Connecticut Divorce Timeline Estimator

Connecticut divorce takes a minimum of 90 days due to the mandatory waiting period under C.G.S. § 46b-67. Uncontested dissolutions typically finalize in 4 to 6 months, while contested cases involving custody or property disputes often take 12 to 18 months or longer. The nonadversarial process can finalize in as few as 30 days for qualifying couples.

Connecticut imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period under C.G.S. § 46b-67, measured from the court-assigned Return Date. The court cannot enter a dissolution decree until this period expires. In uncontested cases with a complete settlement agreement, the Plaintiff can file a motion (Form JD-FM-247) to waive the 90-day period, though the motion cannot be filed until at least 30 days after the Return Date.

Connecticut does not require a mandatory separation period before filing for divorce. Either spouse can file a Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage based on irretrievable breakdown without living apart first. However, C.G.S. § 46b-44 requires at least one spouse to have been a Connecticut resident for 12 months before the court can enter the final decree.

An uncontested Connecticut divorce typically takes 4 to 6 months from filing to final decree. The 90-day mandatory waiting period under C.G.S. § 46b-67 sets the minimum timeline. If both spouses have a signed agreement on all issues, the court schedules a hearing shortly after the 90 days expire. The $350 filing fee and approximately $50–$100 for service of process are the primary costs.

The fastest path is Connecticut's nonadversarial dissolution under C.G.S. § 46b-67, which can finalize in approximately 30 days. Both spouses file a joint petition and bypass the standard 90-day waiting period. Eligibility requires the marriage lasted 9 years or less, no minor children, no real property, and combined assets under $35,000. Most couples do not qualify for this expedited track.

In Connecticut, the Defendant must file an Appearance form by the court-assigned Return Date, which is typically set on a Tuesday at least 12 days after service. Unlike many states that use a fixed 20- or 30-day response period, Connecticut ties the deadline to the Return Date. Failure to file an Appearance allows the Plaintiff to seek a default judgment 30 days after the Return Date.

Connecticut requires both parents to complete a Parenting Education Program when minor children are involved, under C.G.S. § 46b-69b. The course must be completed within 60 days of the Return Date and costs up to $125 per person. Topics include child development, conflict resolution, and cooperative parenting. Failure to complete the program can delay the divorce proceedings.

A contested Connecticut divorce typically takes 12 to 18 months, though complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes can exceed 2 years. The process includes the 90-day waiting period, discovery, court-ordered mediation at the Resolution Plan Date (30–45 days after the Return Date), and potential trial scheduling. Connecticut's median contested divorce costs $12,400 based on 2022 data.