Divorce in Connecticut
Connecticut allows both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce and uses equitable distribution for dividing marital property. The state requires at least one spouse to have been a Connecticut resident for 12 months. A 90-day waiting period applies after the return date.
Quick Facts
Residency Requirement
12 months residency required
Waiting Period
90 days after return date
Filing Fee
$350-$450
Property Division
equitable distribution
Grounds for Divorce
- •Irretrievable breakdown
- •Incompatibility
- •Adultery
- •Desertion
Key Facts
- ★Connecticut offers both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce
- ★The 90-day waiting period begins on the return date, not the filing date
- ★Property division follows equitable distribution principles
- ★At least one spouse must be a resident for 12 months before filing
- ★Connecticut courts can consider marital fault when dividing property
Child Custody
Connecticut courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. The court considers factors including the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, and each parent's willingness to encourage a relationship with the other.
Alimony / Spousal Support
Connecticut courts may award alimony based on the length of the marriage, each spouse's age and health, their respective incomes and earning capacities, and the causes of the divorce. Both temporary and permanent alimony are available.
Plan Your Connecticut Divorce
Get personalized guidance for your situation with DivorceIQ's AI assistant.
Download DivorceIQFAQs
Common questions about divorce in Connecticut
Yes. While Connecticut allows no-fault divorce, filing on fault grounds such as adultery or desertion can influence property division and alimony decisions. The court may consider marital misconduct when making financial awards.
The return date is the date set by the court when the divorce case officially begins, typically about 6 weeks after filing. The 90-day waiting period starts from this return date, not from when you initially file the paperwork.