How Long Does Divorce Take in Connecticut? Complete 2025 Timeline Guide

By Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. | Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Connecticut Divorce Law

How long does divorce take in Connecticut? An uncontested divorce in Connecticut typically takes three to six months from filing to final decree, while contested cases often last a year or longer. Connecticut law imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-67 before any divorce can be finalized. Couples who qualify for the nonadversarial process may obtain a decree in as few as 30 to 35 days.

Understanding the Connecticut Divorce Timeline

Connecticut refers to divorce as a "dissolution of marriage." The divorce timeline is shaped by whether the case is contested or uncontested, the complexity of marital assets, whether children are involved, and how backlogged the local judicial district is. Understanding the specific stages of the process helps set realistic expectations and can reduce both cost and stress.

This guide walks through every phase of the Connecticut divorce process, from residency requirements through the final judgment, so you can estimate how long divorce takes in Connecticut based on your unique circumstances.

Residency Requirements Before You File

Before a Connecticut court can grant a divorce, you must satisfy the state's residency requirement under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-44. There are three ways to establish eligibility:

• Either spouse has lived in Connecticut for at least 12 consecutive months before the divorce was filed or before the final divorce decree is entered.
• Either spouse was domiciled in Connecticut at the time of the marriage, later moved away, and returned to Connecticut with the intent to live there permanently before filing.
• The grounds for divorce arose after one or both spouses moved to Connecticut.

A few important points about residency:

• Only one spouse needs to meet the residency requirement for the Connecticut Superior Court to have jurisdiction over the case.
• You can file for divorce before completing the full 12 months of residency, provided you will meet the 12-month threshold by the time the divorce is finalized.
• Connecticut requires domicile, not just physical presence. Domicile means you live in the state with the genuine intention of making it your permanent home.
• Military service members who were Connecticut residents before entering the armed forces are considered residents for the duration of their service.

The Mandatory 90-Day Waiting Period

One of the most important factors in determining how long divorce takes in Connecticut is the statutory waiting period. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-67, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period after the return date before the court can enter a final divorce decree. The "return date" is the date set by the court clerk when you file your initial paperwork, and it typically falls about two to three weeks after you file.

During this 90-day divorce waiting period, spouses can:

• Negotiate the terms of their settlement agreement, including property division, alimony, and parenting plans
• Request temporary court orders for custody, child support, spousal support, or exclusive possession of the marital home
• Complete mandatory requirements such as financial affidavits and parenting education programs
• Attend conciliation conferences if ordered by the court

The 90-day waiting period can be waived under limited circumstances. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-67(b), parties who agree on all terms of the divorce, make certain attestations under oath, and request such a waiver may ask the court to enter a decree before the waiting period expires. Additionally, if the defendant spouse fails to appear, the plaintiff may file a motion to waive the waiting period after 30 days from the return date.

The Nonadversarial (Expedited) Divorce Option

Connecticut law, through Public Act 15-7 (effective October 1, 2015), created a streamlined nonadversarial divorce process that can significantly reduce the divorce timeline. Under this process, a court may enter a divorce decree without a hearing, and the 90-day waiting period does not apply.

To qualify for the nonadversarial process, both spouses must meet all of the following conditions:

1. The marriage lasted eight years or less (note: some sources reference nine years; confirm eligibility with the court)
2. No children were born to or adopted by the couple, and neither spouse is currently pregnant
3. At least one spouse meets the Connecticut residency requirement
4. The combined net fair market value of all property owned by either party is less than $35,000
5. Neither party has a defined benefit pension plan
6. Both parties agree the marriage has broken down irretrievably

The court must assign a disposition date at least 30 days after the petition filing date. If no revocation notice is filed and the court finds the settlement agreement fair and equitable, a divorce may be granted in approximately 35 days without either party appearing before a judge.

