Connecticut Dissolution When Your Spouse Won't Cooperate (2026)

Connecticut does not require your spouse's cooperation. File the Dissolution Complaint, hire a state marshal to serve them, and proceed. If they don't file an Appearance, you can obtain a default judgment.

Filing Without Cooperation

1. File the Dissolution Complaint at Superior Court — no cooperation needed
2. Hire a state marshal (not sheriff) to serve the Respondent
3. Respondent has the time stated in the Summons to file an Appearance
4. 90-day waiting period from Return Date still applies
5. Case Management Date automatically assigned
6. If Respondent does not appear: proceed to default

State Marshal Service — Connecticut Only

Connecticut uses state marshals to serve court process — not sheriff deputies. This is a critical distinction for Connecticut.

How to hire a state marshal:

1. Find a state marshal at jud.ct.gov (Connecticut State Marshal directory)
2. Contact the marshal serving the area where the Respondent lives or works
3. Provide a copy of the Complaint, Summons, and Return Date
4. Marshal serves the Respondent personally and files a Return of Service
5. Cost: $40–$100 (marshal sets their own fee)

If Respondent location is unknown: Service by publication is available. File an Affidavit of Diligent Search. Court authorizes publication. Publish in a local newspaper.

Respondent Fails to File Appearance

If the Respondent is served and does not file an Appearance by the deadline:

1. File a Motion for Default
2. Court enters a default
3. 90-day waiting period still applies
4. File your proposed Agreement for Dissolution and Financial Affidavit
5. Case Management Date: report default status; present uncontested documents
6. Judge may enter default Judgment at or after the CMD

Pendente Lite Orders (Temporary Orders)

During the dissolution proceedings, file a Motion for Pendente Lite Orders for:

• Alimony pendente lite (support during the case)
• Exclusive use of the marital home
• Protection of marital assets
• Child support and custody pendente lite (if children)
• Restraining order against dissipation of marital assets

Contested Dissolution

If Respondent files an Appearance but disputes issues:

1. Both parties participate in the case
2. Both must file Financial Affidavits (JD-FM-6)
3. Case Management Date: both appear; court assesses issues
4. Discovery: interrogatories, requests for production, depositions
5. Mandatory mediation in many judicial districts
6. Trial if no resolution
7. Judge enters Judgment of Dissolution + assigns all property

Last reviewed: March 2026 | State marshals for service — NOT sheriff | 90-day wait still applies for default | Pendente lite orders available | Financial Affidavit required even for default | jud.ct.gov for marshal directory

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.