Connecticut Expedited Divorce Process: How to Get Divorced Fast in CT

The fastest way to get divorced in Connecticut is through the nonadversarial dissolution process, which can finalize your divorce in as few as 35 days from filing. Under C.G.S. § 46b-44a, couples who agree on all terms—including property division, alimony, and child custody—can file a joint petition that bypasses the traditional waiting period and often eliminates the need for a court appearance entirely.

Understanding Connecticut's Fast-Track Divorce Option

Connecticut offers two primary paths to divorce: the standard contested or uncontested process and the nonadversarial dissolution track. For couples seeking speed, the nonadversarial option is dramatically faster. While a traditional divorce must wait until at least the second day after the return date to proceed (typically 90+ days from filing), the nonadversarial process sets a disposition date just 30 days after filing, with the decree potentially entering within five additional days.

The key difference lies in how these cases are structured. In a nonadversarial dissolution, both spouses file together as co-petitioners rather than having a plaintiff and defendant. This signals to the court that there's no dispute requiring judicial intervention—you've already worked out your differences and simply need the court to formalize your agreement. Connecticut Practice Book Rule § 25-5B establishes that automatic court orders take effect immediately upon filing the joint petition, protecting both parties' interests from day one.

This streamlined approach reflects Connecticut's recognition that not all divorces need to be battles. When couples can communicate effectively and reach fair agreements, the court system rewards them with an efficient path forward. Tools like Untangle's AI-assisted mediation can help you and your spouse work through the necessary decisions quickly, ensuring you meet all requirements for the expedited track.

Eligibility Requirements for Nonadversarial Dissolution

Not every divorce qualifies for Connecticut's expedited nonadversarial process. Under C.G.S. § 46b-44a(b), both parties must attest under oath that specific conditions exist at the time of filing. Understanding these requirements upfront prevents wasted time and filing fees if you don't qualify.

The eligibility criteria focus on ensuring the divorce is truly uncontested and that both parties are making informed decisions. You must agree that your marriage has broken down irretrievably, and both spouses must be willing to file the joint petition voluntarily—no coercion or pressure. The statute also requires disclosure of all assets and debts, ensuring neither party is hiding financial information that could affect the settlement's fairness.

If you have minor children, additional requirements apply. You'll need a complete parenting plan addressing custody, visitation, and support. The court takes extra care in these cases to ensure children's interests are protected, which may add some complexity but doesn't necessarily slow down the process significantly. Using Untangle's child support calculator helps you arrive at guideline-compliant support figures quickly, which the court expects to see in your agreement.

The 35-Day Timeline Explained

Connecticut's expedited divorce timeline is built around two key statutory provisions. C.G.S. § 46b-44c(a) requires that all nonadversarial dissolution actions receive a disposition date "not less than thirty days" after filing. Then, assuming no revocation is filed, the court may enter the divorce decree on that disposition date or within five days afterward.

Timeline Stage	Timeframe	What Happens
Filing	Day 1	Joint petition filed; automatic orders take effect
Waiting Period	Days 2-30	Court reviews settlement agreement
Disposition Date	Day 30+	Court may approve if agreement is fair and equitable
Decree Entry	Days 30-35	Final divorce decree entered
Revocation Window	Any time before disposition	Either party can withdraw consent

The 30-day minimum waiting period serves an important purpose: it gives both parties time to reconsider. Under C.G.S. § 46b-44b, either spouse can file a notice of revocation at any time before the disposition date, which immediately ends the nonadversarial process. This safeguard ensures that expedited doesn't mean pressured—you always have an exit ramp if circumstances change or you have second thoughts.

What makes this timeline realistic rather than theoretical is having your paperwork complete and your settlement agreement airtight from the start. The court reviews your agreement during those 30 days. If the judge cannot determine whether your settlement is "fair and equitable," C.G.S. § 46b-44d requires the matter to be docketed for a hearing within 30 additional days—potentially doubling your timeline.