Uncontested Divorce Timeline: 3 to 6 Months

An uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses agree to end the marriage and agree on all major issues, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. Uncontested cases generally follow this divorce duration:

1. Filing and service (Weeks 1 to 3): The plaintiff files the Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage and summons with the Connecticut Superior Court. A state marshal or authorized process server serves the documents on the other spouse. The court clerk assigns a return date.
2. Financial disclosures (Weeks 3 to 6): Within 30 days of the return date, each spouse must file a Financial Affidavit (Form JD-FM-6) detailing income, assets, and liabilities.
3. Parenting education (Weeks 1 to 8): If minor children are involved, both parents must complete a court-approved parenting education program within 60 days of filing, as required by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-69b.
4. Waiting period (Days 1 to 90): The 90-day statutory waiting period runs from the return date. If both spouses have a signed agreement, they may file a motion to waive this period.
5. Case management date and final hearing (Months 3 to 6): After the waiting period expires, the court schedules a case management conference or a final uncontested hearing. The judge reviews the settlement agreement, asks questions under oath, and if satisfied that the agreement is fair and equitable, enters the divorce decree.

In many judicial districts, the overall divorce duration for an uncontested case runs approximately four to six months, though some simpler cases with waiver of the waiting period may conclude more quickly.

Contested Divorce Timeline: 1 to 3 Years

When spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, the divorce becomes contested. Contested divorces involve additional steps that substantially extend the timeline:

1. Pleadings phase (Months 1 to 3): In addition to the initial complaint and answer, the defendant may file a cross-complaint. Motions for temporary orders (pendente lite) regarding custody, support, and property restraints may be filed and heard.
2. Discovery phase (Months 3 to 9): Both sides exchange financial documents, interrogatories, requests for production, and may take depositions. Complex asset cases involving business valuations, real estate appraisals, or forensic accounting can extend this phase significantly.
3. Mediation and settlement conferences (Months 6 to 12): Connecticut courts strongly encourage settlement. The court may order mediation or schedule judicial settlement conferences. Many contested cases settle during this phase without proceeding to trial.
4. Trial preparation and trial (Months 9 to 18+): If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge (Connecticut divorce trials do not involve juries). Trial may last a few hours or several days depending on the complexity of the issues. After trial, the judge issues the final decision.
5. Post-judgment matters: Either party may file post-judgment motions for modification or appeal, which can add additional months.

Court backlogs in certain judicial districts can also contribute to delays. Some judicial districts are more congested than others, and your attorney or the court clerk can provide estimated wait times for your specific location.

Grounds for Divorce in Connecticut

Connecticut is a no-fault divorce state, but also permits fault-based grounds. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-40(c), the permissible grounds for divorce include:

No-fault grounds:

• The marriage has broken down irretrievably
• The parties have lived apart by reason of incompatibility for a continuous period of at least 18 months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation

Fault-based grounds:

• Adultery
• Fraudulent contract (intentional deception to enter into the marriage)
• Willful desertion for one year with total neglect of duty
• Seven years' absence without being heard from
• Habitual intemperance (substance abuse)
• Intolerable cruelty
• Sentence to imprisonment for life or commission of an infamous crime involving violation of conjugal duty punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
• Confinement for mental illness for at least five cumulative years within the six-year period before the complaint is filed

Most Connecticut divorces proceed on the no-fault ground of irretrievable breakdown. Fault-based grounds can complicate and prolong the process because you must prove the fault, and if you fail, the court cannot grant the divorce on that basis. However, the cause of the breakdown may still be considered by the court when making financial orders regarding alimony and property division.

Property Division: Equitable Distribution

Connecticut is an "all property" equitable distribution state. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-81, the court may assign to either spouse all or any part of the estate of either spouse, regardless of when or how the property was acquired. This means both marital and premarital property are subject to division.

The court considers multiple statutory factors, including but not limited to:

• Length of the marriage
• Causes for the dissolution
• Age, health, station, occupation, amount and sources of income of each spouse
• Vocational skills and employability of each spouse
• Each spouse's estate and needs
• The opportunity of each spouse for future acquisition of capital assets and income
• The contribution of each spouse to the acquisition, preservation, or appreciation of assets (including non-monetary contributions as a homemaker)

Equitable does not mean equal. The court has broad discretion to craft an outcome it deems fair based on the totality of the circumstances.

