Connecticut • Uncontested • No minor children
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Divorce Cost Estimate
Connecticut Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate divorce costs in Connecticut using state-specific filing fee, attorney rate, mediation, children, property, and case complexity assumptions.
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Filing fee$360
Service of process$75
Attorney range$3,400 - $6,800
Mediation$600
These estimates are for planning only. They use the existing state-specific filing, attorney, and mediation assumptions and are not legal advice.
Connecticut Divorce Cost Snapshot
Use this 2026 Connecticut divorce cost guide to understand court costs, attorney expenses, Connecticut residency rules, divorce timing, simplified divorce options, and the cost difference between agreed and contested cases.
CategoryTypical range
Divorce filing fee$360
Attorney planning rate$300–$550+/hr
Uncontested planning range$4,000–$10,000
Contested planning range$15,000–$60,000+
Typical residency threshold for decree12 months, with exceptions
Contested trial timingAt least 90 days after return date
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Connecticut?
Starting a Connecticut divorce currently requires a $360 Superior Court filing fee. Marshal service, parenting education when applicable, and other court or professional expenses can add to that amount.
The filing fee is usually a small part of the total once attorneys become involved. Real estate, investments, retirement benefits, a business, alimony, custody, parenting time, child support, valuation, and financial disclosure can all increase the work required.
Connecticut gives the Superior Court broad authority to assign property from either spouse's estate when entering a decree. These figures are planning ranges—not statewide averages, legal advice, or attorney quotes.
Local court charges are only the starting point in Connecticut; attorney involvement, property issues, mediation, and contested proceedings can have a much larger effect on the final budget. See our national guide to divorce costs for a deeper explanation of how those expenses fit together.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in Connecticut?
The filing fee starts the Superior Court case. Service and later court or professional expenses are separate and depend on how the case proceeds.
Filing or serviceCurrent costWhat to know
Divorce complaint$360Current Superior Court filing fee identified in Connecticut Judicial Branch divorce materials. Court source
State marshal serviceVariesFormal service is a separate expense unless a permitted waiver or nonadversarial procedure applies. Court source
Parenting Education ProgramProvider feeThe statutory provider fee is subject to a cap indexed for inflation, and inability to pay cannot exclude a participant. Court source
- Certified copies, motions, mediation, appraisals, business valuation, retirement orders, financial experts, and custody professionals may add cost.
- A person unable to afford filing or service costs may apply for a court-fee waiver.
- Connecticut Judicial Branch publications and forms support self-represented filings, but the required path depends on the case type and level of agreement.
Connecticut's Residency Rule Is More Flexible Than It Looks
A complaint may be filed after residence is established
Connecticut does not require every filer to complete a full year in the state before opening the case. A complaint may be filed after either spouse establishes Connecticut residence.
The decree usually requires 12 months
The court may generally enter a decree when one spouse has resided in Connecticut for the 12 months preceding either the complaint or the decree.
Statutory alternatives exist
A decree may also be available when a spouse was domiciled in Connecticut at marriage and returned intending to remain permanently, or when the divorce cause arose after either spouse moved into the state.
Is There a Waiting Period for Divorce in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not use one identical minimum for every procedural path. A contested dissolution trial generally cannot begin until at least 90 days after the return date.
A full agreement can permit earlier judgment, and defaults follow separate 30- or 60-day rules depending on how the defendant was served. The return date is a court-procedure date—not necessarily the day the papers were delivered.
- Contested trial: generally no earlier than 90 days after the return date
- Personal- or abode-service default: judgment no earlier than 30 days after the return date
- Other-service default: hearing at least 60 days after the return date
- Fully agreed spouses may request earlier entry under the applicable procedure
Does Connecticut Have a Simplified Divorce Process?
Yes. Connecticut's nonadversarial dissolution is a joint, simplified process for couples meeting every statutory condition. Judicial Branch materials say an eligible couple can obtain a divorce in 35 days or less without appearing before a judge.
The parties waive ordinary service, trial, alimony, spousal support, and appeal rights. Any material change in eligibility must be reported to the court.
- Marriage of nine years or less
- Neither spouse pregnant and no children born to or adopted by the spouses
- No interest or title in real estate
- Combined net property under $80,000
- No defined-benefit pension or pending bankruptcy
- No qualifying restraining or protective order
- Connecticut residency requirements satisfied
Financial Affidavits in a Connecticut Divorce
Connecticut financial affidavits provide sworn information about income, expenses, debts, and assets. The court uses that information when addressing support and financial orders.
Judicial Branch materials distinguish short and long forms based on the filer's financial circumstances. Missing, inconsistent, or disputed information can lead to document requests, subpoenas, depositions, valuation, or forensic review.
Is Connecticut a 50/50 Divorce State?
No. Connecticut law allows the Superior Court to assign to either spouse all or part of the other spouse's estate and to transfer or order the sale of real property when carrying out the decree.
The statute requires consideration of multiple circumstances rather than an automatic equal split. Title alone does not necessarily determine the outcome.
