The Step-by-Step Process for A BUSINESS OWNER Getting Divorced in CT

Filing for divorce in Connecticut can feel overwhelming, but having an experienced legal team on your side makes all the difference. Divorce in CT follows a structured process, and that's why many people recognize the importance of working with an award-winning law firm to guide them through each stage.

Whether you're navigating shared assets, child custody, or alimony questions, knowing each step helps you prepare and prevent unnecessary delays. Here's a clear roadmap outlining how divorce works in Connecticut, from initial filing to final decree, to make the path less stressful and more manageable.

Check Residency and Choose Legal Grounds

Before you can even begin the divorce process, you need to meet Connecticut's basic requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in Connecticut for 12 months before the divorce can be finalized. This residency requirement is strictly enforced by the courts.

Connecticut offers both no-fault divorce options, like irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, and fault-based grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. The choice between these options isn't just a formality since it can affect your timeline and the documentation you'll need to gather.

No-fault divorces are generally faster and less contentious since you don't have to prove wrongdoing. Fault-based divorces might be appropriate in certain situations but typically involve more complex legal proceedings. An experienced attorney can help you understand which option best matches your specific circumstances and goals.

Filing the Complaint and Summons

To officially start your divorce case, one spouse needs to submit the required paperwork to the court. For a standard contested divorce, this includes a divorce complaint using the official Dissolution of Marriage form, a summons to notify the other spouse, and a Notice of Automatic Court Orders that outlines temporary restrictions.

Key filing documents include:

• Dissolution of Marriage complaint form
• Official summons for spouse notification
• Notice of Automatic Court Orders
• Required filing fees and supporting documentation

If you and your spouse agree on all major issues, you might qualify for a simplified uncontested divorce process. This involves filing a Joint Petition instead of the standard complaint, which can streamline the entire process significantly and reduce both time and costs.

Serving and Responding to the Case

After filing your paperwork, you must officially serve your spouse with the divorce documents. This can be done through a state marshal who delivers the papers directly, or your spouse can sign a waiver form acknowledging they've received everything voluntarily.

The responding spouse then has a specific timeframe to file an Appearance form with the court. Depending on whether they agree with everything or want to contest certain aspects, they may also need to file an Answer or Cross-Complaint that outlines their position on various issues.

For uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on everything, this serving and responding phase can move much more quickly since there's no disagreement to resolve through formal court proceedings.

Disclosure, Case Management and Court Track Assignment

Both parties are required to exchange detailed financial affidavits that outline all assets, debts, income sources, and expenses. This financial disclosure must happen before something called the Resolution Plan Date, which typically occurs within 30 to 45 days after the initial return date.

During this initial court meeting, a Family Relations Counselor reviews your case and assigns it to one of three tracks based on complexity and how much you and your spouse agree on. Track A is for simple, uncontested cases. Track B handles moderately complex situations. Track C deals with the most complicated divorces involving significant disagreements or complex financial situations.

This track assignment determines how your case will proceed and what additional steps or mediation might be required before you can finalize everything.

Negotiation, Temporary Orders and Finalization

While negotiations and discussions are ongoing, either spouse can request temporary court orders to address immediate needs. These might cover child support, custody arrangements, or who gets to stay in the family home during the divorce process. These temporary orders help maintain stability while the divorce works its way through the system.

If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all issues, you may be able to finalize your divorce after a shortened waiting period of just 30 days for uncontested cases. Contested divorces typically require a standard 90-day waiting period from the initial filing.

Some couples can apply to waive part of the waiting period if they have a complete written agreement and meet certain other requirements, which can speed up the final resolution.

Conclusion

Divorce in Connecticut follows a structured legal path from residency requirements and choosing grounds through filing, serving papers, and court proceedings. The state has built-in timelines and disclosure requirements that keep things moving forward systematically.

Though the process is organized and predictable, navigating procedural requirements, financial complexities, and emotional negotiations can still be challenging without proper guidance. Working with a skilled legal team can make the process smoother, more efficient, and less emotionally draining while protecting your interests throughout.

With the right support at your side, you can move through this difficult time with confidence and clarity, knowing that every step is being handled properly.