Is There a Waiting Period for Connecticut Divorces?

Updated December 5, 2023

Many of Freed Marcroft’s divorce clients highly value their time, and one of their goals is that their divorce not be prolonged. Therefore, it’s no surprise that we are often asked if there is a waiting period for Connecticut divorces.

The short answer is yes, there is a waiting period — but there are options to avoid it.

Read on to learn more!

The 90 Day Waiting Period for Connecticut Divorces

Traditionally, there is a 90 day waiting period before you can get a divorce in Connecticut.

When Does the 90-Day Waiting Period Begin and End?

The 90 Day Waiting Period begins on the Return Date, the date that marks the technically beginning of the divorce.  (Note that the Return Date is not the date that the divorce papers are served on your spouse or filed with the court.)   The 90 Day Waiting Period ends on the  “Case Management Date.” Along with the Return Date, the Case Management Date is established right when a divorce is first initiated in Connecticut.  You can find it listed on your Summons.

It’s important to note that the waiting period does not mean the divorce will be automatically granted after 90 days. It simply means that the couple must wait for a minimum of 90 days before the court can finalize the divorce.

Can You Get Divorced Before 90 Days?

The most significant opportunity to avoid the 90 Day Waiting Period and divorce more quickly is for spouses who have reached an agreement.  In Connecticut, when there is a full agreement we can request that the Court waive the 90 Day Waiting Period.  This is very commonly used in mediation and collaborative divorces, which are designed to assist spouses in reaching full agreements outside of court.

We can also “waive 90” in a divorce litigation when we’ve reached a full settlement agreement via negotiation.

It’s worth noting that even if the waiting period is waived, the divorce process can still take time to complete. There are various steps involved, such as filing the necessary documents, attending ant court hearings, and reaching agreements on important matters like child custody and division of assets. Therefore, it’s essential to be prepared for a potentially lengthy process, even if the waiting period is waived.

Read: How Long Does a Divorce Take in Connecticut

Purpose of the Divorce Waiting Period

While 90 days may seem like a long time, Connecticut originally intended it to allow both parties to fully consider their options and make informed decisions about their future.  In other words, it was an attempt to keep people from making a hasty decision to divorce that they would later regret.  It also gives them time to take the steps needed for the divorce proceedings.

Next Steps

At Freed Marcroft, we want you to understand what is happening in your divorce.  For our report “Your Connecticut Divorce Options,” please click here. Most of all, you want a skilled legal strategy rooted in your goals.  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 for your life. Once we discover your goals at the Goals and Planning Conference, we are able to take our collective experience with divorce, law, the available ways to divorce, strategy, courts, judges, and other lawyers, and build a divorce customized for you.