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Connecticut Residency Requirements For Divorce

To obtain a final divorce in Connecticut, one spouse must have resided in the State for at least a year. After the return date (the date assigned by the court by which the responding spouse must file an appearance) there is a ninety day waiting period before a divorce may be granted.

Grounds For Divorce In Connecticut

Connecticut recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce.

No-fault grounds for a divorce in Connecticut include:

• Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage;
• Incompatibility and voluntary separation for 18 months with no reasonable prospect for reconciliation.

Fault grounds for divorce in Connecticut include:

• Adultery;
• Life imprisonment;
• Fraud;
• Confinement for incurable insanity for five years;
• Cruel and inhuman treatment;
• Willful desertion and non-support for one year

Connecticut Child Custody

The court may award joint or individual Custody according to the parties based on their agreement, or subsequent to a trial. In a contested situation, the court will consider the wishes of the child if sufficiently mature. The court may also consider whether the party satisfactorily completed participation in a parenting education program.

Connecticut Child Support GuideLines

Connecticut has adopted child support guidelines which apply in virtually every case, unless special circumstances are present. The child support calculation takes into consideration the gross income of both parties, and certain child related expenses. Child support will continue until the child reaches the age of majority, and may be extended through his or her secondary education.

Mediation

Connecticut courts have authority to require mediation to address dissolution issues. The parties may agree to submit their disputed issues to mediation at any time, before or after the divorce is initiated.