Sample packet · Connecticut

A sample Connecticut divorce packet

This is what we put in front of someone who is about to start a Connecticut divorce without a lawyer: which route applies, which forms go with which answers, what happens in what order, what it costs, and three worksheets to fill in before any meeting. If you work with people going through a divorce, you can print it and hand it over as it is. Everything in sections 1 to 4 comes from our Connecticut guide, Divorce in Connecticut, start to finish, where each figure carries its source. Sources last checked 14 September 2026, so confirm the current fee and form revisions with the Judicial Branch before you quote a number to anyone.

The Cusp is not a law firm and cannot say which forms are right for a particular case. This packet shows the structure Connecticut’s own rules set; it is not advice.

1. Which route

Route	Core forms	What is different
Nonadversarial dissolution (CGS § 46b-44a)	JD-FM-242 joint petition, JD-FM-243 agreement, JD-FM-260 notice of automatic orders, JD-CL-12 appearance (one each), JD-FM-6-SHORT financial affidavit (one each)	No marshal, no return date. A decision can come as early as 30 days after filing. Both spouses sign on together and waive formal service. Both waive alimony entirely.
Regular docket	JD-FM-159 complaint, JD-FM-3 summons, JD-FM-158 notice of automatic orders, JD-CL-12 appearance, JD-FM-177 judgment	Return-date and service rules apply. Most regular-docket divorces in Connecticut are entirely agreed and self-represented.

The fast track is open only if all of these are true: at least one spouse meets the residency test; the marriage has lasted 9 years or less; neither spouse has ever had or adopted a child and neither is pregnant; neither owns any interest in real property; combined property minus debts is under $80,000; neither has a defined-benefit pension; there is no bankruptcy and no active protective order between them; both sign together and waive service; and both waive alimony. If any one is false, use the regular docket. Residency under CGS § 46b-44 means one spouse has lived in Connecticut for 12 months before filing or before the decree, or one of the other situations the statute lists.

2. Forms that depend on the answers (regular docket)

If	Add
Minor children	JD-FM-164 affidavit concerning children; JD-FM-220 child support guidelines worksheet; JD-FM-149 parenting education program (within 60 days, $150 per person as published by the Judicial Branch); JD-FM-284 custody agreement and parenting plan, only where custody is agreed
Spouse will sign a waiver of service	JD-FM-249 certification of waiver of service, notarized, filed with their own appearance. Saves the marshal’s fee.
Spouse will not, or you are unsure	Nothing to add; a state marshal serves the packet at least 12 days before the return date
Everything agreed	JD-FM-172 dissolution agreement; JD-FM-282 request for approval without court appearance; JD-FM-281 affidavit in support
Spouse has never responded	JD-FM-272 motion for entry of judgment upon default of appearance, from 30 days after the return date with personal or abode service, 60 days otherwise
Disagreement about something	None of the above yet. The case proceeds on the docket, and a consultation with a Connecticut family lawyer is cheapest at this point.
Gross income under $75,000 and total net assets under $75,000	JD-FM-6-SHORT financial affidavit
Either figure $75,000 or over	JD-FM-6-LONG financial affidavit. If on the line, the long form is always accepted.
Cannot pay the filing fee	JD-FM-75 application for waiver of fees

3. The order it happens in (regular docket)

Step	When	Cost
Confirm residency and pick the return date	Before anything	None
Assemble and sign the complaint packet (JD-FM-159, JD-FM-3, JD-FM-158, blank JD-CL-12); the summons is signed by a commissioner of the Superior Court, meaning any attorney, or the clerk	Before service	No court fee at this step
Serve the spouse, or get the waiver of service	At least 12 days before the return date	Up to $50 per process plus mileage; $0 with a waiver
File the originals with the clerk	At least 6 days before the return date	$360 filing fee, or $0 with an approved JD-FM-75
Spouse’s appearance due	2nd day after the return date	None to you
Resolution Plan Date notice arrives	About 5 days after the return date	None; missing the meeting can get orders entered against you
File the financial affidavit	On or before the Resolution Plan Date	None; missing it can mean a nonsuit or default
Parenting class, if there are children	Within 60 days	About $150 per person, waivable with JD-FM-75
Ask for judgment (JD-FM-172, JD-FM-282, JD-FM-281, JD-FM-177)	Once there is a full agreement	None

Typical all-in cost for people doing it themselves, uncontested: $410 to $585. The filing fee is flat statewide because Connecticut uses judicial districts, not counties.

Filing and signing. Most Connecticut forms are fillable on screen. Filling a form in is not the same act as filing it. The summons needs a commissioner’s or clerk’s signature, and the financial affidavit and the waiver of service are sworn documents, so those need a signature in front of somebody.

4. What we could not settle for you

We have not been able to read the Practice Book rule on whether a self-represented divorce filer in Connecticut may e-file, must e-file, or can still hand the clerk paper. Ask the clerk in the judicial district two questions: may I e-file, and will you take paper. Which forms a specific case needs depends on facts only the person and their lawyer know. Always download forms fresh, because clerks reject superseded revisions.

5. Sample worksheets

These three are sample prep sheets from The Cusp’s planning tools, shortened to one page each. They are examples of the format, not Connecticut court forms, and they are not filed with any court.

Document inventory

Document	Where it is	Have it?	Notes
Last 3 years of tax returns
Recent pay stubs
Bank, brokerage and retirement statements
Mortgage and property records
Credit card and loan statements
Insurance policies

Two-household monthly budget

Item	Today (one household)	After: me	After: spouse
Housing
Utilities
Food
Transportation
Insurance and health
Children
Debt payments
Total

Meeting prep sheet

Question for the meeting	Answer or next step
What do I most need decided first?
What deadlines am I already facing?
What am I unsure I can afford?
What documents am I still missing?

Sources last checked 14 September 2026. Spot something out of date? Email hello@thecusp.app. Full source list: Divorce in Connecticut, start to finish.

What would you change? Reply with the two edits that would make this more useful to you: hello@thecusp.app.