Untangle Pricing Review: Is This Connecticut Divorce Tool Worth the Cost?

Untangle offers Connecticut couples a significantly more affordable path to divorce than traditional attorney representation, with pricing designed for budget-conscious individuals who want to handle their own divorce paperwork. While a contested divorce with full attorney representation in Connecticut can cost $15,000 to $50,000 or more, Untangle provides guided document preparation, agreement drafting, and filing assistance at a fraction of that cost—making it an attractive option for couples pursuing an uncontested dissolution.

Understanding the True Cost of Connecticut Divorce

Before evaluating any divorce tool's pricing, it's essential to understand what you're actually paying for in a Connecticut divorce. The state requires specific forms, financial disclosures, and procedural steps that can be overwhelming for self-represented parties. Connecticut's mandatory disclosure requirements under Practice Book Rule § 25-32 alone require gathering and exchanging tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account records going back 24 months—a process that traditionally requires attorney guidance. Untangle's smart bank statement analysis can help simplify this complex gathering process, ensuring you don't miss critical details.

The court filing fee for a Connecticut divorce is approximately $350, regardless of whether you use an attorney or handle the case yourself. This fee is unavoidable and must be paid to the Superior Court when you file your complaint or joint petition. What varies dramatically is how much you spend on everything else: document preparation, negotiating your settlement agreement, and navigating the court process.

For many Connecticut couples, the real question isn't whether they can afford divorce—it's whether they can afford the traditional approach. Under C.G.S. § 46b-62, courts can order one spouse to pay the other's attorney fees based on their respective financial abilities, but this provision doesn't help couples who are both struggling financially. This is exactly where tools like Untangle become valuable, filling the gap between expensive full-service representation and confusing DIY courthouse forms.

What Untangle Includes: Feature Breakdown

Untangle is designed specifically for couples who meet Connecticut's requirements for a nonadversarial dissolution under C.G.S. § 46b-44a—meaning both parties agree to the divorce and can work together on the terms. The platform guides you through creating a comprehensive separation agreement that addresses property division, debt allocation, and, if applicable, parenting arrangements.

The platform's document assembly tools walk you through each required form with plain-language explanations. Instead of staring at blank court forms wondering what legal terminology means, you answer questions in your own words, and Untangle generates properly formatted documents. This includes the Financial Affidavit (JD-FM-006), which every divorcing party must file under Practice Book Rule § 25-30, and the separation agreement that will become a court order once your divorce is finalized.

What sets Untangle apart from generic document services is its Connecticut-specific focus. The platform understands the state's 90-day waiting period, the automatic orders that take effect upon filing under Practice Book Rule § 25-5B, and the procedural requirements that trip up many self-represented parties. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all template, you get documents tailored to Connecticut family court expectations.

Cost Comparison: Untangle vs. Other Options

Understanding how Untangle's pricing compares to alternatives helps you make an informed decision about the best path for your situation.

Option	Typical Cost Range	What's Included	Best For
Full Attorney Representation	$15,000 - $50,000+	Complete legal advocacy, court appearances, negotiations	Contested divorces, complex assets, high conflict
Limited Scope Attorney	$2,000 - $7,500	Review of documents, specific task assistance	Those needing legal advice on key issues
Untangle	Platform pricing	Guided document preparation, agreement drafting, filing instructions	Amicable couples, straightforward situations
Pure DIY (Court Forms Only)	$350 (filing fee only)	Blank forms, basic court instructions	Legally savvy individuals, simple situations
Online Document Services	$300 - $800	Generic templates, minimal guidance	Those comfortable with legal terminology

The hidden cost of the pure DIY approach is often overlooked. While downloading forms from the Connecticut Judicial Branch website is free, mistakes can lead to rejected filings, delayed proceedings, or—worse—an agreement that doesn't adequately protect your interests. Under the Pathways case management system outlined in Practice Book Rule § 25-50A, improperly prepared cases may be assigned to more intensive court tracks, adding time and frustration to your divorce.