Alimony in Connecticut

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-82 and § 46b-83, Connecticut courts may award three types of alimony:

• Temporary (pendente lite): Financial support paid during the divorce proceedings. This terminates once the judge issues the final decree.
• Rehabilitative: Time-limited support designed to help a spouse become self-supporting through education, training, or work experience.
• Permanent: Ongoing support typically reserved for long-term marriages where one spouse cannot become self-sufficient.

The court considers factors similar to those used in property division, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, and the causes of the marital breakdown.

Child Custody and Support

When minor children are involved, custody and support arrangements often represent the most emotionally charged and time-consuming aspects of a divorce. Connecticut courts make custody determinations based on the best interests of the child.

• Legal custody refers to decision-making authority regarding education, healthcare, and religion. Courts commonly award joint legal custody.
• Physical custody determines where the child primarily resides and can be sole or shared.
• Both parents must submit a parenting plan covering schedules, transportation, and dispute resolution.
• The mandatory parenting education program must be completed within 60 days of filing.
• Child support is calculated using the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents' incomes and specific expenses.

Child custody disputes can add months or even years to the divorce timeline. If parents cannot agree, the court may order evaluations by psychologists or social workers and may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the children's interests.

Filing Fees and Court Costs

The following are standard costs associated with filing for divorce in Connecticut:

• Filing fee for a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage: $350 to $360 statewide (As of February 2025. Verify with your local clerk.)
• Service of process by a state marshal: $50 to $100, depending on the method and number of attempts required
• Parenting education program: approximately $75 to $150 per parent
• Fee waiver: If you cannot afford court fees, you may apply for a fee waiver using Form JD-FM-75. Eligibility is generally based on household income relative to the federal poverty level.

Additional costs may include:

• Attorney fees: $225 to $500+ per hour, varying by region and experience level
• Mediation fees: $150 to $400 per hour
• Guardian ad Litem fees: $3,000 to $15,000 or more
• Forensic accounting or business valuation: $5,000 to $20,000+

For official court fee information, visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch website.

How to Speed Up Your Connecticut Divorce

If minimizing the divorce duration is a priority, consider the following strategies:

1. Reach agreement before filing: If you and your spouse can resolve all issues before filing, you may qualify for the expedited nonadversarial process or at least an uncontested proceeding.
2. Request a waiver of the 90-day waiting period: Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-67(b), the court may waive the waiting period when both parties have a complete agreement.
3. File complete and accurate paperwork: Errors and omissions cause delays. Use the correct court forms and submit all required documents, including financial affidavits, on time.
4. Use mediation: Mediation allows you to work through disagreements with professional guidance while avoiding the extended timeline of litigation.
5. Cooperate on discovery: Promptly exchanging financial information reduces delays caused by discovery disputes.
6. Stay organized: Keep one working draft of your settlement agreement and respond to your attorney's requests quickly.

Factors That Extend the Divorce Timeline

Several factors commonly cause divorces to take longer than expected:

• Disputes over child custody or parenting time
• Complex assets including businesses, multiple properties, stock options, or retirement accounts requiring expert valuation
• Hidden assets requiring forensic investigation
• One spouse's refusal to cooperate or respond to service
• Court backlogs in your specific judicial district
• Filing on fault-based grounds, which require proof and can increase contentiousness
• Domestic violence or protective orders, which add procedural steps
• Motions and appeals during or after the proceedings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum time to get a divorce in Connecticut?

The absolute minimum is approximately 30 to 35 days if you qualify for the nonadversarial divorce process under Public Act 15-7 (codified at Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-44a through § 46b-44d). This expedited process requires that the marriage lasted eight years or less, there are no children, neither spouse is pregnant, combined property is valued under $35,000, neither party has a defined benefit pension, and both spouses agree on all terms. For standard divorces on the regular family docket, the mandatory 90-day waiting period under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-67 establishes the floor. Most uncontested cases on the regular docket take three to six months total.

