Fastest Way to Get Divorced in Connecticut: Nonadversarial Divorce Explained

The fastest way to get divorced in Connecticut is through a nonadversarial dissolution of marriage, which can be finalized in as few as 35 days from filing. This streamlined process, authorized under C.G.S. § 46b-44a, requires both spouses to file a joint petition, agree on all terms including property division and any child-related matters, and meet specific eligibility requirements. If speed is your priority and you and your spouse are on the same page, this is your quickest path to legally ending your marriage in CT.

Understanding Connecticut's Fast-Track Divorce Option

Connecticut offers a special nonadversarial divorce pathway specifically designed for couples who have already resolved their differences. Unlike a traditional contested divorce that can drag on for months or even years, the nonadversarial process eliminates court battles, discovery disputes, and multiple hearings. The law mandates that the court assign a disposition date no less than 30 days after filing, with the decree potentially entered within five days after that date under C.G.S. § 46b-44c.

This expedited timeline exists because the court recognizes that not every divorce needs extensive judicial intervention. When two adults can maturely agree on how to divide their lives, Connecticut's legal system rewards that cooperation with efficiency. The nonadversarial route bypasses much of the standard family court machinery, including the Pathways case management system that typically assigns cases to different tracks based on complexity.

However, speed comes with requirements. Both parties must be genuinely aligned on every aspect of the divorce—there's no room for "mostly agreed" in this process. If disputes emerge after filing, the case converts to a standard dissolution, and your fast-track timeline disappears. Tools like Untangle's AI-assisted mediation can help you and your spouse identify potential areas of disagreement before you file, ensuring you're truly ready for this streamlined approach.

Eligibility Requirements for Nonadversarial Divorce

To qualify for Connecticut's fastest divorce option, you and your spouse must meet all of the following conditions at the time of filing:

Requirement	Details
Residency	At least one spouse must be a Connecticut resident
Agreement on All Issues	Full agreement on property, debts, alimony, and child matters
Joint Filing	Both parties must sign and notarize the petition together
Sworn Attestation	Each spouse must attest under oath that conditions are met
No Pending Actions	No other divorce or separation actions pending between you

The joint petition requirement is absolute—this isn't a situation where one spouse files and the other simply doesn't contest. Both of you must actively participate from the start, signing the same petition and submitting it together. This ensures genuine mutual consent and prevents one party from being blindsided.

If you have minor children, you'll also need a complete parenting plan addressing custody, visitation schedules, and child support calculations. Connecticut courts take children's welfare seriously regardless of how quickly parents want their divorce finalized. You'll need to use Untangle's child support calculator to ensure your support agreement falls within acceptable parameters.

The good news is that meeting these requirements often correlates with an easier overall divorce experience. Couples who can collaborate on a joint petition typically have less post-divorce conflict and better co-parenting relationships going forward.

Timeline Breakdown: What 35 Days Actually Looks Like

Understanding exactly what happens during the nonadversarial process helps you plan and avoid delays:

1. Day 1: File the Joint Petition - Submit your notarized joint petition to the Superior Court in the judicial district where either spouse resides. Include your signed financial affidavits and any required agreements.

2. Days 2-29: Waiting Period - Connecticut law requires a minimum 30-day waiting period. Use this time to finalize any loose ends, gather documents, and prepare for the disposition date.

3. Day 30+: Disposition Date Assigned - The court assigns your case for final disposition no earlier than 30 days after filing.

4. Days 30-35: Decree Entry - If no revocation notice has been filed, the court may enter your divorce decree on the disposition date or within five days thereafter.

This timeline assumes everything goes smoothly. Errors on your paperwork, missing financial disclosures, or incomplete agreements can add weeks or months to the process. The automatic orders under Practice Book § 25-5B take effect immediately upon filing, restricting both parties from hiding assets, canceling insurance, or taking on unusual debts.

One critical safeguard: either party can file a notice of revocation before the disposition date under C.G.S. § 46b-44b, which stops the nonadversarial process entirely. This protects both spouses from being locked into agreements they've reconsidered, but it also means your fast divorce depends on both parties remaining committed throughout the waiting period.

