Connecticut Divorce Without A Court Appearance

Connecticut Divorce without a Court appearance is here.  

COVID-19 forced the courts to change how they do business.  Here in Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont issued an executive order allowing parties to proceed with uncontested divorces without going to court.  

Most family law attorneys support this new process.  It could help spouses avoid difficult living arrangements.  It also chips away at the backlog of cases so that contested cases can be decided much more quickly.

However, some attorneys think COVID-19 might cause some couples to change their minds about divorce based on economic uncertainties.  I don’t share this opinion.  Sure – some married couples may stay together in the short term for financial reasons.  But that only pushes off the divorce filing.  I think ultimately these couples will still file for divorce. 

Here is the process for obtaining  a Connecticut Divorce without a Court appearance:

For starters, the usual forms must be filed.  This includes Financial Affidavits, a Separation Agreement, a Parenting Plan and an Affidavit Concerning Children. 

In addition, an Affidavit must be filed which largely incorporates the questions a judge would ask a divorcing couple in court. 

For example:

• Back ground information so that the court can exercise jurisdiction including whether or not the marriage has broken down irretrievably
• Whether or not the family received financial assistance from the State or municipality
• Assurances that each party understands the terms of the proposed Agreement and believes it to be fair and equitable