Connecticut Resolution Plan Date

A Connecticut Resolution Plan Date in Family Court is a new process for custody, visitation, dissolution of marriage, and legal separation cases.  The process is designed to encourage parties to resolve their cases by agreement, instead of engaging in lengthy (and expensive) litigation. 

Connecticut Resolution Plan Date

On this date, you will learn how the court process works and have an opportunity to ask questions.  A Family Relations Counselor will review your case to identify:

• the areas where you agree and disagree;
• how likely you are to reach an agreement on any disputed issues; and
• the kind of help you need to resolve your case.

If your case involves financial issues like child support, alimony, or dividing marital property, you should complete and file a Financial Affidavit before your Resolution Plan Date. 

A Family Relations Counselor will recommend an “action plan” to the judge based on the issues in play and any recommended services.  Possible services include information-gathering or evaluations by Family Services, mediation with a Family Relations Counselor, scheduling court hearing time, or the assignment of a designated Family Relations Counselor or judge to your case for its duration.

Resolution Plan Dates are not the time for a contested hearing or trial before a judge.  However, if an agreement is reached, a judge may be able to approve your agreement on the spot.

Do not blow off the Resolution Plan Date.   If you are the plaintiff or applicant and you do not appear for your Resolution Plan Date (either by remote video or in person, depending on how the event is scheduled), your case may be dismissed.  If you are the defendant or the respondent and you do not appear, court orders or a final judgment may be entered against you.

A scheduling order will enter for those cases not completely resolved on the Resolution Plan Date.  The schedule may include one or more Case Dates, a date for a pretrial settlement conference and a date for a trial

Case Dates are hearings before a judge to address matters like motions for temporary orders on custody, child support, or other subjects, to be in effect while your case is pending.  The judge may also hear reports on the progress of services that have been ordered in your case.

Case Dates are intended as brief hearings on issues that need orders in place before there is a final agreement or trial.   If the parties have reached a full and final agreement at a Case Date, the agreement may be considered and approved by the judge at that time.