How do I get a copy of my divorce decree in Connecticut?

After the emotional journey of a divorce, dealing with paperwork is probably the last thing on your mind. However, your official divorce decree is a vital document you’ll likely need for many of life’s next steps. Whether you're planning to remarry, buy a house, change your name, or update your financial accounts, having this document on hand is essential. The good news is that getting a copy of your divorce decree in Connecticut is a straightforward process.

This guide will walk you through exactly what a divorce decree is, why it’s so important, and the step-by-step process for obtaining an official copy from the Connecticut courts. We understand that revisiting this part of your life can be challenging, and we’re here to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible.

Understanding Your Divorce Decree

Before we dive into how to get your copy, let’s clarify what this document is. In Connecticut, the final document that officially ends your marriage is called a Judgment File for Dissolution of Marriage. This is what most people refer to as the divorce decree. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a legally binding court order signed by a judge.

Your divorce decree contains the final rulings on all the issues in your case, including:

The official date your marriage was dissolved.
Orders for property and debt division (C.G.S. § 46b-81).
Alimony or spousal support arrangements (C.G.S. § 46b-82).
The final parenting plan, including custody and visitation schedules (C.G.S. § 46b-56).
Child support orders.
An order restoring a former or birth name, if requested (C.G.S. § 46b-63).

Often, the Judgment File will also "incorporate by reference" your written settlement agreement. This means your detailed agreement is legally part of the decree, even if it's a separate document. According to Connecticut law, if the court finds your agreement "fair and equitable, it shall become part of the court file, and if the agreement is in writing, it shall be incorporated by reference into the order or decree of the court" (C.G.S. § 46b-66(c)). When you request a copy of your decree, you should make sure to get a copy of the incorporated agreement as well.

Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate

It's easy to confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. They are two different documents issued by two different government bodies.

Divorce Decree (Judgment File): This is the complete, multi-page legal document issued by the Superior Court that finalized your divorce. It contains all the detailed orders. This is the document you’ll need for most legal and financial purposes.
Divorce Certificate: This is a simple, one-page vital record that states that two people were divorced on a certain date. In the past, these were issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. This document is generally not sufficient for legal actions like transferring property or enforcing court orders.

For almost any official business, you will need a certified copy of your divorce decree (Judgment File) from the court.

How to Get a Copy of Your Divorce Decree in Connecticut: A Step-by-Step Guide

Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk's Office of the Superior Court in the judicial district where your divorce was finalized. Here’s how you can get your copy.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Courthouse

Your divorce records are not held in a central state database. They are located at the specific courthouse that handled your divorce process. If you’re unsure which courthouse it was, you can use the Connecticut Judicial Branch's online directory to find the court that serves the town where you or your ex-spouse lived when the divorce was filed.

Step 2: Gather Your Case Information

To help the court clerk find your file quickly, you’ll need some key information. The most important piece of information is your case docket number.

Docket Number: This is a unique number assigned to your case (e.g., FBT-FA22-1234567-S). It’s the fastest way for the clerk to locate your file. You can find it on any paperwork you have from your divorce.
Case Name: This is simply the names of the parties (e.g., Your Name v. Your Ex-Spouse’s Name).
Date of Divorce: The approximate month and year the judge signed the final decree.

What if I don’t know my docket number? Don’t worry. You can use the state’s online Case Look-up system. By entering the names of the parties, you can search for your case and find the docket number. Alternatively, you can call the clerk’s office and ask them to look it up for you using your names and the approximate date of the divorce.

Step 3: Choose How You Want to Request Your Copy

You have two primary methods for requesting a copy of your divorce decree in Connecticut.

Method 1: Requesting in Person

This is often the fastest way to get your document.

Visit the Clerk's Office: Go to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office where your divorce was finalized.
Fill Out a Request Form: The clerk will provide you with a form to request a copy of a court record.
Provide Your Information: Fill in the form with your case name, docket number, and the date of the divorce. Specify that you need a "certified copy of the Judgment File and any incorporated Separation Agreement."
Show Identification: You will likely need to show a government-issued photo ID.
Pay the Fee: There is a fee for both the copies and the certification. The clerk will tell you the total amount. You can typically pay with cash, a credit/debit card, or a money order.
Receive Your Copy: In most cases, you can wait while the clerk prepares your certified copy, and you’ll leave with it the same day. For older files that are in storage, it may take longer.

Method 2: Requesting by Mail

If you can't get to the courthouse, you can request your decree by mail.

