Connecticut Divorce Records
Connecticut handles both contested divorce (where the couple does not agree on the terms of the divorce and needs the court to decide) and uncontested divorce (where they agree to all terms). To file for divorce with the Clerk of Court in Connecticut, the couple must have been a resident of the state for at least 12 months before the time they file. In Connecticut, the couple's request to dissolve their marriage must be supported by a reason (ground). Both fault-based and no-fault divorces—divorces in which neither party assigns blame to the other—are recognized by the state.
In Connecticut, only a portion of divorce records are publicly accessible. However, online summaries of divorce cases are publicly available. The state's divorce rate exceeds the national average at 2.8 per 1,000 people.
What are Divorce Records?
The Connecticut court system maintains all official records related to divorce. These records encompass all documents generated throughout the divorce process, including case files, motions, and the final divorce decree or certificate.
In Connecticut, divorce records can be found in two different formats: judgment files, often known as divorce decrees, and case files, which contain all the documentation created during the divorce. In Connecticut, certified copies of divorce decrees are recognized as legal documentation or confirmation of the divorce. The Judicial District Clerk's Office in the county where the divorce was finalized or the Superior Court Clerk's Office in the same county, are both authorized to provide certified copies.
Individuals seeking divorce records must present proper identity and evidence of their connection to the parties involved to receive certified copies of divorce records. Only individuals with permission can access these records. The information in these divorce records typically includes:
- The address of the parties involved in the divorce
- Grounds for the divorce
- The date on which the marriage occurred
- The full names of the parties involved in the divorce
- The date when the divorce was finalized
- Details about the settlement, such as alimony, property division, child custody, and child support arrangements
- The court-assigned number for tracking and reference
- The court in which the case was filed
Are Divorce Records Public in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the public has access to some divorce records as stipulated by the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. As such, the state grants public access to certain divorce records. This information is accessible through the state's Civil/Family Case Look-up system. However, this online platform provides only summaries of divorce cases and does not offer access to complete case files.
Copies of Connecticut divorce records can only be obtained by those who are permitted. Among the groups of persons allowed access to these documents are the couple named in the divorce record, their parents, children, or legal guardians, as well as their attorneys listed in the divorce record.
Authorized individuals can receive a Judgment File of Divorce Decree from the Judicial District Clerk's Office in the county where the divorce was finalized. Specific procedures and requirements may vary by county.
To obtain certified copies of divorce documents in person, applicants must fill out a form and present a legitimate government-issued photo ID as confirmation of their connection to the divorced parties. Divorce records request applications may be submitted in person at the Judicial District Clerk's Office in the county where the divorce was finalized, together with copies of legitimate, government-issued picture identification and any necessary fees.
Divorce records can also be requested via mail. The Judicial District Clerk's Office must receive a letter from applicants requesting certified copies of a divorce record. The letter should include the applicant's relationship to the divorcing parties as well as the reason(s) for the request. The letter must include proper identification and a money order for a certified copy.
Additionally, applicants need to know the entire names, case or docket number and the date the divorce was finalized for the divorcing spouses. The names of the parties involved in the divorce, including any maiden names, must be precisely recorded in the divorce record in the order that they appear.
Divorce Stats and Rates in Connecticut
The divorce rate in Connecticut has varied throughout the past few years. In 2020, the state's divorce rate fell to 1.6 per 1,000 people, the lowest rate ever documented in state history. Between 2017 and 2022, the state recorded its highest rate of 2.9 in 2017 and 2018.
However, Connecticut has a lower divorce rate than many states in the US. In 2017, the state ranked the 18th lowest in the country. Just a few years later, in 2021, the state ranked number four for the states with the least divorce.
Grounds for Divorce in Connecticut
According to the General Statutes § 46b–40(c), Connecticut allows both fault-based and no-fault divorces. While no-fault divorces do not require assigning blame, fault-based divorces necessitate proving specific grounds for marital breakdown.
In Connecticut, no-fault divorces are the more common type of divorce. To obtain a no-fault divorce, a couple must prove that their marriage is irretrievably broken.
In a fault-based divorce, the claimed misconduct must be substantiated with evidence. However, proving fault can complicate the divorce process. Failure to establish the claimed grounds may result in the dismissal of the divorce petition. The grounds for divorce in Connecticut include:
- Absence of a spouse for up to seven consecutive years
- Adultery
- An irretrievable breakdown in the marriage without any hope for reconciliation
- Confinement in a hospital or an institution for an accumulated period of five years
- Fraudulent contracts
- Habitual intemperance
- Intolerable cruelty
- Sentence to imprisonment for life
- Separation for at least 18 months
- Wilful desertion and total neglect of duty for up to one year
How to File for Divorce in Connecticut
To begin a divorce in Connecticut, the couple must file specific paperwork with the Clerk of the Court in the county where either spouse resides. Required documents typically include a Summons, Complaint, Notice of Automatic Orders, and Affidavit Concerning Children (if applicable). A filing fee is required, but waivers are available for those unable to pay.
After filing, you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers. This can be done through a state marshal or other approved methods. Proper service ensures the defendant is aware of the proceedings and has an opportunity to respond.
Connecticut offers both contested and uncontested divorce options. Contested divorces require court hearings to resolve disputes, while uncontested divorces allow for a quicker process without court appearances. Eligibility for uncontested divorce is limited to specific criteria, such as marriage duration, property value, and absence of children.
Connecticut Divorce Decree
Connecticut divorce decrees provide a comprehensive overview of the divorce proceedings. A divorce in Connecticut becomes final when a Superior Court Judge issues a divorce decree, which is an official document outlines the terms of the divorce settlement. In Connecticut, certified copies of divorce decrees are recognized as legal documentation or confirmation of the divorce. County Judicial District Clerk's Offices maintain records of these decrees.
To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, individuals must visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office or the Judicial District Clerk's Office in the county where the divorce was finalized. The process typically involves completing a request form, providing identification, and paying applicable fees.
How to Find and Access Connecticut Divorce Records
Connecticut divorce records are not kept on file by the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Vital Records Office. The office also does not provide certified copies of divorce records. In the state, all requests for divorce records must be made online or through the office of the Judicial District Clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized.
Only a select group of people who meet certain requirements can access divorce records in Connecticut. These people include the parties involved in the divorce, their attorneys, and any child, parent, or guardian of the parties involved.
Offline Access
To obtain certified copies of divorce records or access complete case files, individuals must visit the Judicial District Clerk's Office in the county where the divorce was finalized. The process typically involves completing a request form, providing identification, and paying applicable fees.
Online Access
Connecticut offers limited online access to divorce records through its Civil/Family Case Look-up platform. This system allows users to search for case summaries by providing the names of the parties involved or the case number. However, the platform does not provide access to complete divorce records or certified copies.
References
- https://jud.ct.gov/lawlib/Notebooks/Pathfinders/divorce/divorce.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/dvs/marriage-divorce/state-divorce-rates-90-95-00-22.pdf
- https://connecticutcourtrecords.us/family-court-records/divorce/#:~:text=freely%20online.%20The-,Civil/Family%20Case%20Look%2Dup,-website%20provides%20access