Divorce need not be a stressful experience. If you and your spouse are on the same page about ending your marriage, a Connecticut non-adversarial divorce might be the perfect option for you. This streamlined process offers significant advantages over a traditional divorce, saving time, money and emotional turmoil.

One of the most attractive aspects of a non-adversarial divorce is that it bypasses the 90-day waiting period mandated by Connecticut law for most divorces. The waiting period can feel particularly onerous when both parties are eager to move forward with their lives. With a non-adversarial divorce, you can potentially finalize your divorce within 35 days of submitting the necessary paperwork, allowing you to close this chapter and begin anew much sooner.

A non-adversarial divorce, also known as a Joint Dissolution of Marriage (JDM), has strict requirements. First, your marriage must have lasted not more than nine years. Additionally, neither spouse can be pregnant and you cannot have any minor children born or adopted during the marriage. Financially, the total value of all property you own together must be less than $80,000. Neither of you can hold any interest in or title to real property, nor can either of you have a defined benefit pension plan. Neither of you can be involved in a pending bankruptcy. Lastly, there cannot be any restraining orders in place between you and there cannot be another divorce action already in progress.

If you meet these requirements and are committed to working amicably with your spouse, the process is relatively straightforward. You'll need to file certain paperwork with the court, which includes financial affidavits detailing your income and marital assets. Financial disclosure is essential, as the court requires full transparency to ensure an equitable settlement. Once the paperwork is submitted, the judge will review it and, if everything is in order, grant the divorce within 35 days.

But what if your situation doesn't fit the narrow criteria for a non-adversarial divorce but you and your spouse wish to avoid the time and expense of a traditional divorce? You can bypass the 90-day waiting period by pursuing a divorce by agreement. This means coming to terms on essential issues like property division, financial support and parenting if there are children of the marriage. The agreement can be reached by negotiation or through mediation. One spouse files the complaint and there are numerous other necessary documents to be filed, including financial affidavits and statements concerning any children involved. Parenting education is also required. However, the case can be fast-tracked by filing a Motion to Waive Statutory Time Period by Agreement of the Parties. 

Ultimately, the path you choose for your divorce depends on your circumstances and priorities. An experienced Connecticut divorce attorney can advise you at all stages of the process.

The O'Neil Law Firm proudly serves people throughout Hartford, Middlesex and Tolland counties in divorce and related matters. For a free initial consultation, call 866-418-7593 or contact us online.