Connecticut Dissolution of Marriage FAQ — Most Common Questions (2026)

The Basics

Why does Connecticut use state marshals instead of sheriffs? Connecticut has a unique court system. State marshals are a separate class of officer who serve civil process in Connecticut — including dissolution complaints. They are not county sheriff deputies. You must hire a state marshal from the directory at jud.ct.gov.

Is Connecticut truly a no-fault state? Connecticut has a no-fault ground (irretrievable breakdown), but fault can affect both property division and alimony under the same CGS § 46b-81 and § 46b-82 factors. It is not a pure no-fault state in the way Kentucky or Oregon are — courts can consider fault conduct.

The "All Property" Rule

Can Connecticut take my pre-marital savings or inherited home? Connecticut courts have statutory authority to assign any property — including pre-marital and inherited — to either spouse. However, courts exercise discretion and typically respect pre-marital and inherited origins, especially when the Agreement for Dissolution addresses them. Document the origin of all significant assets.

Why does Connecticut have this rule? Connecticut's statute dates back to a broad equitable discretion standard. Courts want flexibility to achieve a fair result in complex cases. Most agreed cases result in pre-marital/inherited assets staying with the original owner — but it's not guaranteed by statute.

The 90-Day Period

Can we skip the 90-day waiting period? Yes, if both parties agree. File a Motion to Waive the 90-Day Period (signed by both) along with the executed Agreement for Dissolution and Financial Affidavits. The court can then enter the Judgment without waiting the full 90 days.

The Case Management Date

What is the Case Management Date? Connecticut automatically assigns a Case Management Date (CMD) when you file. It is a mandatory court appearance. For uncontested cases, the CMD is typically where you present your Agreement for Dissolution and the court enters (or schedules) the Judgment.

Children

What is the Parenting Education Program? A mandatory course for parents in any Connecticut dissolution involving minor children. Both parents must complete it and file certificates with the court before the Judgment can be entered. Available online. Cost: $150–$175 per parent.

Does Connecticut favor joint custody? Connecticut courts generally favor joint legal custody when both parents can cooperate. The Agreement for Dissolution can specify joint legal custody with a primary residence designation.

Alimony

Does fault affect alimony in Connecticut? Yes. Connecticut is one of the states where fault conduct (adultery, cruelty) can influence alimony decisions. Courts consider the "causes of the dissolution" as a factor in both property division and alimony.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | State marshals for service | All property divisible | 90-day waiver available | CMD mandatory | Parenting Education Program with children | Fault affects alimony | jud.ct.gov/webforms

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