Online Divorce in Connecticut
Our easy-to-use online questionnaire will identify exactly which CT divorce forms you need based on your specific situation. We’ll then help you understand what is next by providing you with step-by-step instructions on how to get a divorce in Connecticut online.
Our service allows you to handle the divorce without an attorney in an affordable and streamlined way, saving you time and money during an already challenging period. We will ensure you have all the correct papers for your do-it-yourself divorce in CT. This will let you progress smoothly through an agreement-based, uncontested online divorce in Connecticut without having to get a lawyer. Learn more about our process, and let us help lighten the paperwork load so you can focus on moving forward.
Grounds for Divorce in Connecticut
You need to choose one of the legal grounds for divorce in CT before starting a marriage dissolution process. What are the grounds for divorce in Connecticut? Here is the list of both fault and no-fault reasons you can list in your forms:
- Irretrievable Breakdown (common no-fault ground, implies complete breakdown of the marriage).
- Incompatibility (18 months of living apart with no chance of getting back together).
- Adultery (cheating).
- Fraudulent Contract (spouse lied about significant matters to get married).
- Willful Desertion (abandonment and neglect of spousal duties for more than a year).
- Long Term Absence (over 7 years with no contact).
- Habitual Intemperance (significant ongoing alcohol abuse).
- Intolerable Cruelty (abuse).
- Incarceration (for over a year).
- Institutional Confinement (due to mental illness for at least 5 of the last 6 years).
If you want to divorce without a lawyer, and there is a possibility of reaching an agreement with your spouse safely, uncontested, no-fault divorce is the way to go. In this case, choosing “irretrievable breakdown”
Divorce Papers in Connecticut: What Forms You Need to File?
Ending a marriage involves figuring out how to get divorce papers in Connecticut online and navigating which ones you need, depending on your situation. We break down key documents that are typical for uncontested, mutually agreed upon divorces below:
The initial form filed with the court requesting dissolution of marriage on legal grounds like irretrievable breakdown.
Notifies your spouse that a divorce complaint was filed requiring their formal response.
Details automatic statutory injunctions restricting property transfers, account changes, debt accrual etc.
Return receipt showing your spouse was served with the summons and complaint.
Documents how your spouse was formally served initially.
Appearance – Your spouse’s formal response and first filing acknowledging the divorce action.
Your spouse’s formal response and first filing acknowledging the divorce action.
Agreement governing document disclosure and key divorce proceeding deadlines.
Submitted by both spouses disclosing all assets, expenses, debts, and income on a CT-approved form.
Sets forth mutually agreed upon terms legally ending your marriage, covering all key issues like property division, debts, and child custody.
If you have children, you may need to find the following divorce papers in Connecticut online:
Document with more detail on physical and legal custody agreed upon if not sufficiently addressed in the dissolution agreement.
Using the CT online calculator, estimates the child support payment amounts and obligations.
If you have minor children from your marriage, this form sets forth custodial arrangements requests.
To file for divorce in CT online, you need to pay a court fee. However, if you meet eligibility requirements based on income guidelines, you may file an Application for Waiver of Fees requesting exemption from paying the standard Connecticut divorce filing fees and Sheriff fees. This form asks for financial details to confirm a low-income status and inability to afford the divorce proceeding costs.
The lists above are not a full set of divorce papers in CT that you may need. A lot will depend on your individual circumstances and the disputed issues you and your spouse have. In a no-fault and amicable case, an easy and straightforward option is getting Connecticut divorce forms online from a trusted service.
Compare Your Options for Filing for Divorce in Alabama
- The cheapest option, but very time-consuming
- Must educate yourself on processes and legal paperwork
- Difficult navigating complex terminology and procedures
- Risk of expensive mistakes if unfamiliar with the court system
- More affordable than traditional lawyers at fixed rates
- Automated process for getting divorce forms in Connecticut online
- Only $139 for the court-approved set of filled-out forms
- Detailed instructions to file for a divorce without a lawyer
- A must in a contested divorce
- Expensive legal fees and retainers, often $200-$500 per hour
- Dependence on the lawyer's schedule
- Optional in an uncontested divorce in CT
How to Fill Out Connecticut Divorce Papers?
Completing your forms accurately is crucial for a smooth divorce in CT online.
As you tackle each form, utilize the following tips:
- Before filling out the documents, gather all required information like financial statements, property records, tax returns, and other corroborating materials.
- Use your full legal name. Make sure to use your full current name – do not use nicknames or abbreviations anywhere on the forms.
- Check all forms thoroughly for accuracy. Carefully review all details multiple times for any potential errors or inconsistencies before signing and filing. Courts may reject forms with errors.
- Print legibly in blue or black ink. Use a pen with dark-colored ink, printing each letter and number neatly and leaving adequate space between sections.
- Answer all questions fully and honestly. Do not leave any blanks – write “N/A” if a question truly does not apply to your situation. Fully disclose all details requested regarding finances, assets, debts, employment, children, etc.
- Provide complete current contact info. List your current residential home address, phone number, and active email to ensure court correspondence definitely reaches you in a timely manner. Update the court immediately if any contact information changes.
