How long does a divorce trial take in Connecticut?

Going through a divorce is one of life's most challenging experiences, and one of the biggest sources of anxiety is uncertainty about the timeline. If you're facing the possibility of a court battle, you're likely wondering, "How long does a divorce trial take in Connecticut?" The straightforward answer is that the trial itself can last anywhere from a single day to several weeks, but this doesn't capture the full picture.

The reality is that the "trial" is just the final phase of a much longer legal journey. The entire divorce process, from the initial filing to receiving a final judgment after a trial, can take a year, 18 months, or even longer in complex cases. The actual time spent in the courtroom for the trial is only one piece of that puzzle.

Fortunately, the vast majority of Connecticut divorces settle before ever reaching a trial. However, understanding the factors that influence the divorce trial length in Connecticut can help you manage expectations, make informed decisions, and potentially find a faster path to resolution.

Understanding the Divorce Process vs. the Trial

First, let's clarify the difference between the overall divorce process and the trial itself.

• The Divorce Process: This begins the moment one spouse files a complaint for dissolution of marriage and ends when a judge signs the final decree. This entire period includes filing paperwork, mandatory waiting periods, exchanging financial information (discovery), negotiations, mediation, court appearances for temporary orders, and pre-trial conferences.
• The Divorce Trial: This is a formal court proceeding that only happens if you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more issues (like property division, alimony, or custody). A judge listens to testimony, reviews evidence, and makes a final, binding decision on all unresolved matters.

In Connecticut, for a contested divorce, there is a mandatory waiting period. A trial cannot even begin until at least 90 days after the "return date" on your initial divorce papers (C.G.S. § 46b-67). This waiting period is designed to give couples a chance to reconcile or work toward a settlement.

Key Factors That Determine Divorce Trial Length in Connecticut

The timeline for a Connecticut divorce trial isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends entirely on the unique circumstances of your case. Several key factors can dramatically increase or decrease the duration of the process.

1. The Complexity of Your Issues

The more you and your spouse disagree on, and the more complicated those disagreements are, the longer your case will take.

• Financial Complexity: High-asset divorces often require more time. Valuing businesses, untangling complex investment portfolios, searching for hidden assets, or dividing pensions and real estate all add layers of work. The court must consider numerous factors when dividing property, including "the length of the marriage, the causes for the... dissolution... the age, health, station, occupation, amount and sources of income, earning capacity... estate, liabilities and needs of each of the parties" (C.G.S. § 46b-81). Each of these factors can become a point of contention requiring expert analysis and testimony, extending the divorce trial length in Connecticut.
• Child Custody Disputes: Disagreements over the parenting plan are a major cause of lengthy trials. If you cannot agree on legal custody (decision-making) or physical custody (where the child lives), the court may need to intervene significantly. This can involve appointing a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) or an Attorney for the Minor Child (AMC) to represent the child's best interests (C.G.S. § 46b-54), ordering a comprehensive custody evaluation, and hearing testimony from psychologists, teachers, and other professionals. Relocation cases, where one parent wants to move out of state with the child, are particularly complex and time-consuming (C.G.S. § 46b-56d).

2. The Level of Conflict Between Spouses

The degree of animosity between you and your spouse is a powerful driver of time and cost.

• High-Conflict Cases: If communication has completely broken down, every step becomes a battle. This leads to more motions filed with the court (e.g., motions for contempt, motions for exclusive use of the house), which require hearings and take up valuable time.
• Cooperative Cases: Spouses who can set aside their anger and work together, even on small issues, can significantly shorten the process. Cooperation during the discovery phase is especially critical.

3. The Discovery Process

Discovery is the formal process of gathering information and evidence from your spouse. While essential for a fair outcome, it can also be a major source of delay. Under the Connecticut Practice Book, parties are required to exchange a significant amount of financial information, including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements (Practice Book § 25-32).

If one party is uncooperative, hides documents, or provides incomplete answers, the other party's attorney will have to file motions to compel, schedule depositions, and potentially seek sanctions from the court. Each of these steps adds weeks or months to the pre-trial timeline.

4. Court Calendars and Scheduling

The Connecticut court system is busy. Even when your case is ready for trial, you must wait for an available judge and courtroom.

• The Pathways Program: Connecticut uses a case management system called "Pathways" to move family cases along efficiently (Practice Book § 25-50A). Cases are assigned to different tracks based on their complexity. A simple, uncontested case might be on Track A and finish quickly. A complex case with custody and financial disputes will likely be on Track C, which involves more court dates and a longer path to trial.
• Scheduling the Trial: A trial that is expected to last several days will not necessarily run on consecutive days. A judge may hear your case for a day, then adjourn for a week or two before resuming due to their packed schedule. This stop-and-start nature can make a three-day trial stretch out over a month or more.

The Connecticut Divorce Trial: A Step-by-Step Overview

If your case does proceed to trial, it will follow a structured, formal process. Knowing what to expect can help reduce some of the anxiety.

