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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Connecticut

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Connecticut: A Plain-English Guide

If you and your spouse agree the marriage is over and want to avoid a long, expensive court fight, an uncontested divorce in Connecticut can be a practical way to legally end your marriage. In Connecticut, divorce is called a dissolution of marriage, and the process is handled in the Connecticut Superior Court.

This guide explains, in plain English, how a simple divorce in Connecticut usually works: who qualifies, the main steps (including Connecticut’s confusing Return Date system), how long it might take, and where a do it yourself approach can fit in.

We’ll talk about traditional uncontested divorces (often called “divorce with an agreement”) and Connecticut’s special nonadversarial divorce process for very simple cases. We’ll also cover timelines, costs, and when it may be smart to get legal advice instead of going fully DIY.

Important: PlainDivorce is not a law firm. This article is legal information only, not legal advice. Court forms, rules, and fees can change, and your situation may have details that need individual legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the Connecticut Judicial Branch and your local courthouse before filing.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Connecticut

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a divorce is called a dissolution of marriage. You will often see people use the terms “uncontested divorce,” “divorce with an agreement,” or “simple divorce.” In everyday language, these usually mean you and your spouse:

  • Agree the marriage is over,
  • Agree on all issues (children, child support, spousal support, property, debts), and
  • Are not asking the judge to hold a trial to decide disputes.

By contrast, a contested divorce is when you disagree on one or more major issues and need a judge to decide after hearings or a trial. Contested cases are usually slower, more stressful, and more expensive.

Traditional uncontested divorce (“divorce with an agreement”)

Most people use the regular divorce process but make it “uncontested” by reaching a full written agreement before the final hearing. The court often refers to this as a divorce with an agreement. You still open a standard case, but you submit a signed agreement telling the judge how you are handling children, support, and property.

Nonadversarial divorce (special simplified process)

Connecticut also offers a special nonadversarial divorce process for couples who meet very strict conditions (for example, short marriage, no children, no real estate, limited assets). When you qualify, it can be faster and may be handled without a court appearance.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Connecticut?

Residency requirements

Before a Connecticut court can grant a divorce, it must have jurisdiction. Connecticut has several residency paths. In many everyday cases, people focus on whether at least one spouse will have enough Connecticut connection by the time the divorce is finalized. If your situation is unusual (military service, frequent moves, living in different states), it is smart to confirm the rule before you file.

Grounds for divorce

Connecticut allows both no fault and fault based divorces. For uncontested cases, most people use no fault irretrievable breakdown (the marriage has broken down with no reasonable chance of reconciliation).

When your case is a good fit for uncontested divorce

Your case is usually a good candidate for a Connecticut uncontested divorce if you both agree on:

  • Property and debts,
  • Spousal support (if any), and
  • If you have children: custody, parenting schedule, and child support.

DIY may be risky if there is domestic violence or coercion, hidden assets, complex finances (businesses, multiple properties, major retirement issues), or serious disagreement about children. In those situations, consider legal advice before signing an agreement.

3. Step by Step Overview (Return Date + Key Forms)

This section focuses on the traditional uncontested divorce in Connecticut (often called “divorce with an agreement”). The nonadversarial process uses a separate joint packet, but many of the same ideas apply.

Step 1 – Start the case with the correct complaint and summons (and understand the Return Date)

Connecticut’s system confuses many DIY filers because it revolves around a Return Date. The Return Date is not your hearing date. It is the official “start date” the court uses to track deadlines after your case is filed and served.

To open the case, many filers use a divorce complaint such as Divorce Complaint (Dissolution of Marriage) (JD-FM-159) and related starter paperwork (including the summons and the Notice of Automatic Court Orders).

Return Date timeline (plain English): Filing Date → Service (must be completed before the Return Date) → Return Date (Day 0) → Case Management Date (often about 90 days later, depending on the court’s schedule).

Step 2 – Handle service, or use the service waiver money saver (JD-FM-249)

In many Connecticut divorces, the filing spouse uses a State Marshal to serve the summons and complaint. That service step is often one of the first major out of pocket costs.

If your case is truly cooperative, Connecticut provides a specific solution: Certification of Waiver of Service of Process (JD-FM-249). This is the form the responding spouse signs (under oath) to waive formal service so you can avoid the marshal fee.

Important: follow the instructions on the current form. Do not sign documents that require an oath until you are in front of a notary or court clerk, as required.

Step 3 – Financial affidavits (Short vs. Long) and other required paperwork

Connecticut courts expect financial disclosure even when you agree. Many cases require each spouse to complete a Financial Affidavit using one of these official formats: JD-FM-6-LONG or JD-FM-6-SHORT.

Short vs. Long trap: The court’s instructions determine which version you must use. People often believe they can choose the short version to save time, but using the wrong version can cause rejection or delay. Review the current instructions on the form packet before you file.

