Connecticut Divorce Cost Estimator

A Connecticut divorce costs between $3,000 for an uncontested dissolution and $12,400 or more for a contested case. The court filing fee is $360, and the median attorney hourly rate is $350 per hour with retainers starting at $2,500–$10,000. Additional costs include the mandatory $150 parenting class, $50–$75 process server fees, and potential guardian ad litem fees of $3,000–$8,000 in custody disputes.

The Connecticut Superior Court filing fee for a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage is $360, effective since July 1, 2013. An additional $50 service of process fee may apply when serving the defendant. Fee waivers are available for low-income filers through Form JD-FM-075 (Application for Waiver of Fees), which eliminates both the filing fee and other court costs upon court approval.

Connecticut divorce attorneys charge a median hourly rate of $350, with rates ranging from $250 to $450 per hour for standard cases and $450–$800 for collaborative divorce specialists. Initial retainer fees typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with complex or high-net-worth cases requiring retainers of $15,000 or more. The retainer is a deposit held in trust, and unused funds are refunded at the conclusion of representation.

Connecticut offers fee waivers for divorce through Form JD-FM-075 (Application for Waiver of Fees), available from any Superior Court clerk or the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. The waiver covers the $360 filing fee and other court costs for filers who demonstrate financial hardship. The court also waives the $150 Parent Education Program fee when a fee waiver is approved. You must submit the application before or at the time of filing your complaint.

Connecticut does not require mediation in all divorce cases, but courts may order it for custody or visitation disputes under C.G.S. § 46b-53a. Private mediators charge $150–$400 per hour, with most couples needing 5–8 sessions for a combined total of $1,500–$5,000. The Connecticut Judicial Branch also offers court-connected mediation through its Alternative Dispute Resolution program, which can reduce costs compared to private mediation.

An uncontested divorce in Connecticut typically costs $3,000 total when using an attorney, including the $360 filing fee, $50–$75 process server fee, and $150 parenting education class per parent. Self-represented filers can reduce total costs to $500–$1,000 by handling paperwork themselves using the Connecticut Judicial Branch self-help center resources. Uncontested cases where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized in approximately 4 months after the 90-day statutory waiting period.

Beyond filing fees and attorney retainers, Connecticut divorce hidden costs include the mandatory $150-per-person Parent Education Program, real estate appraisals at $300–$500, business valuations at $5,000–$25,000, pension QDRO preparation at $500–$1,500, and custody evaluations at $3,000–$7,000. Guardian ad litem appointments add $3,000–$8,000 split between spouses. Financial Affidavit preparation and sworn asset disclosure can also require forensic accountant fees of $2,000–$10,000 in complex cases.

Connecticut allows self-represented (pro se) divorce filings, and the Connecticut Judicial Branch self-help center at jud.ct.gov provides forms, instructions, and guides for uncontested dissolutions. The total cost for a pro se filing is approximately $410–$585 including the $360 filing fee, $50–$75 process server fee, and $150 parenting class. Self-representation works best for uncontested cases with no minor children, minimal assets, and mutual agreement on all terms.