Is Connecticut a No Fault Divorce State?

  •   |   Meghan Freed

Many people wonder whether Connecticut is a no-fault divorce state.

The short answer is that Connecticut is both a no-fault divorce state and a for-fault divorce state.

To learn more, please read on.

Connecticut Divorce Grounds

Connecticut has both “no fault” and “for fault” divorce.  Section 46b-40 of the Connecticut General Statutes lays out both the “no fault” and “for fault” grounds for divorce.

Read: What are the Grounds for Divorce in Connecticut?

No Fault Divorce Grounds in Connecticut

  • The marriage has broken down irretrievably
  • The parties have lived apart by reason of incompatibility for a continuous period of at least the eighteen months immediately prior to the service of the complaint and that there is no reasonable prospect that they will be reconciled

Key Takeaways About Connecticut No Fault Divorce

  • In a no-fault divorce, neither spouse must prove that the other is “at fault” to be granted a divorce.  Rather, you prove that the marriage has irretrievably broken down with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.  Either spouse’s testimony that the marriage has irretrievably broken down is sufficient for the court to order the divorce.
  • No fault does not mean that a court will never consider the reason why the marriage broke down. Even in no-fault divorces, the concept of fault is built into our law. Judges can consider whether one spouse had a more significant role in the breakdown of the marriage when it comes to alimony and property division.
  • Although judges have the authority to adjust their orders based on the cause of the breakdown (for example, adultery), they also consider many other factors.

Read: Alimony: The Comprehensive Connecticut Guide

Next Steps

Now that you have learned more about no-fault divorce in Connecticut, you may want to check out our Divorce Information and Facts for answers on other topics. Our first step at Freed Marcroft, the Goals & Planning Conference, is designed to get to the heart of your problem and unveil your true goals. Then, we take those goals along with the facts of your case and analyze them so that we can present you with recommendations and options for moving forward.

Schedule your Goals & Planning Conference today, or contact us either here or by phone at 860-530-4292.
Updated September 6, 2024

Freed Marcroft LLC

Freed Marcroft LLC
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