The Connecticut Pathways Program is the family-court case-management system implemented statewide in 2021. Governed by Connecticut Practice Book § 25-50A, the program ensures divorce and custody cases move efficiently through the courts while providing families with the appropriate services and guidance at each step.
For anyone beginning the divorce process, the Pathways framework helps identify agreements, highlight contested issues, and outline the necessary steps to reach a resolution.
Contact our dedicated divorce attorneys today to learn more.
The Pathways process begins shortly after a divorce case is filed and follows a structured series of steps designed to move the matter forward efficiently.
After the divorce action is filed, the court schedules a Resolution Plan Date approximately 30–60 days later. Before this meeting occurs, both parties must submit their financial affidavits, which Family Relations relies on to begin assessing the case.
On the Resolution Plan Date, both parties meet with a neutral Family Relations Officer at the courthouse. These professionals are highly trained in divorce and custody matters, and during the meeting, they will:
They record the issues the parties have already resolved, such as parenting schedules or financial arrangements.
They determine which issues remain contested and evaluate how likely the parties are to reach agreement with additional support.
They recommend the services, timelines, and level of court involvement needed to move the case forward based on the remaining issues.
Following the assessment, each case is placed into one of three tracks:
Cases where all issues are resolved and minimal court involvement is required.
Cases with some agreements but unresolved issues that require moderate court time and Family Relations services.
Cases involving complex or highly disputed issues that require the highest level of court resources.
After the track is assigned, the parties may appear before a judge. During this appearance, the judge may hear and decide pending motions, including:
The judge also issues a scheduling order that may include:
Each courthouse may handle the Pathways process slightly differently, so specific procedures on the Resolution Plan Date can vary by jurisdiction.
The Pathways Program provides clarity and structure in what can otherwise be an overwhelming legal process. By identifying agreements early, narrowing areas of dispute, and matching each case to the appropriate level of court involvement, the program helps reduce delays and gives families a clear roadmap forward.
If you would like a detailed walkthrough with real examples of how Pathways works in practice, be sure to watch the video included with this post.
If you have questions about the Connecticut Pathways Program or need legal guidance in a divorce or custody case, our office is here to help. We can walk you through the process, explain your options, and support you as you navigate your next steps.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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