Required Documents and Forms

Preparing complete, accurate paperwork is essential for maintaining your fast-track timeline. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common cause of delays in nonadversarial divorces.

Essential Forms for Joint Filing

• Joint Petition for Nonadversarial Dissolution - The core document initiating your case
• Financial Affidavit - Each spouse must file a sworn statement of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities using Untangle's Financial Affidavit generation if neither party's net income exceeds $75,000 and total assets are under $75,000
• Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158) - Acknowledges the restrictions that apply upon filing
• Certificate of Compliance (JD-FM-175) - Confirms you've met disclosure requirements
• Parenting Plan - Required if you have minor children, detailing custody and visitation
• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CCSG-001) - Calculates appropriate support amounts

The financial affidavit deserves special attention. Under Practice Book § 25-30, these sworn statements must be filed with your petition and accurately reflect your current financial situation. The case Lavy v. Lavy demonstrates why accuracy matters: courts can reopen and reform divorce judgments when parties fail to disclose assets, turning your quick divorce into years of ongoing litigation.

Using Untangle's automatic document generation can help ensure your financial affidavits are complete and consistent, reducing the risk of court clerks flagging errors that delay your filing.

How Nonadversarial Divorce Compares to Other Options

Divorce Type	Typical Timeline	Court Appearances	Best For
Nonadversarial (Joint)	35-45 days	Usually none required	Couples who agree on everything
Uncontested (One Files)	90-120 days	1-2 hearings typical	One files, other doesn't dispute
Contested	6-18+ months	Multiple hearings	Significant disagreements exist
Collaborative	3-6 months	Minimal	Complex but cooperative cases

The traditional uncontested divorce—where one spouse files a complaint and the other simply doesn't contest—follows different rules under C.G.S. § 46b-67. The court cannot proceed until at least the second day after the return date, and cases typically take three to four months even without disputes. Judges have discretion over witness requirements under C.G.S. § 46b-50, which can add hearing dates to your calendar.

Contested divorces enter the Pathways case management system under Practice Book § 25-50A, where a family relations counselor assigns cases to Track A (minimal court time), Track B (moderate complexity), or Track C (complex). Even Track A cases typically take several months longer than nonadversarial dissolutions.

If you're unsure whether you and your spouse truly agree on everything, an honest conversation now saves significant time later. Many couples who think they agree discover hidden disagreements when they start putting terms on paper. Untangle's AI-assisted mediation can help you work through potential sticking points before they derail your fast-track filing.

Common Pitfalls That Slow Down Your Divorce

Even couples who qualify for nonadversarial divorce sometimes sabotage their own timeline. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Incomplete Financial Disclosure: Rushing through your financial affidavit almost guarantees problems. Courts require accurate, detailed information about income, expenses, assets, and debts. Vague entries or missing categories trigger requests for clarification, adding weeks to your timeline.

• Ambiguous Agreement Terms: Saying you "agree to split everything fairly" isn't sufficient. Your agreement must specify exactly who gets what, including retirement accounts, real estate, vehicles, and debts. Ambiguity invites future disputes that courts want to prevent.

• Forgetting About Taxes: Property transfers in divorce have tax implications. Failing to address who claims children as dependents, how to handle joint tax returns, or the tax basis of transferred assets can create costly surprises and potential modification requests.

• Neglecting Health Insurance: If one spouse provides health coverage for the other, your agreement needs to address the transition. COBRA coverage is expensive and temporary—plan ahead for this significant expense.

• Children's Issues Glossed Over: Even amicable couples often underestimate the detail required in parenting plans. Holiday schedules, vacation time, decision-making authority, and communication protocols all need explicit terms. Connecticut requires parents in divorce cases with minor children to complete a parent education program, and failure to comply can delay your final decree.

When Nonadversarial Divorce Isn't Right for You

Speed shouldn't come at the cost of protecting your interests. Consider whether a slower process might serve you better if any of these situations apply:

• Complex Assets or Businesses: If either spouse owns a business, has stock options, or holds complex investments, you need time for proper valuation. Rushing through asset division can mean leaving significant money on the table.

