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Divorce Residency Requirements in Connecticut

In Connecticut, a case may be filed once a spouse lives in the state, but a decree generally requires one spouse to have lived there 12 months before filing or before the decree, and the no-fault ground is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Connecticut at a glance

State residency
12 months before filing or before the decree
Exceptions: a spouse domiciled in Connecticut at marriage who returned to stay, or a cause that arose after moving to the state.
County residency
No county period in the residency statute
No-fault ground
Marriage has broken down irretrievably

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Connecticut

How long must you live in Connecticut before filing for divorce?

State residency in Connecticut: 12 months before filing or before the decree. Exceptions: a spouse domiciled in Connecticut at marriage who returned to stay, or a cause that arose after moving to the state.

Is there a county residency requirement for divorce in Connecticut?

County residency in Connecticut: No county period in the residency statute.

What is the no-fault ground for divorce in Connecticut?

No-fault ground in Connecticut: Marriage has broken down irretrievably.

Where do the Connecticut divorce residency requirements come from?

The rules above come from Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-44 and Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-40. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Residency is about where a spouse actually lives and intends to stay, not just a mailing address. Courts may look at a driver's license, voter registration, a lease or deed, tax filings and employment records. Keeping copies of these documents can help if residency is questioned.

Meeting the residency requirement is separate from any waiting period after filing. Some states also require a period of separation before a no-fault divorce, or a cooling-off period before the final decree. Checking all of these timelines together gives a more realistic picture of when a divorce can be finalized.

Military members and their spouses often have special residency rules based on where they are stationed. If the spouses live in different states, more than one court may be able to hear the divorce, and the choice can affect issues like property division and support. A local family law attorney can confirm where to file.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.