Required Documents for Expedited Filing

Speed in Connecticut divorce comes from preparation. Filing a complete, accurate petition package on day one prevents delays and requests for additional information. The joint petition must be notarized and contain sworn attestations from both parties regarding their eligibility for the nonadversarial track.

Your filing package should include:

• Joint Petition for Nonadversarial Dissolution – The main document initiating your case
• Settlement Agreement – Comprehensive terms covering all marital issues required under C.G.S. § 46b-44a(e)
• Sworn Financial Affidavits – Required under Practice Book Rule § 25-30 for each party (use Form JD-FM-006 for the short form if neither party earns over $75,000 annually)
• Parenting Plan – If you have minor children, including custody, visitation schedules, and support calculations
• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet – Using Form CCSG-001 to show how you calculated support
• Notice of Automatic Court Orders – Form JD-FM-158 acknowledging the orders in effect

Connecticut Practice Book Rule § 25-30 mandates that sworn financial statements be filed with the petition in nonadversarial cases. These documents must show current income, expenses, assets, and liabilities in the Judicial Branch format. Incomplete or inconsistent financial disclosure is a common reason courts question whether settlement agreements are fair, leading to delays. To streamline this crucial step and avoid delays, consider using Untangle's financial affidavit generation which can help you accurately compile all required financial information.

Gathering these documents can feel overwhelming, but Untangle's automatic document generation walks you through each form, automatically populating information across documents to ensure consistency and completeness.

What Makes a Settlement Agreement "Fair and Equitable"

The court's standard for approving your nonadversarial divorce hinges on whether your settlement agreement is fair and equitable to both parties. This doesn't mean perfectly equal—it means reasonable given your specific circumstances. Understanding what courts look for helps you craft an agreement that sails through review.

Connecticut judges examine several factors when reviewing settlement agreements. For property division, they look at the length of the marriage, each spouse's contribution (including homemaking), earning capacity, and future needs. For alimony, factors include age, health, education, and the standard of living during the marriage. If you have children, the agreement must serve their best interests and comply with child support guidelines under Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies § 46b-215a-2c.

Deviations from presumptive child support amounts require specific findings on the record. Under § 46b-215a-5c, the guidelines amount is presumed correct unless the court finds it would be inequitable or inappropriate. Common acceptable reasons for deviation include coordinating total family support with property division, alimony arrangements, or tax planning considerations—but you must explain and justify any deviation.

The most common reason for delays in the nonadversarial process is an agreement that raises fairness questions. For example, if one spouse is waiving all property rights without adequate consideration, the court may require an appearance to confirm the waiver is knowing and voluntary. Front-loading your agreement with clear explanations of why each term is fair prevents these hiccups.

The Pathways System and Track Assignment

Even in expedited cases, Connecticut's family courts use the Pathways case management system established under Practice Book Rule § 25-50A. Understanding how this system works helps you set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary delays.

Within 30-60 days of the return date, parties typically meet with a family relations counselor who assesses the case and recommends assignment to Track A (minimal court involvement), Track B (moderate complexity), or Track C (high complexity). Nonadversarial dissolutions naturally align with Track A, as they presuppose full agreement and minimal need for judicial intervention.

For truly expedited cases, the nonadversarial process essentially bypasses much of the Pathways system because you're not waiting for the return date or subsequent case management conferences. The 30-day disposition timeline runs independently. However, if your nonadversarial case hits a snag—such as the court questioning your agreement's fairness—you may find yourself placed on the regular family docket and subject to standard scheduling.

Steps to Complete Your Expedited Connecticut Divorce

1. Confirm eligibility – Verify that you and your spouse meet all requirements under C.G.S. § 46b-44a(b), including mutual consent and full financial disclosure.

2. Gather financial documentation – Collect pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, and debt records. You'll need these for your financial affidavits.

3. Draft your settlement agreement – Address property division, debt allocation, alimony (if any), and all parenting matters if you have children. Be thorough—gaps create delays.

4. Complete all required forms – Prepare the joint petition, financial affidavits, parenting plan, child support worksheet, and automatic orders notice.

