Connecticut Divorce Filing Checklist

Filing for divorce in Connecticut offers unique flexibility not found in most states. If you qualify, Connecticut's nonadversarial (simplified) divorce can finalize your case in as little as 30-40 days with no court hearing—perfect for couples with marriages of nine years or less, no children, and limited assets.

Even for standard divorces, Connecticut stands out with its remote approval option, allowing you to finalize your divorce without ever appearing in court if you both agree on all terms.

This comprehensive checklist walks you through every requirement for filing divorce in Connecticut in 2025, from the 12-month residency rule to required Judicial Branch forms (JD-FM-159, JD-FM-158) to the $360 statewide filing fee.

Connecticut Residency Requirements for Divorce

Before finalizing your dissolution of marriage in Connecticut, you must establish Superior Court jurisdiction through proper residency.

State Residency: You can file immediately once either spouse establishes Connecticut residency, but the court typically cannot grant a final decree until one spouse has been a Connecticut resident for 12 months immediately before filing or before the decree date, according to CGS § 46b-44. Important exceptions apply if: (1) the cause of divorce arose after moving to Connecticut, or (2) a spouse was domiciled in Connecticut at marriage and returned intending to remain permanently.

County Venue: File in the Superior Court, Family Division in the judicial district where either spouse resides, per CGS § 46b-45.

Required Forms for Connecticut Divorce Filing

Connecticut uses standardized Judicial Branch forms for all dissolution cases. All forms are available free on the Connecticut Judicial Branch forms page.

Core Documents for Standard Dissolution:

1. JD-FM-3 – Summons, Family Actions (clerk signs before service)
2. JD-FM-159 – Divorce Complaint (Dissolution of Marriage)
3. JD-FM-158 – Notice of Automatic Court Orders (attach and serve—these orders take effect immediately upon filing/service!)
4. JD-CL-12 – Appearance (blank form served on defendant; each party files their own)
5. JD-FM-6 – Financial Affidavit (Long or Short, depending on income/assets)

If children are involved, you'll also need:

• JD-FM-164 – Affidavit Concerning Children
• CCSG-1 – Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
• JD-FM-149 – Parenting Education Program certificate (both parents must complete within 60 days)

Nonadversarial (Simplified) Divorce Option:
If you qualify (marriage ≤9 years, no kids, no real property, combined assets <$80,000), use:

• JD-FM-242 – Joint Petition for Nonadversarial Divorce
• JD-FM-260 – Nonadversarial Automatic Orders
• JD-FM-243 – Agreement (optional)

Important: Connecticut's Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158) prohibit both spouses from disposing of property, changing insurance, or permanently removing children from the state while the case is pending.

Filing Fees and Costs in Connecticut

Connecticut has uniform statewide filing fees (effective September 21, 2023):

• Court entry fee: $360 (same across all judicial districts)
• State marshal service: $50 per process plus mileage at state employee rate (can avoid by using waiver of service)
• Parenting Education Program: Required if children involved; capped by statute at $200 per person (providers must accommodate indigent participants)
• Motion to open/modify judgment: $130 (if needed later)

Fee Waivers: If you cannot afford the filing fee, file JD-FM-75 (Application for Waiver of Fees/Payment of Costs). The court reviews your income and expenses to determine eligibility.

Pro tip: Use JD-FM-249 (Certification of Waiver of Service) to skip marshal fees entirely—your spouse signs it notarized and files an Appearance.

Step-by-Step: Filing for Divorce in Connecticut

Here's the streamlined process for filing a dissolution in Connecticut:

Step 1: Prepare your documents
Complete JD-FM-3, JD-FM-159, and JD-FM-158. Get the clerk to sign the summons before service.

Step 2: Serve your spouse
Either use a state marshal (~$50 + mileage) OR have your spouse sign a notarized JD-FM-249 waiver of service and file JD-CL-12 Appearance to save time and money.

Step 3: File with Superior Court
File all served documents and pay the $360 entry fee (or submit JD-FM-75 fee waiver).

Step 4: Exchange financial affidavits
Both parties must complete and exchange JD-FM-6 financial affidavits within 30 days of the return date, as required by the Automatic Court Orders.

Step 5: Complete parenting education (if children)
Both parents must enroll and complete the Parenting Education Program within 60 days of the return date.

Step 6: Finalize your divorce
• Nonadversarial: Disposition date set at least 30 days from filing; decree enters without hearing if all criteria met
• Standard uncontested: Submit JD-FM-281/282 affidavits for remote approval without court appearance
• Contested: Case proceeds to pretrial and trial (earliest trial date: 90 days after return date per CGS § 46b-67)

Calculate Your Connecticut Divorce Costs

Use our free calculator below to estimate your total divorce costs based on your situation. The calculator is pre-configured for Connecticut filing fees and typical costs. For practical ways to reduce your expenses, see our guide on how to save money on divorce.

Note: This estimate is for planning purposes. Actual costs may vary based on case complexity and whether you reach settlement or go to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is "irretrievable breakdown"?
A: It's Connecticut's no-fault divorce ground under CGS § 46b-40. You don't need to prove fault—just that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable hope of reconciliation.

Q: Do I qualify for nonadversarial (simplified) divorce?
A: You must meet ALL criteria: marriage ≤9 years, no minor/adopted children, no pregnancy, no real property, combined net assets <$80,000, no defined-benefit pension, no bankruptcy, no restraining orders between you, and you meet residency requirements.

Q: How long does a Connecticut divorce take?
A: Nonadversarial: ~35-40 days. Standard uncontested: ~60-120 days. Contested: 8-14 months depending on complexity.

Conclusion

Understanding Connecticut's unique divorce filing options—especially the nonadversarial (simplified) track and remote approval process—can save you significant time and money if you qualify. By following this checklist and using the official Judicial Branch forms, you can start your case correctly.

Ready to estimate your total divorce costs? Use our free divorce cost calculator above to get a personalized breakdown based on your Connecticut situation. For more information on divorce in general, explore our comprehensive guide on understanding the divorce process.

Remember: Connecticut's nonadversarial divorce option is one of the fastest in the nation for qualifying couples—take advantage of it if you meet the criteria.

Divorce planning involves many moving parts; divorce planning software can help Connecticut couples stay organized and informed throughout the filing process.