Connecticut Dissolution of Marriage Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Assessment

• Confirm residency: either party has lived in Connecticut for 12+ months
• Identify judicial district (Superior Court): Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield, etc.
• Determine grounds: irretrievable breakdown or 18-month separation
• Download JD-FM forms from jud.ct.gov/webforms
• Locate a Connecticut state marshal: jud.ct.gov (marshal directory)
• If children: plan to enroll in Parenting Education Program after filing

Phase 2 — Financial Inventory

Both parties must complete a Financial Affidavit. Gather:

• Last 3 pay stubs (both spouses)
• Last 2–3 years federal and Connecticut state income tax returns
• All bank and investment account statements
• Retirement account statements (pre-marital values if significant)
• Real estate values and mortgage balances
• Vehicle values and loan balances
• All debt statements
• All property — including pre-marital and inherited (Connecticut courts can divide all property)
• Business interest documentation if applicable

Phase 3 — Complete JD-FM Forms

• Dissolution Complaint (JD-FM-159 or current equivalent)
• Financial Affidavit — Long Form (JD-FM-6) or Short Form (JD-FM-6B)
• Summons (JD-FM-3)
• Proposed Agreement for Dissolution (if agreed)
• If waiving 90-day period: prepare Motion to Waive
• If children: Parenting Plan; Child Support Guidelines worksheet

Phase 4 — File at Superior Court

• File at the Superior Court Clerk in the judicial district
• Pay $350 filing fee (or fee waiver motion)
• Clerk issues Return Date and assigns Case Management Date (CMD)
• Note your CMD — you must appear or submit paperwork on this date

Phase 5 — Hire State Marshal and Serve Respondent

• Contact a Connecticut state marshal (NOT county sheriff)
• State marshal serves Respondent with Dissolution Complaint, Summons, and Return Date
• State marshal files Return of Service with court
• Cost: $40–$100 for marshal service

Phase 6 — Respondent's Appearance

• Respondent must file an Appearance (JD-CL-12) within the time stated in the Summons
• For agreed cases: Respondent files Appearance promptly and both parties proceed cooperatively
• Respondent also completes their Financial Affidavit

Phase 7 — 90-Day Waiting Period or Waiver

• Agreed cases: File Motion to Waive the 90-Day Period — signed by both parties; attach the Agreement for Dissolution
• Waiver granted: Case can proceed faster
• No waiver: Count 90 days from Return Date before dissolution can be finalized

Phase 8 — Parenting Education Program (If Children)

• Both parents enroll in Connecticut's Parenting Education Program
• Mandatory when minor children are involved
• Complete and obtain certificate before the dissolution hearing
• Typical cost: $150–$175; available online

Phase 9 — Case Management Date (CMD)

• Appear at the CMD (or submit allowed paperwork)
• Report status: agreed and ready to finalize? Present Agreement for Dissolution
• Court may enter Judgment immediately if all documents are in order

Phase 10 — Judgment of Dissolution Entered

• Obtain certified copies of Judgment from Superior Court Clerk
• Real estate deed → Town Clerk recording (Connecticut uses Town Clerks — not county recorders)
• QDRO for retirement plans
• Name restoration: Connecticut DMV → Social Security → financial accounts
• Update beneficiary designations

Last reviewed: March 2026 | State marshals for service | Financial Affidavit required both parties | 90-day wait (waivable) | Case Management Date | Parenting Education Program mandatory with children | Town Clerk for deed recording

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.