Connecticut Divorce Records

According to the most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics, Connecticut's divorce rate is approximately 2.6 divorces per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 2.4 per 1,000.

Divorces in Connecticut may be filed on fault-based or no-fault grounds. No-fault divorces are granted based on the "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" or if the spouses have lived apart for at least 18 months with no likelihood of reconciliation. Neither spouse needs to provide evidence that the other was responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. In contrast, a fault divorce requires one spouse to prove that the other's actions, such as adultery, intolerable cruelty, or willful desertion, caused the marriage to fail.

The cost of getting divorced in Connecticut can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, but the average expense is around $12,360 per person (significantly higher than the national average of $9,969). Note that this amount can increase or decrease depending on several factors, including attorney fees, court costs, child custody disputes, mediation, and financial asset division.

Are Divorce Records Public in Connecticut?

Connecticut divorce records are generally considered public documents and may be accessed by any interested parties through the state's Freedom of Information Act. However, certain information contained in these divorce records is exempt from public disclosure and restricted to specific authorized parties, such as the individuals named on the record, their attorneys, judicial officers, and law enforcement. These include information related to battered women and sexual assault victims, medical/health-related information, and certain details involving minor children. Sealed records are also considered confidential and may only be accessed by authorized individuals.

What Is Included in Connecticut Divorce Records?

In Connecticut, "divorce records" is a collective term used to refer to official documents that detail divorce proceedings and the dissolution of marriages in the state. These records are maintained locally by the Superior Court where the divorce was finalized and are typically grouped into two main categories:

• Divorce Decrees: These are the official court orders that finalize a divorce. Divorce decrees are also known as "judgment files", and they typically contain key details about the divorce and related court findings, such as the names of the divorcing spouses, the divorce date and location, and settlement terms related to property division, child custody, support, and alimony. A Connecticut divorce decree serves as legal proof of the divorce.
• Divorce Court Files: A divorce court file is the complete case file (for a specific divorce case) containing all filings, court orders, evidence, and other legal documentation associated with the divorce proceedings.

How Do I Find Connecticut Divorce Records?

Connecticut does not maintain a centralized, statewide database for divorce records; as such, individuals who wish to find and obtain copies of divorce records in the state will typically have to contact the specific Superior Court where the divorce was finalized. Certified copies of these divorce records are often required for several official purposes, including:

• Legal name changes
• Remarriage or immigration applications
• Updating financial records and other legal documents
• Modifying or enforcing court orders on custody, alimony, or child support
• Accessing certain benefits
• Settling estates or claims

Look Up Connecticut Divorce Certificate

Connecticut does not generate or issue divorce certificates or any other types of divorce records at the state level (the state's Vital Records office only issues copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates). All Connecticut divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court that handled the divorce proceeding and may be accessed through the court's clerk.

Look Up Connecticut Divorce Decree

Connecticut divorce decrees (judgment files) are generated and kept locally at the Superior Court that granted the divorce. Copies of these records may be obtained directly from the court via the following general steps:

• Identify the Superior Court location where the divorce was granted.
• Contact the court clerk's office to determine their specific records request procedure. You will typically be required to submit a written request in person at the courthouse; however, some courts also offer mail-in and online options for submitting these requests.
• Provide identifying details to enable the court to locate the required record, such as the names of the divorced couple and the docket number (the Connecticut Judicial Branch offers a Case Look-up tool that may be used to get this number).
• Pay the stipulated fees. Certified copies of Connecticut divorce records typically cost $25 per document. However, actual fees may vary by location; as such, it is advisable to contact the appropriate court clerk beforehand to get specific information on their fees and requirements.

Look Up Connecticut Divorce Court Records

While Connecticut Superior Courts do not typically grant public access to entire divorce court files, specific documents contained in the file, such as the divorce complaint, court orders, divorce agreement, and divorce decree, may be obtained upon request. To access these documents, you will generally need to submit a written request to the Superior Court where the divorce was finalized, providing necessary case details, such as the names of both spouses, the divorce date, and the docket number. You will be charged a copy fee, which may vary by location and the specific documents requested (note that certified copies of divorce records typically cost more than uncertified copies).

