Connecticut Divorce and Dissolution Resources

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A Connecticut divorce is filed in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Division, and the paperwork you start with depends on whether you have minor children together and whether there is property to divide.

Connecticut's core family statutes live in the Connecticut General Statutes Title 46b - Family Law. In Connecticut, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed. The official sources below cover the petition documents, the statewide forms collection, and the court's own filing instructions.

Official Connecticut divorce resources

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Connecticut family law forms (official index) (Connecticut judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Connecticut family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms

Connecticut court self-help resources (Connecticut courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Connecticut family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.jud.ct.gov/selfhelp.htm

Connecticut Judicial Branch E-Services (CT Judicial Branch): E-filing is required for lawyers and optional for people representing themselves. You enroll in E-Services for free, then request electronic access to your case so you can file and view documents online. https://efile.eservices.jud.ct.gov/

Connecticut official filing information (Connecticut judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in Connecticut and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://www.jud.ct.gov/external/super/e-services/efile/selfrepresented.htm

Connecticut financial affidavit and disclosure forms (jud.ct.gov): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most Connecticut family cases ask both sides to complete. https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/

Connecticut mediation and dispute resolution (Connecticut judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Connecticut family case without a trial. https://www.jud.ct.gov/family/mediation.htm

Verified official Connecticut divorce documents

These official documents cover starting a divorce, responding to one, settling, and the final orders. Requirements vary by county, so confirm the packet with your clerk before filing.

Divorce Complaint / Cross Complaint (JD-FM-159), form JD-FM-159 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/fm159.pdf

Dissolution Answer (JD-FM-160), form JD-FM-160 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/FM160.pdf

Joint Petition, Nonadversarial Divorce (JD-FM-242), form JD-FM-242 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/FM242.pdf

Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) Judgment (JD-FM-177), form JD-FM-177 (Final Judgment / Final Orders), official document: https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/FM177.pdf

Dissolution / Legal Separation Agreement (JD-FM-172), form JD-FM-172 (Settlement Agreements), official document: https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/FM172.pdf

Official link data for Connecticut was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file for divorce in Connecticut?

In the Superior Court, usually in the Family Division that serves the county where you live. In Connecticut, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed.

How much does it cost to file a family case in Connecticut?

Dissolution filing fee: ~$360. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.

Do I need a lawyer to file a Connecticut divorce?

No. Connecticut publishes its family law forms for people representing themselves, and the self-help resources on this page exist for exactly that. A consultation still makes sense when there is a business, a pension, or a serious safety issue in the case.