• Recent Marital Misconduct: If your spouse recently hid assets, incurred secret debts, or engaged in financial fraud, you need discovery rights that nonadversarial divorce doesn't provide.

• Power Imbalance: When one spouse has significantly more knowledge about finances or has been controlling in the relationship, the pressure to "agree quickly" can lead to unfair outcomes. Taking more time—with proper legal counsel—protects the disadvantaged spouse.

• Uncertainty About Terms: If you're agreeing to things you don't fully understand just to get divorced faster, stop. A bad agreement you reach quickly can haunt you for years through modification motions and enforcement actions.

The case Tittle v. Skipp-Tittle illustrates how an uncontested divorce can generate years of subsequent litigation when the original terms weren't properly considered. Four years of motions and appeals followed what should have been a straightforward dissolution.

Practical Steps to Maximize Your Speed

If nonadversarial divorce is right for your situation, here's how to move as efficiently as possible:

1. Have the Hard Conversations First - Before touching any paperwork, sit down with your spouse and discuss every aspect of your divorce: property, debts, support, and children. Document your agreements in writing.

2. Gather Financial Documents - Collect pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, mortgage documents, and credit card statements. You'll need these for your financial affidavit.

3. Calculate Child Support - If you have children, run the numbers using Connecticut's child support guidelines. Your agreement should fall within the presumptive range unless you can justify a deviation.

4. Draft Your Agreement - Put your terms in writing with specific, enforceable language. Every asset and debt should be addressed by name and assigned to one spouse.

5. Complete and Notarize Your Petition - Both spouses must sign the joint petition before a notary. Schedule this together to avoid coordination delays.

6. File Complete Paperwork - Submit everything at once: petition, financial affidavits, agreements, and any child-related forms. Incomplete filings get rejected.

7. Monitor Your Case - Check the court's online docket for your disposition date. Be prepared to respond quickly if the court requests additional information.

Throughout this process, Untangle's personalized task dashboard can keep you organized and ensure you don't miss critical steps that could delay your divorce.

When to Get Legal Help

While nonadversarial divorce is designed to be manageable without attorneys, certain situations warrant professional guidance. If your combined assets exceed $100,000, if either spouse has retirement benefits, if you own real estate, or if child custody is involved, at least consulting with a Connecticut family law attorney protects your interests.

Even a brief consultation can identify issues you haven't considered and confirm that your proposed agreement is fair and enforceable. Many attorneys offer unbundled services where they review your documents without representing you throughout the entire case—a cost-effective middle ground between full representation and going it completely alone.

Remember that the fastest divorce is one that's done right the first time. Taking an extra week to have an attorney review your agreement can prevent years of post-judgment motions, modifications, and enforcement actions. Connecticut courts will hold you to the terms you agreed to, and claiming you didn't understand what you signed rarely succeeds as a defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum waiting period for divorce in Connecticut?

Connecticut's nonadversarial divorce has a minimum waiting period of 35 days from filing, with the court required to set a disposition date at least 30 days after the joint petition is submitted.

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

An uncontested (nonadversarial) divorce in Connecticut requires both spouses to agree on all terms and file jointly, while a contested divorce involves disputes that require court intervention and can take months or years to resolve.

Can you get a same-day divorce in Connecticut?

No, Connecticut does not offer same-day divorces—the fastest option is a nonadversarial dissolution, which takes a minimum of 35 days due to mandatory waiting periods under state law.

What happens if we disagree during a nonadversarial divorce in Connecticut?

If disputes arise after filing a nonadversarial divorce in CT, your case automatically converts to a standard contested dissolution, eliminating the fast-track timeline and requiring traditional court proceedings.

What are the requirements for a fast divorce in Connecticut?

To qualify for Connecticut's expedited nonadversarial divorce, both spouses must file a joint petition, agree on all terms including property division and child custody, and meet the eligibility requirements under C.G.S. § 46b-44a.