The Connecticut Judicial Branch also offers a Case Look-up tool that may be used to access certain divorce court records online. However, it should be noted that records obtained via this method may not be accepted for official use.

Can You Seal Divorce Records in Connecticut?

Divorce records in Connecticut may be sealed at the request of any of the parties involved in the case, but only under limited and specific circumstances. While most divorce records are considered public under Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act, Superior Courts have discretion to seal records (or portions of them) when there is a compelling reason to do so, such as protecting minor children, abuse victims, sensitive financial details, or proprietary business information.

To request that all or part of your divorce court file be sealed, you must file a motion with the court that holds the records (where the divorce was finalized). Once your motion is properly submitted, the court will review it, weighing privacy concerns against the public's right to access the records - a hearing may be scheduled during this process. If the court approves your request, the records will be sealed accordingly, and a court order will be issued detailing the extent of the sealing (whether it's the entire court file or specific documents/information within the file).

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Connecticut?

The timeline for a divorce in Connecticut can vary significantly depending on several factors, particularly the complexity of the case. Connecticut has a 90-day waiting period after the divorce papers are officially served before a divorce can be finalized (as stipulated by Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-67). This allows for a "cooling-off" period and time for the parties to potentially reconcile or reach agreements. However, in non-adversarial divorces (simplified divorces that meet specific criteria like a marriage of under nine years, no children or real property, and limited assets), the 90-day waiting period may be waived, and the divorce could be finalized in as little as 35 days without a court appearance. The court may also waive, reduce, or extend the mandatory waiting period under other circumstances, such as when the divorce complaint is amended or for conciliation purposes.

Does Connecticut Require Separation Before Divorce?

No, Connecticut does not require a period of separation before you can file for divorce. However, living separately for a continuous period of at least 18 months due to incompatibility may be used as a reason (ground) for divorce in the state.

How Are Assets Split in a Connecticut Divorce?

Connecticut follows an equitable distribution system for dividing property in a divorce, meaning assets are allocated fairly between spouses, rather than a strict 50/50 split. Per Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-81, courts generally evaluate various factors to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of assets, such as:

• The length of the marriage
• The reasons for the divorce
• Each spouse's age, health, occupation, and financial situation
• Each spouse's financial status and future earning potential
• Each spouse's contribution to the acquisition, preservation, or appreciation of the assets

It should be noted that, unlike most states, Connecticut does not differentiate between marital and separate property. This means that all assets and debts, whether acquired before or during the marriage, can be assigned to either spouse at the court's discretion.

Who Gets Custody of a Child in Divorce in Connecticut?

Child custody in Connecticut is determined based on the best interests of the child, as outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-56. Historically, courts often favored mothers in custody cases, particularly for younger children, due to the Tender Years Doctrine. However, Connecticut has moved away from presumptions that favor one parent over the other, and state law now requires courts to evaluate both parents equally, without gender bias. Connecticut's gender-neutral approach towards child custody is reflected in national surveys, which indicate that fathers in the state are likely to receive approximately equal parenting time (50%) with mothers, much higher than the national average of 35%.

Connecticut recognizes two main types of custody:

• Legal Custody: This grants a parent the right to make important decisions about the child's education, health care, and religion. Legal custody is often joint unless one parent is deemed unfit.
• Physical Custody: This refers to the child's living arrangement. Physical custody can be shared, or one parent may be designated the primary physical custodian (sole physical custody) with the other parent granted visitation rights or parenting time.

During divorce proceedings involving minor children, courts typically start with the assumption that shared parenting is generally best, unless circumstances suggest otherwise. Parents are encouraged to create a "parenting plan", which outlines custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities. If both parties agree to the plan, the court will usually approve it. If not, the court will decide based on the child's welfare and may appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to represent the child's interests.