How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Connecticut Without a Lawyer (2026)
Connecticut calls it a Dissolution of Marriage — the official legal term used on all JD-FM series forms.
Connecticut has several features that set it apart from most states:
State marshals — not sheriffs: Connecticut uses state marshals to serve divorce papers — not sheriff deputies. You must hire a state marshal separately. Do not confuse this with the county sheriff.
ALL property is divisible: Connecticut courts have authority to divide all property — including pre-marital property, inherited property, and gifts. This is broader than most states. Courts have wide discretion.
90-day wait — but waivable: Connecticut's 90-day waiting period can be waived if both parties agree. With a waiver, the dissolution can be finalized faster.
Case Management Date automatically assigned: Even uncontested dissolutions get a court date in Connecticut. The Case Management Date (CMD) is assigned automatically when you file. You appear (or submit paperwork) on the CMD to move the case forward.
Disclaimer: General legal information only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney for your situation.
Connecticut Dissolution at a Glance
| Factor | Connecticut Rule |
|---|---|
| Official term | Dissolution of Marriage |
| No-fault grounds | Irretrievable breakdown — 18-month separation also available |
| Residency | 12 months for either party (exceptions exist) |
| Waiting period | 90 days from filing — waivable by agreement |
| Service | State marshal (not sheriff) — hire separately |
| Property divisible | ALL property — including pre-marital, inherited, gifted |
| Case Management Date | Automatically assigned — must appear or submit documents |
| Financial Affidavit | Required from both parties (long or short form) |
| Filing fee | $350 |
| Court | Superior Court in the judicial district where either spouse lives |
| Forms | JD-FM series — jud.ct.gov/webforms |
| Child support | Connecticut Child Support Guidelines |
| Alimony | Broad judicial discretion — fault can be considered |
| Parenting Education Program | Mandatory when minor children involved |
Connecticut's Unique "All Property" Rule
Most states divide only "marital property" acquired during the marriage and protect pre-marital, inherited, and gifted assets. Connecticut is different.
Under CGS § 46b-81, Connecticut courts may assign ALL property — regardless of when it was acquired or from whom. This includes:
- Property owned before the marriage
- Inherited property
- Gifts received by one spouse
- Property acquired after separation
Courts exercise discretion — they don't automatically take everything, and they consider factors like the origin of the property, the contribution of each spouse, and the equities. But there is NO absolute protection for pre-marital or inherited property the way there is in most states.
Practical implication for self-represented filers: Be thorough in your Financial Affidavit. Disclose all property — including pre-marital. Document the source of any property you believe should stay with you.
Residency
The 12-month residency requirement is one of the longest in the country. Either you or your spouse must have lived in Connecticut for 12 months before the date of the divorce complaint, OR one party must be a domiciliary of Connecticut when the cause of action arose (CGS § 46b-44).
Exceptions: If both parties lived in Connecticut when the cause arose, 12 months of residency in Connecticut at the time of filing is sufficient.
No-Fault Grounds
Primary ground: Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage — the cause is stated without specifying fault.
Second no-fault ground: 18-month separation — if the parties have lived apart for at least 18 months (and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation), either party may cite this as a ground.
Fault grounds (adultery, intolerable cruelty, willful desertion, imprisonment, fraudulent contract, bestial conduct): Fault can be alleged and can affect alimony in Connecticut.
Step-by-Step Overview
Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility
12 months residency for either party. Identify judicial district.
Step 2 — Download JD-FM Forms
jud.ct.gov/webforms — search JD-FM series. Download the packet for your situation.
Step 3 — Complete Forms and Financial Affidavit
Complete the Dissolution Complaint (JD-FM-159 or equivalent) and your Financial Affidavit (JD-FM-6 long form or JD-FM-6B short form).
Step 4 — File at Superior Court Clerk's Office
File in the judicial district where either spouse resides. Pay $350. The clerk automatically assigns a Case Management Date (CMD).
Step 5 — Hire a State Marshal for Service
Contact a Connecticut state marshal (find them at jud.ct.gov) to serve the Respondent. Do not use the county sheriff. The state marshal files a Return of Service.
Step 6 — Respondent's Appearance
The Respondent files an Appearance form. In agreed cases, the Respondent files their Appearance early and both parties proceed cooperatively.
Step 7 — 90-Day Waiting Period (or Request Waiver)
The Dissolution cannot be finalized for 90 days after the Return Date. For agreed cases, file a Motion to Waive the 90-Day Period — signed by both parties.
Step 8 — Case Management Date (CMD)
Appear at the CMD (or submit paperwork if the court permits) to report the status of the case. For uncontested cases, this is when you present your Agreement for Dissolution.
Step 9 — Judgment of Dissolution Entered
The judge enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (called Judgment). The marriage is dissolved.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | State marshals for service | All property divisible | 90-day wait (waivable) | Case Management Date | JD-FM forms at jud.ct.gov | $350 filing fee
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.