Untangle's value proposition centers on reducing these hidden costs. By providing step-by-step guidance through Connecticut's specific requirements, the platform helps you avoid common mistakes that could require attorney intervention to fix. The interactive guides translate legal requirements into actionable steps, reducing the learning curve that makes DIY divorce so daunting.

Key Features That Justify the Investment

For budget-conscious individuals, every dollar matters. Here's what you get with Untangle that you won't find with basic form downloads:

Financial Affidavit Assistance

Connecticut requires detailed sworn financial statements from both parties before any hearing on property division, alimony, or support. The Short Form Financial Affidavit (JD-FM-006) is used when neither party's net income exceeds $75,000 annually and total assets are under $75,000. Untangle's financial tools help you organize income, expenses, assets, and debts in the exact format the court requires, reducing errors that could delay your case.

The platform prompts you to gather the specific documents needed for mandatory disclosure under Practice Book Rule § 25-32, including three years of tax returns, 24 months of bank statements, and current pay stubs. Rather than scrambling to understand these requirements at the last minute, you build your financial picture systematically from the start.

Separation Agreement Drafting

Your separation agreement is the heart of your uncontested divorce—it becomes a binding court order once the judge approves it. A poorly drafted agreement can create years of confusion and conflict. Untangle's agreement builder ensures you address all required topics: property division, debt allocation, alimony considerations, and (if you have children) custody, visitation, and child support.

For child support specifically, Connecticut uses mandatory guidelines calculated using the Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines Worksheet (CCSG-001). Untangle helps you understand how these calculations work and ensures your agreement aligns with state requirements, reducing the chance of a judge rejecting your proposed terms.

Procedural Guidance

Connecticut's nonadversarial dissolution process under C.G.S. § 46b-44c offers a streamlined path, but strict adherence to the timeline is mandatory. The statute requires that your case be assigned a disposition date at least 30 days after filing, effectively creating a waiting period where specific procedural steps must be completed. During this window, the court reviews the file to ensure all statutory criteria are met, including the waiver of service and the satisfaction of residency requirements.

Understanding this timeline—and precisely what needs to happen before that date—is crucial for a smooth process. Missing a deadline or failing to submit a required waiver form can result in the court removing your case from the nonadversarial docket, forcing you into the standard track which takes significantly longer. Untangle provides a clear roadmap of deadlines, alerting you to upcoming filing dates and explaining court expectations in plain English so you stay compliant.

Furthermore, the platform helps manage the interaction between the 90-day waiting period standard in regular divorces and the accelerated timeline available for nonadversarial cases. By clarifying which rules apply to your specific situation, Untangle prevents the confusion that often leads self-represented parties to miss their disposition date or appear in court unprepared. The case management features keep your timeline organized.

When Untangle Makes the Most Financial Sense

Untangle delivers the best value for couples who meet specific criteria. Understanding whether you fit this profile helps you determine if the investment makes sense for your situation.

Ideal candidates for Untangle include:

• Couples who agree on the divorce itself (no one is contesting)
• Spouses who can communicate respectfully about dividing assets and debts
• Situations without extremely complex assets (business valuations, stock options, pensions)
• Parents who can agree on custody and parenting time arrangements
• Individuals comfortable using technology and following detailed instructions

If you and your spouse meet these criteria, you're well-positioned to pursue a nonadversarial dissolution under Connecticut law. C.G.S. § 46b-44a permits joint petition filing when both parties attest that they agree to the divorce and have resolved or can resolve all issues. Untangle is specifically designed to support this streamlined process.

Situations where additional help may be needed:

Even if you use Untangle for document preparation, some specific situations benefit significantly from at least limited attorney consultation. Complex assets often require specialized legal language that goes beyond standard forms. For example, dividing a 401(k) or pension usually requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a highly technical document that must be approved by the plan administrator. Similarly, owning real estate in multiple states can introduce jurisdictional issues that standard Connecticut forms may not fully address.

Concerns about hidden assets or financial transparency also warrant professional legal intervention. Connecticut courts take financial disclosure seriously, and cases like LaBorne v. LaBorne demonstrate that financial fraud can justify reopening divorce judgments years later. If you suspect your spouse is not being fully transparent, relying solely on a self-guided tool may leave you unprotected. In these instances, using Untangle for the basics while hiring a forensic accountant or attorney for the financial investigation can be a strategic hybrid approach.

