Updated

Free Divorce Papers
For Connecticut

Connecticut demands a full year of residency before you can file — then a 90-day wait from the return date follows.

Reviewed by our editorial team Based on official state court forms

Not legal advice Not an official government website How we verify content

free divorce papers for connecticut
Online Generator

Build your Connecticut divorce packet

Choose a type, fill in the details, and download a ready-to-file document.

Choose your divorce type

Choose a divorce type to start. Your document preview appears here as you fill it in.

Templates reviewed for the 2026 filing year · Based on official state forms

Document Templates

Connecticut divorce template samples

Expand a template below to see exactly what's included before you fill it in.

Uncontested Divorce Sample See the full text of the agreement both spouses sign together.

Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage — Uncontested

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF [1. Judicial District]

DOCKET NO: [2. Docket Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Connecticut for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-44. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage has broken down irretrievably, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-40. The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [8. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Spousal Support

The parties have agreed that alimony or spousal support shall be as follows: [9. Spousal Support Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) dissolve the marriage of the parties;
(b) approve the parties' agreement regarding property, debts, and spousal support;
(c) restore Plaintiff's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and
(d) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of false statement that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].

Contested Divorce Sample See how disputed terms are laid out before you fill anything in.

Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage — Contested

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF [1. Judicial District]

DOCKET NO: [2. Docket Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Connecticut for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-44. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage has broken down irretrievably, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-40. The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Plaintiff requests that this Court equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [8. Property and Debt Description]

Spousal Support

The parties are unable to agree on alimony or spousal support. Plaintiff requests that the Court award alimony in an amount and for a duration that is equitable, considering the factors set forth in C.G.S. § 46b-82. Relevant facts include: [9. Spousal Support Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) dissolve the marriage of the parties;
(b) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts;
(c) award alimony as the Court deems equitable;
(d) restore Plaintiff's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and
(e) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of false statement that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].

Uncontested Divorce with Children Sample See the agreement plus the parenting plan section in full.

Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage — Uncontested with Children

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF [1. Judicial District]

DOCKET NO: [2. Docket Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Connecticut for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-44. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation].

There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage has broken down irretrievably, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-40. The marriage should be dissolved.

Custody and Parenting Plan

The parties have reached a full agreement regarding legal and physical custody of the minor child(ren), in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under C.G.S. § 46b-56. The agreed parenting plan is as follows: [10. Parenting Plan Terms]

Child Support

The parties have reached an agreement on child support consistent with the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines (C.G.S. § 46b-215b). The agreed monthly child support amount is [11. Child Support Amount], payable by [12. Paying Parent] to [13. Receiving Parent]. Additional terms: [14. Child Support Additional Terms]

Medical and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be shared as follows: [15. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [16. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Spousal Support

The parties have agreed that alimony or spousal support shall be as follows: [17. Spousal Support Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) dissolve the marriage of the parties;
(b) approve the parties' Parenting Plan regarding custody;
(c) order child support in accordance with the parties' agreement and the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines;
(d) approve the parties' property and debt division;
(e) restore Plaintiff's former name of [18. Former Name], if requested; and
(f) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [19. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of false statement that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [20. Execution Date] day of [21. Execution Month, Year], at [22. City and State of Execution].

Contested Divorce with Children Sample See how custody and parenting terms appear in the full document.

Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage — Contested with Children

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF [1. Judicial District]

DOCKET NO: [2. Docket Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Connecticut for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-44. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation].

There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage has broken down irretrievably, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with C.G.S. § 46b-40. The marriage should be dissolved.

Custody and Parenting Time

The parties are unable to agree on legal or physical custody of the minor child(ren). Plaintiff requests that the Court award custody and establish a parenting plan in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under C.G.S. § 46b-56. Relevant facts include: [10. Custody Dispute Facts]

Child Support

The parties are unable to agree on child support. Plaintiff requests that the Court order child support in accordance with the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines (C.G.S. § 46b-215b). Relevant facts include: [11. Child Support Facts]

Medical, Dental, and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be allocated as follows, or as the Court determines equitable: [12. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Plaintiff requests that the Court equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [13. Property and Debt Description]

Spousal Support

The parties are unable to agree on alimony or spousal support. Plaintiff requests that the Court award alimony as the Court deems equitable under C.G.S. § 46b-82. Relevant facts include: [14. Spousal Support Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) dissolve the marriage of the parties;
(b) determine legal and physical custody and establish a parenting plan in the best interests of the minor child(ren);
(c) order child support in accordance with the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines;
(d) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts;
(e) award alimony as the Court deems equitable;
(f) restore Plaintiff's former name of [15. Former Name], if requested; and
(g) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [16. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of false statement that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [17. Execution Date] day of [18. Execution Month, Year], at [19. City and State of Execution].

At a Glance

Connecticut divorce at a glance

Residency requirement 12 months
Waiting period 90 days
Filing fee $360
Grounds accepted Irretrievable breakdown (no-fault)
Official forms JD-FM-159, JD-FM-172

Confirm with your county before filing — fees and rules can vary.

Overview

Divorce in Connecticut: the year-long rule

Connecticut is one of the few states that requires a full 12 months of residency before you can even file for divorce. Once the Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage (form JD-FM-159) is filed with the Superior Court in your Judicial District, the court sets a return date, and the mandatory 90-day waiting period runs from that date before a judgment can be entered.

The state also uses a concept most places dropped long ago: the return date. It is a procedural deadline that controls the timing of the case, and it is tied directly to the 90-day clock. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement can still finish in four to six months, but the return-date system makes the timeline feel more structured than in other states.

Property is divided equitably, alimony follows the factors in C.G.S. § 46b-82, and child support uses the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines under C.G.S. § 46b-215b. Couples who agree on all terms use the JD-FM-172 settlement agreement form. Filing runs about $360, and all forms come from the Connecticut Judicial Branch.

Official court source: Connecticut Judicial Branch