10 Connecticut Dissolution of Marriage Mistakes to Avoid (2026)

Mistake #1 — Using a Sheriff Instead of a State Marshal

This is the most common service mistake in Connecticut. Other states use sheriffs to serve divorce papers. Connecticut uses state marshals — a separate class of officer. Attempting service by a sheriff's deputy or other non-authorized person will result in defective service and delay.

Fix: Hire a Connecticut state marshal for all service of process. Find marshals at jud.ct.gov (State Marshal directory).

Mistake #2 — Omitting Pre-Marital or Inherited Property From the Financial Affidavit

Connecticut's Financial Affidavit (JD-FM-6) requires disclosure of all property — not just marital property. Omitting pre-marital savings, inherited real estate, or a trust account is a violation of the oath you sign on the Financial Affidavit. It can also result in the court reopening the case.

Fix: Disclose all property — including pre-marital, inherited, and gifted assets — on the Financial Affidavit. Address each in the Agreement for Dissolution.

Mistake #3 — Not Addressing Pre-Marital Property in the Agreement for Dissolution

Because Connecticut courts can divide all property, the Agreement for Dissolution must address pre-marital and inherited assets — not just marital property. An Agreement that says "Wife receives all her separate property" without listing it may be challenged.

Fix: List every significant asset — including pre-marital property — in the Agreement, state who receives it, and explain the basis for the allocation. Courts are more likely to approve well-documented agreements that clearly address all property.

Mistake #4 — Missing the Case Management Date

The Case Management Date (CMD) is automatically assigned and is a mandatory court appearance. Missing it without a good reason — even in an uncontested case — can result in sanctions, a dismissal, or a default against you.

Fix: Calendar the CMD immediately when it is assigned. Appear on time. For uncontested cases, this is your opportunity to present the Agreement for Dissolution and seek entry of the Judgment.

Mistake #5 — Failing to Complete the Parenting Education Program Before the Dissolution

When minor children are involved, both parents must complete the Parenting Education Program and file certificates with the court. Many people wait until the last moment and discover the Judgment cannot be entered until the certificates are on file.

Fix: Enroll in the Parenting Education Program as soon as the case is filed. Don't wait until the CMD or the final hearing. Online programs are available.

Mistake #6 — Assuming Pre-Marital Property Is Safe in Connecticut

Unlike most states, Connecticut has no statutory protection for pre-marital or inherited property. Many people assume their pre-marital savings or inherited home are completely off-limits — they are not. Courts can assign any property.

Fix: Document the source and origin of every pre-marital or inherited asset. Address it explicitly in the Agreement for Dissolution. If the other party agrees it should stay with you, that agreement — incorporated into the Judgment — provides protection.

Mistake #7 — Forgetting the Connecticut Conveyance Tax on Deed Transfers

Connecticut imposes a real estate conveyance tax on most property transfers. Divorce-related deed transfers may qualify for an exemption — but the exemption basis must be stated on the deed and confirmed with the Town Clerk. Failing to claim the exemption can result in an unexpected tax bill.

Fix: Before recording any deed, confirm with the Town Clerk whether the dissolution exemption applies and what language must appear on the deed.

Mistake #8 — Recording the Deed at the Wrong Office

Connecticut uses Town Clerks for real estate recording — not county recorders. Connecticut has no county government structure for recording purposes. Recording at the wrong office means the title is not on the official public record.

Fix: Record all deeds at the Town Clerk of the town where the property is located.

Mistake #9 — Not Explicitly Waiving Alimony

If the Agreement for Dissolution is silent on alimony, the question may remain open. Either party could seek alimony post-judgment.

Fix: Either award alimony with specific terms or include an explicit waiver: "Each party waives any claim for alimony, now and in the future. This waiver is final and non-modifiable."

Mistake #10 — Using Outdated JD-FM Form Numbers

The Connecticut Judicial Branch periodically updates the JD-FM form numbers and content. Using an outdated form may result in rejection by the clerk.

Fix: Always download forms directly from jud.ct.gov/webforms immediately before filing. Don't rely on forms downloaded months ago or obtained from third-party sources.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | State marshals — NOT sheriffs | All property must be disclosed | Case Management Date mandatory | Parenting Education Program before final Judgment | Town Clerk for deed recording

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