Step 4 – The Case Management “hard stop” (Case Management Agreement)

Even when you agree on everything, Connecticut has scheduling requirements that can derail a DIY case. Courts use a Case Management Date and related deadlines to decide whether your case is ready for an uncontested path.

Practical warning: If your court requires a Case Management Agreement and it is not filed by the Case Management Date, your case can be delayed and, in some situations, dismissed. Treat the Case Management Date like a real deadline, not just a reminder.

Step 5 – Agreement, review, and judgment

To finish an uncontested case, most couples submit a signed written agreement covering property, debts, and (if applicable) children and support. Depending on your situation and courthouse procedures, you may finalize through an uncontested hearing or, in some situations, “judgment on the papers.”

Step 6 – Vital records reporting (often required by the clerk)

In addition to court forms, many courts require a vital statistics reporting form so the divorce can be reported to the state. Ask the Clerk’s Office early whether you must submit a Department of Public Health form (often referenced as VS-071) and whether it must be printed or completed in a specific way. Requirements can vary by courthouse.

4. Special Issues When You Have Children

If you have minor children, a Connecticut uncontested divorce must include custody and child support orders that the judge finds are in the best interests of the children. Even if you agree, the court can require additional child related forms, worksheets, and parenting education steps.

Parenting plan

Parents usually submit a written parenting plan that covers the regular schedule, holidays, decision making, communication, and transportation for exchanges.

Child support

Connecticut uses child support guidelines. Even when you agree, the court often expects guideline based paperwork showing how the numbers were calculated.

Parenting education

In many cases involving minor children, Connecticut requires a Parenting Education Program. Plan for scheduling and fees unless waived.

5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Connecticut?

Timelines vary by courthouse and how complete your paperwork is. Many uncontested cases land in the 3 to 6 month range, but delays are common when Return Date math is wrong, service proof is missing, financial affidavits are incomplete, or Case Management deadlines are missed.

If you qualify for nonadversarial divorce, it may move faster and may be handled without a court appearance, but the eligibility rules are strict.

6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost?

Costs usually fall into three buckets: court entry fee, service costs, and optional support (mediation, document help, or limited scope legal review).

Court entry fee

Connecticut requires an entry fee to open the case. The exact amount can change, so confirm the current fee with the Connecticut Judicial Branch fee schedule or your local Clerk’s Office before filing.

As of this writing, starting a civil case like a divorce in the Connecticut Superior Court costs around $360. This is the entry fee just to open the case. There are separate, smaller fees if you later request certified copies of your judgment or other documents. Always check the Judicial Branch fee schedule for the most current amounts.

Service and paperwork costs

Service by a State Marshal is often a significant early cost. If your case is cooperative, a signed JD-FM-249 waiver of service can help you avoid that cost in many situations.

  • State Marshal service (if required and not waived)
  • Notary costs for documents that require an oath
  • Copies, mailing, and certified copies after judgment
  • Parenting education fees (if you have minor children)

Fee waivers

If you cannot afford filing and service costs, Connecticut has a process to request a waiver based on financial hardship. The Clerk’s Office and Court Service Centers can explain the procedure (they can help with steps, but they cannot give legal advice).

7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

DIY divorce can work well when both spouses are safe, informed, and cooperative. It may not be a good fit if there is domestic violence, coercion, hidden assets, complex retirement issues, major disputes about children, or high stakes immigration, tax, or bankruptcy concerns. In those situations, consider legal advice before filing or signing an agreement.

8. Where a Self Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

If your case is genuinely uncontested, the hardest part is often not “the law,” it is the workflow: the Return Date timing, service rules, financial affidavits, and deadline driven forms like the service waiver. A self help kit can help you stay organized and reduce avoidable mistakes.

Download Our Connecticut Uncontested Divorce Self Help Kit

9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Connecticut’s uncontested divorce process can be manageable for self represented filers, but it is deadline sensitive. To keep your case moving:

  • Understand the Return Date and plan service timing early.
  • If your case is cooperative, consider the JD-FM-249 Waiver of Service of Process to save money.
  • Complete financial affidavits using the correct format (JD-FM-6-LONG or JD-FM-6-SHORT) per the current instructions.
  • Do not miss Case Management deadlines required by your courthouse.
  • Ask the Clerk’s Office whether a vital statistics form (often referenced as VS-071) is required in your location.

Reminder: PlainDivorce is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. Always verify current forms, procedures, and fees with the Connecticut Judicial Branch and your local Superior Court before you file.

Disclaimer: PlainDivorce is not a law firm. This guide is legal information only and does not create a lawyer client relationship. For legal advice about your specific situation, speak with a lawyer licensed in Connecticut.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.