Can the 90-day waiting period be waived?

Yes. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-67(b), parties who agree on all divorce terms, attest under oath to their agreement, and request a waiver may ask the court to enter a divorce decree before the 90-day period expires. The court has discretion to grant or deny this request. Additionally, if the defendant spouse fails to file an appearance within 30 days of the return date, the plaintiff may file a motion to proceed, effectively bypassing the standard waiting period.

How long does a contested divorce take in Connecticut?

Contested divorces frequently take one year or longer. Cases involving complex assets, business valuations, custody disputes requiring evaluations, or significant disagreements on alimony can extend to two or three years. Court backlogs in some judicial districts can add additional delays. The specific timeline depends heavily on the nature and number of contested issues, the willingness of both parties to negotiate, and the court's schedule.

What are the filing fees for divorce in Connecticut?

The filing fee for a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage is $350 to $360 statewide. Service of process by a state marshal typically costs $50 to $100. If you have minor children, the mandatory parenting education program costs approximately $75 to $150 per parent. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income using Form JD-FM-75. (As of February 2025. Verify with your local clerk.)

Do I need to live in Connecticut for 12 months before filing?

Not necessarily before filing, but before the divorce can be granted. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-44, at least one spouse must have lived in Connecticut for at least 12 consecutive months before either the filing date or the date the divorce decree is finalized. You can file before reaching the 12-month mark if you will meet the requirement by the time the case concludes. For example, if you have lived in Connecticut for nine months when you file and your case takes four or more months to resolve, you will satisfy the requirement by the final judgment.

Is Connecticut a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-40(c), the most commonly used ground for divorce is that the marriage has "broken down irretrievably." Neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing. Connecticut also permits fault-based grounds, including adultery, desertion, intolerable cruelty, habitual intemperance, and others. However, most couples file on no-fault grounds because fault-based claims increase cost, complexity, and divorce duration.

What happens to property in a Connecticut divorce?

Connecticut is an "all property" equitable distribution state under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-81. The court can divide all property owned by either spouse, including assets acquired before the marriage, inherited property, and gifts. The division is based on fairness, not a strict 50/50 split. The court considers approximately twelve statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage (both monetary and non-monetary), and the needs of each party.

Do I need an attorney to get divorced in Connecticut?

You are not legally required to hire an attorney, and the Connecticut Judicial Branch provides self-help resources and forms online at jud.ct.gov. However, divorce involves significant legal and financial consequences, and an attorney can protect your interests, particularly in contested cases or those involving children, substantial assets, or alimony. For uncontested cases, some people hire an attorney for limited-scope representation, such as reviewing a settlement agreement, rather than full representation.

Are there mandatory parenting classes in Connecticut?

Yes. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-69b, divorcing parents with minor children under age 18 must complete a court-approved parenting education program within 60 days of filing. The program covers the impact of divorce on children, cooperative parenting techniques, conflict management, and visitation guidelines. The cost is approximately $75 to $150 per parent, paid directly to the program provider. Failure to complete the program can delay your divorce.

Can I get divorced in Connecticut if my spouse does not agree?

Yes. Connecticut does not require both spouses to consent to a divorce. One spouse can file a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage on the ground that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, even if the other spouse objects. If the non-filing spouse does not respond or file an appearance, the filing spouse may proceed with a default judgment. If the non-filing spouse contests the divorce, the case will proceed as a contested matter and the court will ultimately decide all disputed issues at trial.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general legal information about the Connecticut divorce process and is not intended as legal advice for any specific situation. Divorce laws and court procedures are subject to change. Filing fees listed are as of February 2025 and should be verified with your local court clerk. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed Connecticut family law attorney. The author, Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. (Florida Bar No. 21022), provides legal content and analysis; this guide does not establish an attorney-client relationship.