5. Review everything together – Both spouses should read and understand all documents. The court may ask questions if something seems unclear or one-sided.

6. File at the appropriate courthouse – Submit your packet to the Superior Court in the judicial district where either spouse resides.

7. Wait for disposition – Monitor your case status. If the court requests additional information, respond promptly to avoid delays.

8. Receive your decree – Once approved, your divorce decree will be entered, and you'll receive official copies.

Throughout this process, Untangle's personalized task dashboard helps you stay organized and monitor deadlines, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks that could slow your case down.

Cost Comparison: Expedited vs. Traditional Divorce

Factor	Nonadversarial (Expedited)	Traditional Uncontested	Contested Divorce
Court Filing Fee	~$360	~$360	~$360
Typical Attorney Fees	$0-$2,500	$1,500-$5,000	$10,000-$50,000+
Timeline	35-45 days	90-120 days	6 months-2+ years
Court Appearances	Usually none	1-2 hearings	Multiple hearings
Emotional Cost	Minimal	Low to moderate	High

The financial advantages of expedited divorce extend beyond attorney fees. Shorter timelines mean less time paying for two households if you've already separated, fewer days taking off work for court appearances, and reduced stress-related expenses. Many couples find that investing in mediation or collaborative tools upfront to reach agreement actually saves money compared to a faster-seeming but ultimately contentious approach.

When Expedited Divorce Isn't the Right Choice

Speed is valuable, but not at the cost of a fair outcome. The nonadversarial process works beautifully when both spouses are genuinely aligned, but it's not appropriate in every situation. If your spouse is pressuring you to sign quickly, if you don't fully understand the financial picture, or if there's been any history of domestic violence or controlling behavior, the expedited track may not serve your interests.

Connecticut law provides the revocation option specifically because lawmakers recognized that speed shouldn't trump fairness. If at any point before your disposition date you feel uncertain or pressured, filing a notice of revocation is your right. The case will convert to a standard proceeding, giving you more time and procedural protections.

Some situations also require more time by their nature. Complex businesses, significant retirement assets, or disputes about children's needs benefit from thorough discovery and evaluation. A divorce that takes 90 days but protects your financial future is better than one that takes 35 days but leaves money on the table.

When to Seek Professional Help

While Connecticut's nonadversarial process is designed for self-represented parties, professional guidance is valuable in several scenarios. If you have substantial assets, own a business, or have complex compensation like stock options or deferred income, consulting with a family law attorney or financial advisor ensures you understand what you're agreeing to.

Cases involving children also benefit from professional input. Child support guidelines seem straightforward, but factors like shared custody schedules, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses create complexity. Getting these calculations wrong can mean returning to court later—negating any time savings from the expedited process.

Even if you handle most of the process yourself, consider having an attorney review your settlement agreement before filing. A one-time consultation costs far less than full representation and can identify issues that might cause the court to question your agreement's fairness. This "unbundled" legal service approach gives you the speed you want with professional quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Connecticut?

An uncontested divorce in Connecticut typically takes 90+ days from filing, but couples who qualify for the nonadversarial dissolution process can finalize their divorce in as few as 35 days.

What is the fastest way to get divorced in CT?

The fastest way to get divorced in Connecticut is through the nonadversarial dissolution process under C.G.S. § 46b-44a, which allows couples who agree on all terms to finalize their divorce in approximately 35 days.

What can delay a divorce in Connecticut?

Common delays in Connecticut divorces include disputes over property division, alimony, or child custody, as well as missing paperwork, court backlogs, and failing to meet the requirements for the faster nonadversarial track.

Can mediation speed up the divorce process in Connecticut?

Yes, divorce mediation can significantly speed up the process in Connecticut by helping couples reach agreement on all issues, which may qualify them for the expedited nonadversarial dissolution track.

What is the difference between nonadversarial and uncontested divorce in CT?

In a Connecticut nonadversarial dissolution, both spouses file together as co-petitioners and can finalize in 35 days, while a standard uncontested divorce has a plaintiff and defendant structure and typically takes 90+ days.