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Court Process and Procedures
11 min read
July 1, 2025

What should I expect at my first court appearance in Connecticut?

Walking into a courthouse for the first time can be incredibly intimidating, especially when it’s for your own divorce. The good news is that your first court appearance in a Connecticut divorce is usually not the dramatic trial you might see on TV. Instead, it’s a structured, procedural meeting designed to get your case organized and moving toward a resolution.

Think of it less as a battle and more as a planning session. The primary goal is for the court to understand the issues in your case—what you and your spouse agree on and where you disagree—and to create a roadmap for how to handle everything from finances to parenting. Knowing what to expect can transform this experience from a source of anxiety into a productive first step toward your new beginning.

This guide will walk you through exactly what happens during your initial court date, how to prepare, and what Connecticut law requires of you at this early stage.

Understanding Your First Court Date: The Resolution Plan Date

In Connecticut, the family court system has a process called "Pathways" to help manage divorce cases more efficiently. Under this system, your first court appearance in a Connecticut divorce is called the Resolution Plan Date. This is a critical meeting that sets the stage for your entire divorce process.

According to the Connecticut Practice Book § 25-50A, the Resolution Plan Date is typically scheduled 30 to 60 days after the "return date" listed on your divorce papers. The purpose is not to argue your case or have a judge make final decisions. Instead, you will meet with a Family Relations Counselor to create a plan.

The main goals of the Resolution Plan Date are to:

  • Identify the key issues in your divorce (e.g., custody, property division, alimony).
  • Determine the level of conflict between you and your spouse.
  • Assign your case to a specific "track" for resolution.
  • Create a scheduling order with deadlines for the next steps.

Connecticut Law Requirements Before Your First Appearance

Before you even step into the courthouse, there are several important legal requirements you must meet. These are designed to keep things stable while your case is pending and ensure everyone has the necessary information.

1. Automatic Court Orders

The moment a divorce is filed and served in Connecticut, a set of automatic court orders goes into effect for both spouses. As outlined in Practice Book § 25-5, these orders are legally binding and remain in place until your divorce is finalized or the court changes them.

Key automatic orders include:

  • For cases with children: Neither parent can permanently remove the minor children from Connecticut without the other parent's written permission or a court order.
  • Financial restrictions: Neither spouse can sell, transfer, hide, or borrow against property without a valid reason (like paying for ordinary household expenses or reasonable attorney's fees).
  • Insurance coverage: Neither spouse can remove the other spouse or the children from existing medical, dental, or life insurance policies.
  • Residency: Neither spouse can deny the other access to the family home if you are still living together, unless a judge orders it.

It is crucial to obey these orders. Violating them can lead to being found in contempt of court, which can have serious consequences.

2. Sworn Financial Statements

This is one of the most important preparation steps. Under Practice Book § 25-50A(b), you and your spouse must file a sworn financial statement (also called a financial affidavit) with the court on or before your Resolution Plan Date.

This document provides a complete picture of your financial situation. It details your income, expenses, assets (like bank accounts, real estate, retirement funds), and liabilities (like mortgages, car loans, credit card debt). The court and the Family Relations Counselor use this document to understand the financial landscape of your marriage. Failing to file it on time can delay your case or result in the judge making financial decisions without your information.

3. Mandatory Parenting Education Program

If you and your spouse have minor children, Connecticut law requires both of you to complete a parenting education program. C.G.S. § 46b-69b establishes this program to help parents understand the impact of divorce on children and learn strategies for co-parenting effectively.

The automatic orders (Practice Book § 25-5(a)(5)) require you to complete this program within 60 days of the return date. You will need to provide the court with a certificate of completion.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Resolution Plan Date

Knowing the sequence of events for your first court appearance in a Connecticut divorce can help you feel more prepared and in control.

Step 1: Arrive and Check In

Plan to arrive at the courthouse at least 30 minutes early. This gives you time to go through security, find the right courtroom, and meet with your attorney. There will be a list of cases (a "docket") posted outside the courtroom or on a monitor. Find your name and case number to confirm you are in the right place.

Step 2: Meet with the Family Relations Counselor

The main event of the Resolution Plan Date is your meeting with a Family Relations Counselor. These are trained, neutral court employees who specialize in family law matters. They are not judges, and their job is to help assess your case.

As described in Practice Book § 25-50A(a), you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys will meet with the counselor. The counselor will ask questions to understand:

  • What you and your spouse agree on.
  • What issues are in dispute (custody, alimony, property, etc.).
  • The overall level of conflict.
  • Whether there are any complex issues that require special attention.

Be honest and direct with the counselor. This meeting is confidential and is designed to help the court system guide your case down the most appropriate path.

Step 3: Your Case is Assigned to a "Track"

Based on your meeting, the Family Relations Counselor will recommend a "track" for your case. This determines the level of court involvement and the timeline for your divorce.