1. Pre-Trial Conference: Before the trial begins, you will likely have one or more pre-trial conferences with a judge. This is a final attempt to settle the case. You and your attorney will submit a pre-trial memorandum outlining your positions and proposed orders (Practice Book § 25-50A(f)).
2. Opening Statements: Each attorney gives the judge a roadmap of what they intend to prove and what they will be asking the court to order.
3. Plaintiff's Case-in-Chief: The filing spouse (plaintiff) presents their evidence first. This involves calling witnesses to the stand (including themselves) and introducing documents (exhibits) like financial records or emails.
4. Cross-Examination: The responding spouse's (defendant's) attorney has the opportunity to question each of the plaintiff's witnesses.
5. Defendant's Case-in-Chief: After the plaintiff rests their case, the defendant presents their witnesses and evidence.
6. Cross-Examination: The plaintiff's attorney then questions the defendant's witnesses.
7. Closing Arguments: Once all evidence has been presented, each attorney summarizes the facts and argues how the law applies to their client's case, making a final plea for the orders they are seeking.
8. The Judge's Decision: This is a critical point. A judge will almost never issue a decision from the bench at the end of the trial. They will take the case "under advisement" to review all the evidence, testimony, and legal arguments. They will then issue a written "Memorandum of Decision" that contains their final orders. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, adding to the overall divorce trial length in Connecticut.

Important Considerations and Practical Advice

While you can't control the court's calendar, you can take steps to manage the timeline and costs of your divorce.

• The Emotional and Financial Cost: Trials are emotionally draining and financially expensive. Attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and time off from work can add up quickly. The longer the trial, the higher the cost.
• Alternatives to Trial: The best way to shorten the divorce process is to avoid a trial altogether. Consider these alternatives:
  • Mediation: A neutral third-party mediator helps you and your spouse negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is confidential and can be much faster and less expensive than litigation (C.G.S. § 46b-53a).
  • Collaborative Divorce: You and your spouse each hire a specially trained collaborative attorney and agree to work together to reach a settlement without going to court.
  • Arbitration: You hire a private judge (an arbitrator) to hear your case and make a binding decision, similar to a trial but often on a much faster schedule (C.G.S. § 46b-66).
• Be Prepared and Responsive: Work closely with your attorney. Gather your financial documents promptly, respond to their questions, and be honest and thorough. The more organized you are, the more efficiently your attorney can work, which can help control the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the entire divorce process take in CT, from filing to trial?

For a contested divorce that goes to trial, a realistic timeline is 12 to 18 months, and sometimes longer. Connecticut law requires a 90-day waiting period before a trial can even be scheduled (C.G.S. § 46b-67). The discovery process, expert evaluations, and court scheduling all add significant time.

Can we speed up the divorce trial process in Connecticut?

The best way to speed up the process is to avoid trial. Cooperating with your spouse, being responsive during discovery, and being open to settlement through negotiation, mediation, or collaboration are the most effective strategies. If you must go to trial, being well-prepared can help your attorney present your case efficiently.

What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce timeline?

The difference is enormous. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all issues, can be finalized soon after the 90-day waiting period. Connecticut also offers a "non-adversarial" divorce process for qualifying couples (no children, limited assets, shorter marriage), which can be resolved in as little as 35 days (C.G.S. § 46b-44a, 46b-44c). A contested case that goes to trial will always take many months, if not years.

Do I have to go to trial for my divorce?

No. Over 95% of divorce cases in Connecticut settle without a trial. The court system is designed to encourage settlement at every stage, from the initial Pathways Resolution Plan Date to the final pre-trial conference.

How much does a divorce trial cost in Connecticut?

The cost varies dramatically based on the complexity and level of conflict. A multi-day trial involving business valuations, custody experts, and extensive discovery can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, or even six figures, in legal and expert fees for each party. It is by far the most expensive way to get divorced.

What is the "Pathways" program and how does it affect my trial timeline?

The Pathways program is Connecticut's case management system designed to handle family cases more efficiently (Practice Book § 25-50A). At your first court date (the Resolution Plan Date), a family relations counselor helps assess your case and recommend a "track." Simple cases (Track A) are fast-tracked, while complex cases needing a trial (Track C) are given a more structured schedule for discovery and pre-trial events. The goal is to prevent cases from languishing and keep them moving toward either settlement or a timely trial.

Can the judge make a decision right at the end of the trial?

This is extremely rare in a divorce trial. Because the judge must weigh numerous statutory factors for property division (C.G.S. § 46b-81), alimony (C.G.S. § 46b-82), and custody (C.G.S. § 46b-56), they need time to review all the evidence and write a detailed, legally sound decision. You should expect to wait several weeks or months for the final written judgment.

What happens after the divorce trial is over?

After the trial concludes, you wait for the judge's written Memorandum of Decision. Once that is issued, it becomes the final judgment of the court. Your attorney will then need to ensure the judgment is properly recorded and that any necessary follow-up actions, like transferring property titles or retirement accounts, are completed.

Getting Help

Navigating the Connecticut divorce process, especially if a trial is on the horizon, is not something you should do alone. The procedures are complex, and the stakes are high. An experienced Connecticut family law attorney can protect your rights, help you understand your options, and guide you toward the most efficient and effective resolution possible.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the legal process in Connecticut and is not a substitute for legal advice. Every case is different, and you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Conclusion

While the question "How long does a divorce trial take in Connecticut?" has no simple answer, understanding the variables can empower you. The length of a trial is driven by complexity, conflict, and court availability. While the trial itself may last days or weeks, the entire journey to get there is often a marathon, not a sprint.

By focusing on what you can control—your preparation, your willingness to negotiate, and your choice of legal strategy—you can have a significant impact on your own timeline. Exploring settlement options like mediation or collaboration is almost always the fastest, most cost-effective, and least stressful path to starting your next chapter.