Connecticut Divorce Checklist

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Prepared: 5/21/2026

Data updated: 3/1/2026

Estimated Timeline

90 days minimum for uncontested divorces (from return date to final decree under C.G.S. § 46b-67), 35 days for qualifying nonadversarial divorces under § 46b-44a, and 12-24 months for contested divorces requiring trial in Connecticut Superior Court

Documents to Gather

Certified Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificates for Minor Children
Social Security Cards
Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
Photo Identification
Proof of Connecticut Residency
Existing Court Orders(if applicable)

Financial Documents

Federal and State Income Tax Returns (Last 3 Years)
W-2, 1099, and K-1 Forms (Last 3 Years)
Pay Stubs and Earnings Records (Last 12 Months)
Bank and Financial Institution Statements (Last 24 Months)
Retirement Account and Pension Statements
Real Property Documents
Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
Credit Card and Loan Statements
Life Insurance and Health Insurance Policies
Business Ownership Documents(if applicable)

Key Steps

1. Before Filing

Verify Residency Requirements
Gather Essential Personal Documents
Compile Financial Records for Mandatory Disclosure
Determine Filing Track and Eligibility
Create a Safety Plan if Domestic Violence Is Involved

2. Filing Process

Complete the Divorce Complaint and Required Forms
Complete Additional Required Forms for Cases with Children
File Documents with the Superior Court Clerk
Serve Your Spouse with Divorce Papers

3. After Filing

File an Appearance and Wait for the Return Date
Exchange Financial Affidavits Within 30 Days
Complete the Parenting Education Program Within 60 Days
Attend the Resolution Plan Date Conference
Participate in Discovery and Negotiate Settlement
Attend the Uncontested Hearing or Trial After 90-Day Waiting Period

Key Deadlines

Service on Respondent Must Be CompletedAt least 12 days before the return date

Original Documents Filed with Court ClerkAt least 6 days before the return date

Respondent Files AppearanceWithin 2 days after the return date

Financial Affidavits ExchangedWithin 30 days of the return date

First Responsive Pleading (Answer or Cross-Complaint)Within 30 days of the return date

Parenting Education Program CompletedWithin 60 days of the return date

Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreement EnforcementWithin 60 days of the return date

Mandatory Waiting Period Expires90 days from the return date

Default Judgment Eligible (Personal/Abode Service)30 days after the return date

Mandatory Disclosure Production Deadline30 days after written request

Quick Reference

To file for divorce in Connecticut, you must first establish residency under C.G.S. § 46b-44, requiring at least one spouse to have lived in the state for 12 months before the court can grant the final decree. File the Divorce Complaint (JD-FM-159), Summons (JD-FM-3), and Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158) with the Superior Court clerk, paying the $360 filing fee. Have a state marshal serve your spouse at least 12 days before the selected return date, which must be a Tuesday. The return date triggers critical deadlines: exchange Financial Affidavits (JD-FM-6) within 30 days, complete a parenting education program within 60 days if children are involved under § 46b-69b, and wait the mandatory 90-day period under § 46b-67 before the court may enter a final decree. Couples qualifying for nonadversarial divorce under § 46b-44a may complete the process in 35 days using form JD-FM-242. Fee waivers are available through form JD-FM-75 for those demonstrating financial hardship. Connecticut Legal Services (1-800-453-3320) provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents.