Links to Connecticut Divorce Statutes


You may feel that there are too many laws, and that the laws we have are not understandable. Most lawyers would probably agree with you. If you would like to look at some of the Connecticut laws which apply to divorce, you may find these links useful. They are not meant to be comprehensive.

Annulment (Very rare, some grounds are: bigamy, incest, fraud, or lack of consent.) C.G.S. Secs. 46 b-21, 46 b-40 (b)

Legal Separation (Note: It’s not easier or faster than a dissolution. It may be desirable for religious or other reasons.) C.G.S Secs. 46 b-40, 46 b-67 (b).

Grounds for Dissolution (Most divorces are brought on the ground of irretrievable breakdown.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-40 (c).

Residency Requirement (Twelve months) C.G.S Sec 46 b-44

Personal Jurisdiction (Not required for dissolution, but is necessary for the court to make financial orders, such as alimony or child support.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-46.

Parenting Education Program (Normally mandatory, when minor children are involved.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-56, 46 b-69b.

Recipient of Public Assistance (Notice must be given to the Attorney General) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-55.

Prejudgment Remedies (If one or both parties own real estate, a lis pendens, which is a legal notice of the action to people who search land titles, is usually filed.) C.G.S. Sec. 46 b-80.

Waiting Period (At least ninety days must pass after the divorce action is returned to court, before a final divorce judgment can be granted.) C.G.S. Sec. 46 b-67.

Temporary Motions (Many temporary orders are possible until the divorce is finalized. These are called pendente lite motions.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-64.

Restraining Orders (May be necessary if there is physical abuse. These can sometimes be granted ex parte; that is, with only one party present.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-15.

Can Other Parties Intervene? (Non-spouses who have an interest in the custody of a child may intervene in the divorce action.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-57.

Child Custody (Both temporary and permanent.) C.G.S. Sec. 46 b-56, 46 b-61, 46 b-93.

Visitation (Not only for parents, but for people such as grandparents.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-56, 46 b-59.

Child Support (There are many factors to be considered. There are also child support guidelines.) C.G.S. Sec 46 b-84, 46b-86, 46b-215b.

Alimony (Applicable to either spouse. Can be both temporary and permanent.) C.G.S. Sec 46b-83.

Attorney’s Fees (It may be possible to get a court order to have them paid by your spouse.) C.G.S. Sec 46b-62.

Reconciliation (A motion is sometimes made to attempt to reconcile, and to withdraw the divorce action.) C.G.S. Sec. 46b-53.

Modification (Has there been a substantial change in circumstances, which was not self-created?) C.G.S. Sec 46b-86.

Wage Executions (May be ordered by the court.) C.G.S. Sec. 46b-208.

Contempt (A person can be penalized for disobeying a court order.) Sec 46b-87.

Domestic Violence (A person physically abused or threatened with abuse may request a restraining order. Arrest and criminal prosecution are also possible.) C.G.S. Sec 46b-15, C.G.S. Sec 46b-38a, 38b.

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