date (Practice Book § 25-50A). This is a meeting with a Family Relations Counselor to discuss your case, identify disputed issues, and determine the best "track" for resolving it.
Continued E-Filing: You will continue to use the E-Services portal to file all other necessary documents throughout your case, such as your sworn financial statement, motions, and your final separation agreement.

Important Considerations for Online Divorce Filing

Filing online is convenient, but keep these key points in mind.

Automatic Orders Are Binding: The moment a divorce is filed and served (or a joint petition is filed), a set of Automatic Orders goes into effect (Practice Book § 25-5). These are legally binding court orders that prevent either spouse from taking certain actions. For example, you cannot:
- Sell or hide assets without permission.
- Remove your children from the state without agreement or a court order.
- Take your spouse or children off existing health insurance policies.
- Change beneficiaries on life insurance policies.
- Violating these orders can result in being held in contempt of court.
Accuracy is Your Responsibility: When you file divorce online in Connecticut, you are responsible for ensuring all the information is accurate and the correct forms are used. Mistakes can lead to delays or rejection of your filing.
Court Appearances May Still Be Required: E-filing does not eliminate the need to go to court. You will likely need to attend the Resolution Plan Date and a final hearing before a judge to have your divorce approved. Many of these appearances are now conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams, but some may be in person.
The Importance of the Financial Statement: The sworn financial statement is one of the most important documents in your divorce. Under Practice Book § 25-30, both parties must file one. It provides the court with a complete picture of your income, expenses, assets, and debts, which is the basis for all financial decisions, including property division and alimony.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a fully online divorce without any court appearances possible in Connecticut?

Generally, no. While the nonadversarial divorce process is the closest you can get, a judge must still review and approve your agreement to ensure it is "fair and equitable" (C.G.S. § 46b-44c). If the judge has questions, they can require you to appear for a hearing (C.G.S. § 46b-44d). For any case with disagreements or involving children, court appearances (virtual or in-person) are standard.

What if my spouse and I agree on everything? Can we file our divorce online together?

Yes. This is exactly what the nonadversarial divorce process is for. If you meet all the strict criteria listed in C.G.S. § 46b-44a (no kids, no real estate, married less than nine years, etc.), you can complete the Joint Petition and file it online together.

How much does it cost to file for divorce online in CT?

There are several costs to consider:

Court Filing Fee: The Superior Court has a standard filing fee for starting a divorce case (currently over $300).
Marshal's Fee: If you need a marshal for service of process, this typically costs around $50-$100, plus mileage.
Parenting Education Program: If you have minor children, you are required to take a parenting class, which has a fee (C.G.S. § 46b-69b).
Attorney's Fees: If you hire an attorney, their fees will be a significant part of the cost.

Do I still need a lawyer if I file my divorce online?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer to file for divorce. However, it is highly recommended, especially if you have children, significant assets, or disagreements with your spouse. An attorney can provide crucial legal advice, ensure your rights are protected, and help you navigate the complex court procedures. The court staff and online resources can provide legal information, but not legal advice for your specific situation.

What happens after I e-file the initial complaint?

After you file and serve the complaint, the responding spouse has a set time to file an "Appearance" form with the court. The 90-day waiting period begins, and the court will schedule your Resolution Plan Date. At this meeting, a counselor will help place your case on a path toward resolution, whether through mediation, further court dates, or trial.

Can I e-file motions or other documents after the initial complaint?

Yes. The E-Services portal is used for the entire life of your case. Any motions (like a request for temporary alimony), financial statements, or agreements you need to file later will all be submitted through the same online system.

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

If you have a low income, you can ask the court to waive the filing fee and marshal's service costs. You will need to complete and e-file an Application for Waiver of Fees (JD-FM-75), which includes a detailed financial statement. A judge will review your application and decide if you qualify.

Getting Help with Your Online Filing

Going through a divorce is emotionally and logistically challenging. You don't have to do it alone.

Court Service Centers: The Connecticut Judicial Branch has Court Service Centers in many courthouses. The staff there can help you find the right forms, answer procedural questions, and review your paperwork before you file it. They cannot give legal advice.
Mediation: If you and your spouse have disagreements but want to avoid a lengthy court battle, mediation can be a great option. A neutral mediator helps you negotiate and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Connecticut law encourages mediation services to help resolve issues (C.G.S. § 46b-53a).
Consult a Connecticut Divorce Attorney: The best way to protect your interests and ensure your divorce is handled correctly is to consult with an experienced Connecticut family law attorney. They can guide you through the online filing process, represent you in court, and help you achieve a fair outcome.

Conclusion

The ability to file for divorce online in Connecticut is a major step toward making the court system more efficient and accessible. By using the state's E-Services portal, you can manage your case from home, saving time and reducing stress.

However, remember that online filing is a tool, not a shortcut. The legal requirements for residency, service of process, financial disclosure, and court approval all remain firmly in place. By understanding the process, preparing your documents carefully, and seeking help when you need it, you can successfully navigate the system and move forward to the next chapter of your life.