Am I Eligible to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Connecticut? (2026)
Disclaimer: General legal information only. Not legal advice.
Residency Requirement — 12 Months
Connecticut's residency requirement is one of the longest in the country. To file, one of these conditions must be met (CGS § 46b-44):
| Condition | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Standard | Either party lived in Connecticut for at least 12 months immediately before the dissolution is finalized |
| Cause arose in Connecticut | Either party was domiciled in Connecticut when the cause of action arose — and one party still is at the time of filing |
| Marriage in Connecticut | If married in Connecticut and one party has been domiciled in CT since the marriage |
Practical guidance: In most cases, if either you or your spouse has lived in Connecticut for 12 months at the time of filing, you satisfy residency.
No-Fault Grounds
Option 1 — Irretrievable breakdown: The marriage has broken down irretrievably and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. This is the standard no-fault ground — no specific cause is required.
Option 2 — 18-month separation: If you and your spouse have lived apart for at least 18 months with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, this is an alternative no-fault ground.
Fault grounds (available but uncommon for self-represented filers): adultery, intolerable cruelty, willful desertion for 1 year, 7 years of absence, habitual intemperance, intolerable cruelty, bestial or infamous crime. Fault can affect alimony.
All Property Is Divisible — Important Eligibility Consideration
Connecticut courts have authority over all property — including pre-marital, inherited, and gifted property. If you have significant pre-marital or inherited assets, be aware that these are potentially subject to the court's division authority. This is an important planning consideration.
Judicial District
File at the Superior Court in the judicial district where either spouse resides. Connecticut is divided into judicial districts (not counties for court purposes) — e.g., Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, etc.
Eligibility Checklist
- Either party has lived in Connecticut for 12+ months ✅
- Judicial district identified ✅
- Grounds: irretrievable breakdown or 18-month separation ✅
- Aware: all property (including pre-marital) potentially divisible ✅
- State marshal arranged for service ✅
Last reviewed: March 2026 | 12-month residency | Irretrievable breakdown or 18-month separation | Superior Court judicial district | All property divisible | jud.ct.gov/webforms
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.