- Length and causes of the marriage's dissolution
- Age, health, occupation, income, and earning capacity
- Education, vocational skills, employability, liabilities, and needs
- Opportunity to acquire future assets and income
- Each spouse's contribution to acquiring, preserving, or appreciating their estates
Parenting Education in a Connecticut Divorce
When a covered family case involves a minor child, the court generally orders each party to participate in an approved Parenting Education Program unless a statutory exception applies.
The course addresses children's development and adjustment, conflict management, parenting schedules, stress reduction, and cooperative parenting. Custody or support disputes can add mediation, evaluations, discovery, hearings, and professional fees.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce Costs in Connecticut
Agreed Connecticut divorce
- The spouses have resolved property, debt, real estate, alimony, custody, parenting time, and child support.
- Complete financial affidavits and a full agreement generally reduce discovery, motions, hearings, and attorney hours.
- A particularly simple couple may qualify for the narrower nonadversarial dissolution process.
Contested Connecticut divorce
- One or more significant property, alimony, custody, parenting, or support issues remain unresolved.
- Temporary orders, discovery, depositions, appraisal, business valuation, retirement analysis, custody professionals, mediation, experts, and trial preparation add cost.
- A high-asset Fairfield County case, substantial business interest, prolonged custody dispute, or trial can exceed the range.
Attorney time often becomes the largest variable when a Connecticut case remains disputed. Our divorce lawyer cost guide explains retainers, hourly billing, and why total legal fees vary.
What Can Make a Connecticut Divorce More Expensive?
The $360 filing fee matters initially, but unresolved financial, support, and parenting questions usually determine the eventual total.
- Home valuation, mortgage debt, refinancing, buyout, or sale
- Investments, pensions, stock compensation, or retirement plans
- Business ownership, disputed income, goodwill, or valuation
- Broad property-assignment issues and financial disclosure
- Custody, parenting time, education, evaluations, or experts
- Alimony, temporary orders, discovery, mediation, depositions, or trial
How Long Does Divorce Take in Connecticut?
Residency for the decree
Usually 12 monthsThe period can be satisfied before filing or before judgment, and statutory alternatives may apply.
Nonadversarial dissolution
35 days or lessThis applies only when every eligibility condition and filing requirement is satisfied.
Contested trial
At least 90 days after return dateThis statutory trial restriction does not mean every contested case will be ready on day 90.
Fully agreed divorce
May proceed soonerA complete agreement can support a request for judgment before the contested-trial minimum.
Straightforward agreed divorce
Often 2–5 monthsResidency, documents, financial disclosure, agreement, and scheduling affect the actual time.
Moderately contested divorce
Often 6–12 monthsDiscovery, temporary orders, financial negotiation, and parenting disputes can extend the case.
Complex contested divorce
Often 12–24+ monthsBusiness valuation, substantial assets, custody litigation, experts, or trial can make the process longer.
Example Connecticut Divorce Scenarios
These examples illustrate how different facts can change a planning range. They are not predictions or legal quotes.
Agreed Connecticut divorce
- No minor children
- No real estate
- Limited property
- Complete agreement
Uses the $360 filing fee plus approximately $4,000–$7,000 in professional help. Service and other charges may be additional. The couple may also examine nonadversarial eligibility.
Connecticut divorce with children and a home
- Two minor children
- Parenting schedule needed
- Child support
- Jointly owned home
- Settlement expected
Parenting education, financial disclosure, real estate, support, settlement drafting, and attorney time are likely to matter much more than the filing fee.
Contested Connecticut high-asset divorce
- High-value home
- Investment accounts
- Retirement benefits
- Business ownership
- Alimony disputed
Property valuation, financial discovery, business analysis, depositions, experts, and trial preparation may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Connecticut?
The current filing fee is $360. Marshal service, parenting education, motions, copies, and other costs may be additional.
Must you live in Connecticut for one year before filing?
Not necessarily. A complaint may be filed after either spouse establishes residence, but the decree generally requires satisfaction of the 12-month rule or a statutory alternative.
Does Connecticut have a 90-day divorce waiting period?
Contested trials generally cannot begin until 90 days after the return date. Fully agreed and default cases can follow different timelines.
Can an agreed divorce finish sooner than 90 days?
Potentially. A full agreement can support earlier entry of judgment under Connecticut's current procedure.
Does Connecticut have a simplified divorce?
Yes. Nonadversarial dissolution is available only to couples meeting strict requirements involving marriage length, children, pregnancy, property, pensions, bankruptcy, protective orders, and residency.
Is Connecticut a 50/50 divorce state?
No. Courts have broad statutory authority to assign property after considering the relevant factors.
Is Connecticut a community-property state?
No.
Are financial affidavits required?
Financial affidavits are central to Connecticut divorce and support proceedings and provide sworn information about income, expenses, debts, and assets.
Must parents take a divorce class?
Parties in covered cases involving minor children generally must participate in an approved Parenting Education Program unless an exception applies.
Can filing fees be waived?
A qualifying filer may ask the court to waive filing and certain service costs.
Can I file without a lawyer?
Yes. Connecticut provides forms and guidance for self-represented parties, although complex financial or custody cases can require substantial additional procedure.