  • Track A (Minimal Court Intervention): For cases with few disputed issues where a settlement is likely. These cases move quickly toward a final resolution.
  • Track B (Moderate Court Intervention): For cases with some significant disputes that may require more assistance from the court, such as a pre-trial conference with a judge.
  • Track C (Complex/High-Conflict): For cases with many complex or high-conflict issues that will likely require significant court resources, and possibly a full trial.

Step 4: The Scheduling Order

The final outcome of your Resolution Plan Date is a scheduling order. The judge will review the counselor's recommendation and issue an order that sets deadlines for future events. This order is your roadmap for the next several months. It may include dates for:

  • Exchanging financial documents.
  • Attending mediation.
  • A judicial pre-trial conference.
  • A final trial date, if necessary.

This scheduling order is legally binding. You and your attorney must follow the deadlines it sets.

Important Considerations and Practical Advice

  • What to Bring: Bring a copy of your filed financial statement, any proposed orders your attorney has prepared, and a list of any questions you have.
  • What to Wear: Dress as if you are going to a professional job interview. Business casual is appropriate. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, shorts, or hats.
  • How to Behave: Be respectful to everyone, including your spouse, the attorneys, the court staff, and the judge. When speaking to a judge, address them as "Your Honor." Do not interrupt when others are speaking.
  • The Role of Your Attorney: Your attorney will do most of the talking for you. They will present your position to the Family Relations Counselor and the judge, ensure your paperwork is correct, and explain what is happening at each step.
  • If You Agree on Everything: If your divorce is truly uncontested, you may be able to finalize it much faster. If you have a signed settlement agreement and have filed all the required paperwork, the court may approve your agreement and grant the divorce without a lengthy process (Practice Book § 25-50A(d)).
  • If Your Spouse Doesn't Show Up: If your spouse was properly served with the divorce papers and fails to appear in court, you may be able to proceed with a "default" judgment. This means the court can move forward based on your requests, as long as you meet the legal requirements outlined in C.G.S. § 46b-67(b).

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Court Appearance

Will a judge make final decisions at my first court appearance?

No, almost never. The Resolution Plan Date is a procedural and planning meeting, not a trial. The judge's role is typically limited to approving the scheduling order. The only exception might be if you and your spouse reach a full agreement on all issues that day and are ready to finalize the divorce.

Do I have to speak in court?

If you have an attorney, they will do most of the speaking on your behalf. You will need to speak with the Family Relations Counselor, but you likely will not have to speak directly to the judge unless you are asked a specific question. If you are representing yourself, you will need to speak for yourself.

What happens if I don't file my financial statement?

Failing to file your financial statement is a serious misstep. The court can impose sanctions, your case will be delayed, and the judge may be forced to make temporary financial orders without your input, which is rarely to your advantage. Practice Book § 25-30(a) makes this filing mandatory.

Can my first court appearance for a Connecticut divorce be done remotely?

Many Connecticut courts have incorporated remote technology (video or phone) for certain proceedings. Whether your Resolution Plan Date can be handled remotely depends on the specific courthouse and the judge's rules at that time. Your attorney can advise you on the current procedures.

What if we have an emergency that can't wait for the Resolution Plan Date?

If you have an urgent issue, such as a need for temporary financial support or exclusive use of the family home, your attorney can file a "pendente lite" motion. Under Practice Book § 25-34A, these motions can be scheduled on a "motion docket" to be heard by a judge before your Resolution Plan Date, ensuring critical issues are addressed quickly.

How long will the first court appearance take?

While the meeting with the counselor may only last 30-60 minutes, you should plan to be at the courthouse for several hours. You may have to wait for your case to be called and for the judge to become available to review and sign your scheduling order.

Is the first court appearance for a Connecticut divorce open to the public?

Yes, family court proceedings in Connecticut are generally open to the public. However, in sensitive cases, a party can ask the court to close the courtroom. A judge will only grant this request if they find there is an overriding interest that outweighs the public's right to access, as stated in C.G.S. § 46b-49.

Getting Help

Navigating your first court appearance in a Connecticut divorce is much less stressful with an experienced family law attorney by your side. An attorney can ensure your paperwork is filed correctly and on time, advocate for your interests with the Family Relations Counselor, and help you understand every step of the process.

If you are facing a divorce in Connecticut, don't go through it alone. We are here to provide the guidance and support you need to protect your rights and work toward a positive outcome.

Conclusion

Your first court date in a Connecticut divorce is a foundational step in the legal process. It is not a trial but a carefully managed meeting designed to create a clear and organized plan for resolving your case. By understanding the purpose of the Resolution Plan Date, completing your required paperwork like the financial statement, and working closely with your attorney, you can approach this day with confidence. It is the first formal step toward closing one chapter of your life and beginning the next.

Disclaimer: Legal Information, Not Legal Advice

This article provides general information about Connecticut divorce law and procedures. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Every divorce case is unique, and laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified Connecticut family law attorney.

Need more answers?

Browse our complete library of Connecticut divorce FAQ articles, or get personalized guidance through your specific divorce process with Untangle.