Write a Letter of Request: Draft a clear letter to the Clerk of the Court for the correct judicial district.
Include All Necessary Information: Your letter must include:
- Your full name, address, and phone number.
- The case name (Your Name v. Your Ex-Spouse’s Name).
- The docket number.
- The date the divorce was finalized.
- A clear statement that you are requesting a "certified copy of the Judgment File and the incorporated Separation Agreement."
Include Payment: It is best to call the clerk’s office first to confirm the exact cost and the accepted payment methods (usually a check or money order made payable to "Clerk of the Superior Court"). Do not send cash in the mail.
Include a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope: This will ensure the clerk can mail the documents back to you promptly.
Mail Your Request: Send your letter, payment, and self-addressed stamped envelope to the appropriate courthouse address.

Processing for mail-in requests can take several weeks, so plan accordingly if you have a deadline.

Step 4: Understand the Difference: Certified vs. Uncertified Copies

When you request your decree, you’ll need to specify whether you want a regular copy or a certified copy.

Uncertified Copy (or Plain Copy): A simple photocopy of the document. It’s useful for your personal records but is not considered official by most agencies.
Certified Copy: A photocopy of the decree that includes an official stamp or seal from the court clerk, attesting that it is a true and correct copy of the original document in the court’s file.

You will almost always need a certified copy for official purposes, such as:

Changing your name on your driver’s license or Social Security card.
Applying for a mortgage or refinancing a home.
Updating beneficiaries on retirement accounts or life insurance policies.
Remarrying.

Important Considerations

Cost: Fees are set by the state and can change. Typically, there is a per-page copy fee plus a separate fee for the certification. Always call the clerk’s office to confirm the current fees before sending payment.
Sealed Records: While most of your divorce file is a public record, some parts are automatically kept private. Under Practice Book § 25-59A(h), sworn financial statements are automatically sealed and not available to the public. The Judgment File itself is public, but if your case involved highly sensitive issues, other parts of the file could have been sealed by a judge’s order. Accessing sealed documents requires a court order and usually the help of an attorney.
Older Divorce Records: If your divorce was finalized many years ago, the physical file may be housed in a state archive, not at the courthouse. In this case, the clerk will need to retrieve it, which can add significant time to your request.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Copy of a Divorce Decree

Here are answers to some common questions people have when trying to get a copy of their divorce decree in Connecticut.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a divorce decree in Connecticut?

The cost is set by the state and includes a per-page fee and a certification fee. As of late 2023, the copy fee is typically $1.00 per page, and the certification fee is a few dollars. Because your decree and settlement agreement can be many pages long, you should call the clerk’s office to get an exact total before you go or mail your request.

How long does it take to get a copy?

If you go in person and the file is on-site, you can often get your copy the same day. If you request it by mail, it can take anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on the court's workload. If the file is in archives, it could take even longer.

Can someone else pick up my divorce decree for me?

Generally, yes. Since most divorce records are public, you can have a friend, family member, or attorney pick up the copy for you. They will need to have all the necessary case information (docket number, names) and be prepared to pay the fees. However, it's always a good idea to call the specific clerk's office to confirm their policy.

My divorce was finalized in another state, but I live in Connecticut now. Where do I get the decree?

You must request the decree from the state and county where the divorce was finalized. Connecticut courts will not have a record of an out-of-state divorce unless it was later filed here for enforcement purposes under C.G.S. § 46b-71.

What if my divorce agreement was "incorporated by reference"? Do I need that too?

Yes, absolutely. The Judgment File is often a short document that refers to the much longer Separation Agreement. The agreement contains the specific details of your property division, alimony, and parenting plan. You need both documents together to have the complete court order. Make sure to request both when you contact the clerk.

Are Connecticut divorce records public?

Yes, for the most part. Court proceedings and records in Connecticut are presumed to be open to the public. However, as mentioned, sensitive documents like financial statements are automatically sealed under Practice Book § 25-59A. In rare cases involving extreme circumstances, a judge may order the entire file to be sealed.

What should I do if I find an error in my divorce decree?

If you believe there is a clerical error or a more significant legal mistake in your decree, you cannot simply have the clerk change it. Correcting a final judgment requires filing a formal motion with the court. This can be a complex process with strict deadlines, and you should contact an experienced family law attorney immediately to discuss your options.

Getting Help

Navigating the court system, even for a simple task like getting a document, can feel intimidating. If you have trouble locating your records, if your case has complex or sealed elements, or if you need to enforce or modify the terms of your decree, it’s wise to seek legal guidance. An experienced Connecticut divorce attorney can not only retrieve the documents for you but also help you understand your rights and obligations under the court's orders.

Conclusion

Your divorce decree is the official roadmap for your post-divorce life, and securing a copy is a crucial step in moving forward. By identifying the correct courthouse, gathering your case information, and following the simple procedures for in-person or mail-in requests, you can easily obtain this important document. Remember to always ask for a certified copy of both the Judgment File and the incorporated Separation Agreement for any official use. With the right information, you can confidently check this task off your list and continue on your new path.