- Gather and attach all needed supporting documents. Attach any required financial statements, tax returns, property appraisals, agreements, or other records to corroborate form details. Make copies of originals. Properly label all attachments.
- Sign and personally date all forms. Before submitting, ensure all paperwork is dated and personally signed in ink by you (unless digital signatures are allowed).
How to Get a Divorce in Connecticut Without a Lawyer?
While legal representation can simplify navigating a divorce, hiring an attorney is not required for an uncontested divorce in Connecticut. You can file the forms yourself, and that would be completely legal. Here are key steps that will guide you on how to file for divorce in CT without a lawyer safely:
- Confirm You Qualify. Meet residency rules and ensure your situation qualifies for self-representation. Cases involving contested custody, alimony disputes, or complex assets typically require legal counsel.
- Understand the Divorce Process. Learn key steps like serving forms, required filings, court procedures, and how assets get divided. Identify any unclear legal areas.
- Discuss Mutual Terms. If proceeding amicably, negotiate agreed-upon divorce terms upfront addressing support, property division, and custody arrangements, and document mutually acceptable resolutions of these matters.
- Collect Needed Financial Records. Gather tax returns, bank statements, shared property details, insurance information, and other financial records. Both spouses provide documentation.
- Complete All Paperwork. Download correct CT forms, read instructions thoroughly, and fill out forms with complete details on children, incomes, assets to be divided, debts, and the agreed-upon divorce settlements.
- Divide Property. Document clear asset division, including real estate details, retirement accounts, valuations, and proposed distribution for court approval.
- File Completed Forms. Submit paperwork with fees to the appropriate Connecticut Superior Court for processing and serve your spouse with copies.
- Exchange Financial Disclosure Information. Getting a divorce requires that you and your spouse keep each other informed about your financial situation to reach fair agreements.
- Attend Hearings as Needed. While typically brief in uncontested cases, be prepared to attend any scheduled conferences, compliance meetings or hearings.
- Get the Final Divorce Decree. The judge approves ending the marriage by issuing the final decree if the filings and proceedings are satisfactory.
Do-It-Yourself Divorce in Connecticut
For couples proceeding with an uncontested, amicable divorce, Connecticut allows spouses to handle completing and filing the paperwork on their own without an attorney. This is known as a do-it-yourself divorce in CT.
While legal representation can be useful, DIY divorce in CT is significantly less expensive than hiring a lawyer if you have a straightforward situation. With some research and planning, you can navigate the documentation requirements successfully.
Here are some of the tips that will help you get through a do-it-yourself divorce in CT:
- Check if you meet Connecticut eligibility rules for self-representation.
- Carefully read all instructions when downloading and completing state divorce forms.
- Use online tools and resources providing steps for common DIY divorce questions.
- Be meticulous with details and thorough when filling out all paperwork.
- Make copies of all completed forms and organize records systematically.
- Learn about properly filing packages with the court and serving your spouse.
- Understand typical court procedures and prepare for any required hearings.
With do-it-yourself divorce in CT, when you get no help whatsoever, you may expect certain issues to occur:
- Finding the Right Forms. It can be enormously difficult and frustrating for non-lawyers to locate the exact, most current versions of forms needed from state websites and ensure you have all the required paperwork. Missing or outdated filings can derail the entire process.
- Complex Legal Terminology. The vocabulary around filing for divorce in Connecticut online involves complex legal jargon spanning areas of child custody, tax implications, property division, spousal support, and state statutes. Grasping these terms fully often presents obstacles.
- Confusion on Procedures. The sequence of forms, deadlines, requirements to file for divorce in CT online, and court processes for finalizing the case, even in straightforward cases, can be labyrinthine and confusing without guidance. Small missteps can severely delay a DIY divorce in CT.
- No Legal Background. Most people have very limited experience with legal processes before divorce. Understanding evidentiary rules, compliance regulations, and protocols for issues like service of process poses challenges.
Without legal education or background, do-it-yourself divorce places the burden fully on the individual to navigate complex bureaucracies and terminology effectively. While each divorce situation is unique, many people attempting DIY divorce underestimate the intricacies involved. Yet, with the right preparation, attention to detail, and understanding of Connecticut requirements, you can save money by completing an uncontested divorce on your own.
You do not have to be alone looking to divorce in Connecticut online. Our service is here to help you get the right paperwork already filled out for you to file. For only $139, you will be getting the forms and the instructions on how to file for a divorce in Connecticut online.
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FAQ
File a complaint with the Superior Court in your county, serve your spouse, exchange financial affidavits, negotiate divorce terms, finalize and file paperwork, attend any hearings, and get a judge’s approval.
Unlike some states, Connecticut has no separation period required – you can file for divorce immediately after separating or disclosing intent to divorce.
To divorce in Connecticut without a lawyer, complete the DIY divorce paperwork like the complaint and dissolution agreement yourself or with an online service, assemble documents, submit to court, and manage the process personally or with instructions from our company.
Yes, you can. Yet, the custody and child support matters that will arise after birth are often more comfortably solved during a divorce procedure.
To initiate divorce in Connecticut, the first step is filing a dissolution complaint with the county Superior Court, followed by formally serving your spouse notice that divorce paperwork was submitted.