Do your own divorce
Connecticut - Divorce Requirements
The following information is to provide a basic understanding of the various aspects of Connecticut divorce.

Click here for more specific information regarding Connecticut divorce laws.

Every effort has been made to assure that the information contained in these pages is accurate however, due to the ever changing nature of the law some material may be outdated or may no longer apply.

Residency Requirements 1 year
Where to File The county in which the plaintiff resides if support is an issue.
Otherwise the spouses may file in any county at their convenience
Grounds for Divorce Adultery
Bigamy ( grounds for annulment )
Desertion
Felony Conviction or Imprisonment
Insanity
Mental and or Physical Cruelty
Non-support
Incompatibility
Irreconcilable Differences or Irretrievable Breakdown
Living Separate and Apart
Voluntary or required mediation Yes
Voluntary or recommended CounselingYes
Property Distribution Connecticut is an "equitable distribution" state. The court has full discretion to divide the real estate and all marital property, which includes pension benefits. Any inheritance or gifts received prior or during the marriage is not considered for distribution. The following factors are generally considered: age and health, length of marriage, vocational skills, occupations, contributions in acquisitions, employability of spouses, and custody. Marital conduct is not a consideration in the division of any property
Child Custody Custody is awarded with the best interests of the child or children in mind. The cause and nature of the case is a consideration.
Uniform Child Custody Act: 1978
Is Joint Custody awarded? YES
Do Grandparents Have the Right to Visitation? YES
Are Child's Wishes Considered? YES
Child Support Either or both parents may be required to provide the support of maintenance, insurance, and education of the child. There are specific guidelines to be followed, unless when proven to be unjust. The following factors are generally considered: a child's need for contact with both parents, the joint responsibilities for the welfare of the child, the financial resources, cost of day care, and the standard of living the child would have otherwise enjoyed had not the divorce taken place.
Spousal Support Support can be awarded to either spouse. Past marital actions are considered. Employment possibilities of the spouse tend to cause the greatest influence on the decision. Living conditions similar to those when marriage existed is attempted to be restored, but a lot of factors play a significant role.