Connecticut

Divorce Residency Requirements To Get Divorce In Connecticut

To file for divorce in the state of Connecticut, one of the spouses must have lived in the state for a minimum of one year. Something that is unique about Connecticut is called a return date. This is a date assigned by the court, by which time the responding spouse must appear at the court. At this time, a 90 day waiting period will apply before the divorce is granted within the state.

Reasons For Divorce In Connecticut

Connecticut recognizes both at fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. A person may file a divorce without an attorney based on no-fault grounds when the marriage is irretrievably broken or if there has been an incompatible and voluntary separation for 18 months with no prospects for reconciliation.

At-fault grounds for divorce in the state include adultery or life imprisonment of one of the spouses. Other reasons may include fraudulent behavior, incurable insanity, cruelty, willful desertion, and non-support. Both at-fault and no-fault divorce grounds can be used for filing an inexpensive divorce using Divorce.com

Custody Of The Children In Connecticut

The court awards joint and individual custody in the state of Connecticut. Awarding custody is based on the parties' agreement or, in a contested situation, the court considers the wishes of the child, if he or she is sufficiently mature. A parenting education program, which must be satisfactorily completed and participated in by both parents, is a factor in the court's decision regarding child custody.

Connecticut Child Support Guidelines

The state of Connecticut has specific state-mandated child support guidelines. These guidelines will apply in virtually every case, barring exceptional circumstances. Both parties' gross income and child related expenses are taken into consideration when calculating this amount. Support continues until the child reaches age 18 and may be extended through his or her secondary education.

Divorce Mediation

Issues of disagreement may be addressed at mediation. The family courts may require this or it may be requested by parties in order to allow a case to go through the court as an uncontested divorce. Parties may agree to submit disputed issues to mediation before or after the divorce is initiated.

Filing Fees

The court filing fees charged by the state of Connecticut are an additional cost to those incurred by using Divorce.com. To find the exact amount charged for local court filing, we provide an easy way to look up the filing fees for your area. This ensures that you have a clear picture of all expenses specific to your situation before moving forward.