Maximizing Value: Getting the Most from Untangle

To get maximum value from Untangle, approach your divorce preparation systematically. The platform works best when both parties are actively engaged and honest about their financial situations.

Step 1: Gather Financial Documents First

Before diving into document preparation, collect the records required under Practice Book Rule § 25-32: tax returns (last three years), bank and investment statements (last 24 months), pay stubs, and documentation of all debts. Having these ready makes the Untangle process faster and more accurate.

Step 2: Have Initial Conversations with Your Spouse

Untangle can help you draft an agreement, but it can't negotiate for you. Before using the platform, have honest discussions with your spouse about how you'll divide property, handle debts, and (if applicable) share parenting responsibilities. The more you've agreed upon before starting, the smoother the process.

Step 3: Use the Platform's Full Capabilities

Don't skip features to save time. Untangle's comprehensive checklists and document organization tools exist because Connecticut's requirements are detailed and specific. Taking shortcuts often creates problems that cost more to fix later.

Step 4: Review Everything Before Filing

Even with Untangle's guidance, review all documents carefully before submission. Under Practice Book Rule § 25-30, your financial affidavit is sworn under oath—errors aren't just inconvenient; they can have legal consequences.

The Bottom Line on Value

For Connecticut couples who can work together amicably, Untangle represents a middle path between expensive attorney representation and confusing pure-DIY approaches. The platform's Connecticut-specific focus means you're not adapting generic templates to local requirements—you're working with a tool designed for your state's unique legal landscape.

The investment makes particular sense when you consider not just the direct cost savings compared to attorney fees, but also the indirect savings from avoiding common DIY mistakes. Rejected filings, delayed proceedings, and agreements that require modification all add hidden costs that erode the savings of the cheapest approach.

Connecticut's mediation services, available under C.G.S. § 46b-53a in designated judicial districts, can complement Untangle for couples who agree on most issues but need help with specific sticking points. Using Untangle for document preparation while accessing court mediation for contentious issues can be an especially cost-effective combination.

When to Consider Alternative Approaches

While Untangle serves many Connecticut couples well, recognize when your situation calls for different resources. If your spouse is uncooperative, if you have significant concerns about hidden assets, or if there's any history of domestic violence, professional legal representation becomes essential—not just helpful.

Similarly, if your divorce involves complex financial instruments, business interests, or significant retirement assets, the cost of attorney representation is often justified by the value protected. The Connecticut courts have consistently held, as seen in cases like Netter v. Netter, that equitable distribution requires thorough understanding of marital assets—something that becomes increasingly difficult without professional guidance in complex cases.

For budget-conscious individuals in straightforward situations, however, Untangle offers a practical, affordable path to a Connecticut divorce. The platform's focus on your specific state requirements, combined with step-by-step guidance through each phase of the process, provides genuine value that justifies the investment for couples ready to do the work themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Untangle divorce service cost per month in Connecticut?

Untangle offers guided divorce document preparation and filing assistance at a fraction of traditional attorney costs, which can range from $15,000 to $50,000 for contested divorces in Connecticut.

Is Untangle cheaper than hiring a divorce lawyer in CT?

Yes, Untangle is significantly more affordable than traditional attorney representation, making it an attractive option for Connecticut couples pursuing an uncontested dissolution.

Are there hidden fees with Untangle divorce service?

While Untangle's service fees cover document preparation and filing assistance, you will still need to pay the mandatory Connecticut Superior Court filing fee of approximately $350.

Is Untangle worth it for a Connecticut divorce?

Untangle can be worth the cost for budget-conscious Connecticut couples seeking an uncontested divorce who want guided help with paperwork without paying traditional attorney fees.

What does Untangle's divorce service include for CT residents?

Untangle provides Connecticut couples with guided document preparation, agreement drafting, and filing assistance to help navigate the state's required forms and financial disclosure requirements.