If you and your spouse both want to get a divorce and come to an agreement amongst yourselves, your divorce process will go more smoothly. In addition, you will have the opportunity to waive the 90 day waiting period usually required for Connecticut divorces. This means that you can speed up the process and move on with your life as quickly as possible. If you are going through a Connecticut divorce with an agreement, here are some elements of the divorce process that you should know about.
Filing for a Connecticut Divorce
If you and your spouse want to file for a divorce with an agreement, there are several forms to fill out. Most of these are standard and everyone hoping to divorce in Connecticut must fill them out. First, you need to fill out the Summons Family Actions. Then, fill out a Divorce Complaint or a Dissolution of Civil Union Complaint, depending on the situation. You also need to fill out the Notice of Automatic Court Orders, Financial Affidavits, and a Dissolution Agreement. If you have children together, you need to fill out the Worksheet for the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, the Affidavit Concerning Children, and the Advisement of Rights forms. You can also ask the court to waive the fees associated with a Connecticut divorce if you cannot afford them. Do this by filing the Application for Waiver of Fees/Payment of Costs/Appointment of Counsel – Family.
How Divorce With an Agreement is Different
If you are filing for divorce with an agreement, you and your spouse need to fill out the Motion to Waive Statutory Time Period – Divorce or Legal Separation. This motion will be sent to a judge who will determine if you can waive the 90-day waiting period in your divorce. In the case of divorce with an agreement, you might also want to avoid having a State Marshal serve divorce papers. If you both know about and want the divorce, there is really no reason to pay a State Marshal to serve the papers. You can complete the Certification of Waiver of Services of Process – Divorce, Legal Separation and Annulment, as well as the Appearance form to avoid having a Marshal serve the divorce papers.
Your Divorce Hearing
A divorce with an agreement does not necessarily mean that you will not have to go to court for your divorce. Depending on your circumstances, you may have a divorce hearing. On the day of this hearing, make sure to get to the courthouse early so that you can get the lay of the land. Taking your time to park, enter the courthouse, and find your courtroom will make this a less stressful situation. If you need additional help navigating the courthouse, go to the Clerk’s Office. They can help you.
Going through divorce by yourself – even an agreed upon divorce – can be emotionally and legally overwhelming. It is a good idea to have someone on your side who can help you through this process and make sure that everything is done correctly. Our office is happy to provide the legal assistance that you need at this time. Contact our office for more resources and information.