Filing for divorce in Connecticut without an attorney costs $360 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 12 months in Connecticut. Connecticut is a equitable distribution state with a 90 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-4 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Connecticut-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $360 (The filing fee is $360 statewide. Connecticut has uniform fees across all judicial districts.) |
| Residency Requirement | 12 months in Connecticut |
| Waiting Period | 90 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown (no-fault), Living apart 18 months, Adultery, Fraudulent contract, Willful desertion, 7 years absence, Habitual intemperance, Intolerable cruelty, Sentence to imprisonment, Legal confinement for mental illness |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 3-4 months |
| Contested Timeline | 1-2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Connecticut, you must meet the following residency requirement: 12 months in Connecticut.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Connecticut for at least 12 months before the divorce is finalized. You can file immediately if you meet residency at the time of decree.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Connecticut's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Connecticut without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Connecticut for at least 12 months before the divorce is finalized. You can file immediately if you meet residency at the time of decree.
Download the official Connecticut divorce forms: Summons (Family), Dissolution of Marriage Complaint, Financial Affidavit. All forms are available from the Connecticut courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (JD-FM-3) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Connecticut court and pay the filing fee of $360. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Connecticut rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Connecticut law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Connecticut has a 90-day waiting period from the return date (about 6 weeks after filing) before the divorce can be finalized.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Connecticut, this typically takes 3-4 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Connecticut. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the case
States grounds and requests
Required financial disclosure
If uncontested
The filing fee to start a divorce in Connecticut is $360. The filing fee is $360 statewide. Connecticut has uniform fees across all judicial districts.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $360 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $500-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Connecticut offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Connecticut, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Connecticut courts are strict about service requirements.
Connecticut is a equitable distribution state.
Connecticut is an 'all-property' equitable distribution state. The court can divide ALL property owned by either spouse, regardless of when or how it was acquired. This includes separate property, making Connecticut unique.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Connecticut law applies to your specific property.
Connecticut uses the Income shares model per Connecticut Guidelines.
Connecticut uses income shares guidelines. Combined parental net income determines the basic support obligation, then divided between parents based on income percentages. Adjustments for childcare and healthcare costs apply.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Connecticut divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $360 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
90 days - Connecticut has a 90-day waiting period from the return date (about 6 weeks after filing) before the divorce can be finalized.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
All-property state (court can divide separate property)
Both fault and no-fault grounds
12-month residency requirement
90-day waiting period from return date
Parenting education program required with children
Common questions about filing for divorce in Connecticut without an attorney.
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Connecticut-specific forms
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Child support calculator
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All Connecticut divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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