Completing Forms
Your lawyer will help you decide whether to file for a "no-fault" or "fault" divorce.
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No-fault divorce - you and your spouse agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. No-fault divorces are generally simpler and more common.
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Fault divorce - you assert that the divorce is due to specific grounds, such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty.
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Your attorney will also advise you on the necessary documents to complete for initiating the divorce process. These typically include the completed divorce complaint form, financial affidavits, and any other relevant forms required by the court.
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Filing the Complaint
When completing these forms, provide all required information about you, your spouse, your children (if applicable), and the reason for divorce. Ensure that the information is accurate and complete. If you have any questions or are unsure about certain sections, consult your attorney.
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Your attorney will take the completed divorce complaint form and any other required documents to the clerk's office at the local courthouse. They will file the forms, pay the necessary filing fees (if applicable), and keep copies of all documents for your records. The clerk will assign a case number and provide copies of the filed forms.
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Once filed, the divorce complaint and other filed documents will be served to your spouse. This can be done through a professional process server, using certified mail with return receipt requested, or by having an adult who is not a party to the case personally deliver the papers to your spouse. Proper service methods must be followed according to Connecticut law.
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Awaiting Response
After being served, your spouse has a specific period to respond to the divorce complaint. If your spouse fails to respond within the allotted time, you may be eligible to proceed with a default judgment.
