Divorce in Connecticut: Laws, Requirements, and Process
A complete guide to getting a divorce in Connecticut. Covers grounds, residency requirements, property division, alimony, child custody, and what to expect from the process.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Property division: Equitable distribution.
- Residency requirement: 12 months in the state (or one spouse was a resident at the time of the marriage and returned with the intent to permanently reside).
- Waiting period: 90 days from service or return date.
- Filing fee: $360 - $400.
Grounds for Divorce
Connecticut allows no-fault divorce. The no-fault ground is: Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Fault-Based Grounds
Connecticut also recognizes these fault-based grounds for divorce:
- Adultery
- Fraudulent contract
- Willful desertion for one year
- 7 years' absence
- Habitual intemperance (drunkenness)
- Intolerable cruelty
- Sentence to life imprisonment
- Confinement for incurable insanity for 5 years
Residency Requirements
12 months in the state (or one spouse was a resident at the time of the marriage and returned with the intent to permanently reside).
Property Division
Connecticut is an equitable distribution state. Connecticut follows equitable distribution and considers all property — both marital and separate — for division. Courts weigh factors including the length of the marriage, the cause of the divorce, each spouse's age and health, and each party's occupation and earning capacity.
Alimony / Spousal Support
Connecticut courts may award alimony based on the length of the marriage, the causes for the dissolution, each spouse's age, health, station, occupation, income, earning capacity, vocational skills, and the property division. Alimony may be temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent.
Child Custody
Connecticut courts determine custody based on the best interest of the child. Factors include the child's temperament and developmental needs, the parents' ability to be actively involved, the child's wishes if of sufficient age, and any history of domestic violence.
Child Support
Connecticut uses the income shares model. Guidelines calculate support based on both parents' net incomes and the number of children, with adjustments for health insurance, childcare, and other expenses.
Filing Fee
The filing fee for divorce in Connecticut is $360 - $400. Fee waivers may be available for those who cannot afford to pay.
Connecticut court divorce resources
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the grounds for divorce in Connecticut?
Connecticut allows no-fault divorce based on irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The state also recognizes fault-based grounds including adultery, desertion, habitual drunkenness, intolerable cruelty, fraud, 7 years' absence, life imprisonment, and incurable insanity.
-
How long do you have to live in Connecticut to file for divorce?
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Connecticut for at least 12 months before the divorce is granted, or have been a resident at the time of marriage and returned to the state with intent to permanently reside.
-
How is property divided in a Connecticut divorce?
Connecticut uses equitable distribution and uniquely allows courts to consider all property, including separate property. The court weighs the length of the marriage, each party's contributions, and other factors to divide assets fairly.
-
How long does a divorce take in Connecticut?
Connecticut has a 90-day waiting period from service of the complaint. Uncontested divorces can be finalized in approximately 3 to 4 months. Contested cases may take 6 months to over a year.