Are you planning to file for divorce but don’t know where to begin? You’re not alone. The Connecticut divorce process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with the court system before. I’m Matt Dolan with Dolan Divorce Lawyers, the largest divorce and family law firm in Connecticut, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to file for divorce in Connecticut—step by step.
The first step in filing for divorce in Connecticut is figuring out where to file. If you and your spouse live together, you must file in your local judicial district. If you live in different towns, you may have options—you can file in either district. To find the correct court, you should:
Pro tip: If you have multiple filing options, consulting with a divorce attorney could provide clarity on which to choose. Some courts move faster than others, and choosing the right venue can impact how quickly your case progresses.
To file for divorce and start a case in Connecticut, you’ll need to prepare several forms. These include:
You must also include a blank Appearance form for your spouse. In addition, you may want to file pendente lite motions, which request temporary court orders while the divorce is pending. These can include requests for:
If you are unsure what temporary orders you should request for your goals, our divorce lawyers can help you ensure you and your family are protected with the right requests.
Once your forms are completed, bring them to the clerk’s office at your chosen courthouse. The clerk will:
At this stage, your Connecticut divorce case is not officially filed yet—you still need to complete service.
After your paperwork is approved, the next step is service of process. In Connecticut, you cannot serve your spouse yourself, and you must hire a state marshal to do so on your behalf. The city clerk can provide a list of authorized marshals. Make sure you hire one who serves the correct geographic area.
Some important details to know include:
Once service is complete, the marshal will give you a Return of Service, which proves your spouse was properly served in Connecticut, allowing you to move on to the next step of filing for divorce.
After your spouse has been served, you must return to the Connecticut courthouse and file all served documents and the Return of Service.
This must be done at least 6 days before the return date. Additionally, at this point, you will pay the $360 filing fee (unless waived), and then your divorce case will be considered officially filed.
Once your divorce is filed in Connecticut, the case begins. The court will typically schedule a Resolution Plan Date, which is your first official court event. From there, your case may proceed through negotiation, mediation, and court hearings (if necessary).
Filing for divorce involves several technical steps, and small mistakes can delay your case. While it is possible to handle the process on your own, many people choose to work with an experienced attorney to avoid costly errors and move the process along more efficiently.
At Dolan Divorce Lawyers, the largest divorce and family law firm in Connecticut, we guide clients through every step of the divorce process—from filing to final resolution. If you have questions or are considering filing for divorce in Connecticut, please contact our office. We’re here to help.
N/a
