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Connecticut Divorce Records.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s State Vital Records Office holds statewide ledgers for life events, such as marriages, happening in Connecticut since July 1, 1897. They do not, however, retain copies of divorce decrees. To get your hands on a Divorce Decree or Dissolution of Civil Union Decree, reach out to the Connecticut Superior Court that issued the divorce or dissolution.

The Connecticut Judicial Branch gives access to an online Case Look-up Tool, which enables you to dig through divorce records. You can search by participant name, docket number, or legal representative/law firm. When hunting by name, pick “FA” for family in the Case Category and “Dissolution of Marriage” in Case Type. You can zero in on outcomes by selecting a specific judicial zone if known.

For divorces predating 1897, the Connecticut State Library offers catalogs and compilations that can point to where a separation event occurred. Their archives feature numerous divorce indices and scanned documents accessible via the Connecticut Digital Archive.

County-Level Resources

Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
Windham County

Though state-wide searching covers larger ground, diving into county-level sources may uncover faster outcomes or allow face-to-face queries. Below are avenues for some of Connecticut’s more densely populated regions:

Hartford County

The Hartford Superior Court processes divorces for Hartford County. Stop by their office or reach out directly for file requests.

New Haven County

New Haven Superior Court holds onto divorce records for the county. They provide options for both in-person and mailed inquiries.

Fairfield County

Fairfield Judicial District Superior Court in Bridgeport deals with divorce cases for much of Fairfield County. Connect with their clerk’s office to ask for records.

New London County

The New London Superior Court supervises divorce files for New London County. They offer instructions on securing copies of divorce decrees.

Online Search Methods

The Connecticut Judicial Branch presents a Civil/Family Case Look-up resource allowing the public to access core case details. Though it doesn’t furnish entire divorce files, it can confirm case specifics and docket numbers.

FamilySearch provides a historical records database, which includes a Connecticut Divorce Index spanning 1968-1997. This can come in handy for tracing ancestry or pinpointing earlier divorce dates.

Ancestry.com also offers Connecticut divorce documents as part of their paid service. Their platform may feature records that aren’t immediately available through public avenues.

Requesting Records in Person

If you’re after divorce records in person, head to the Superior Court that finalized the divorce. Locations can be uncovered in the Connecticut Judicial Branch directory. When visiting, it’s wise to have the following:

Full names of both individuals in the divorce
Approximate divorce timeline
Known case or docket numbers, if available

Fees for certified copies usually hover around $25 per copy with an additional $1.50 service fee, following Connecticut General Statutes § 52-259c.

Obtaining Certified Copies

To secure a certified copy of a divorce decree:

Reach out to the Superior Court that handled the divorce.
Share essential identifying details.
Settle the necessary fee (typically $25 plus a $1.50 service charge).
Clarify if you’d like the copy mailed or prefer picking it up in person.

Certified copies are often essential for formal purposes, such as remarriage or legal name modifications. The Connecticut Practice Book § 7-18 specifies the process for document certification.

Tips for Successful Searches

When looking for Connecticut divorce documents:

Gather as much information as feasible before initiating your search, like full names, dates, and possible locations.
Keep in mind that records from distinct timeframes may be stored differently or in various formats.
Use several search methods, including online tools, face-to-face requests, and third-party help.
Acquaint yourself with Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-124 about the privacy of family matter records.

What are Connecticut Divorce Records?

Connecticut divorce records are formal papers that offer legal evidence of the termination of a marriage within the state. These records are handled by the Connecticut Superior Court system and hold critical details about divorce proceedings. Divorce records function as key legal documents that confirm the end of a marriage and describe the agreements settled by both parties or mandated by the court.

In Connecticut, divorce records fall under the wider group of vital records, which also cover birth, death, and marriage certificates. Divorce records, though, are controlled by the judicial system rather than the Department of Public Health. This difference matters since it changes how these records are generated, filed, and accessed.

The creation and upkeep of divorce records in Connecticut are controlled by various state laws, like Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-67, which lists the rules for submitting divorce papers. These records act not just as historical files but also as crucial references for legal or personal issues tied to the dissolution of marriage.

Types of Connecticut Divorce Records

Divorce Certificates

Divorce certificates are brief forms that give essential details about a divorce. They usually feature the names of the individuals involved, the date of the divorce, and the place where the divorce was finalized. These certificates are frequently used for swift verification and don’t include in-depth data about the divorce proceedings or rulings.

Divorce Decrees

A divorce decree, also called a judgment of divorce, is a thorough legal document given by the court that officially ends a marriage. It holds detailed information about the terms of the divorce, like:

Splitting of assets and debts
Custody and visitation plans for children
Alimony or spousal support orders
Child support arrangements

Divorce decrees stand as the most official documents on the specifics of a divorce and are often necessary for legal matters such as remarriage or enforcement of divorce conditions.

Divorce Case Files

Divorce case files represent the most extensive form of divorce record. They contain all the papers submitted to the court during the divorce process, including:

The original divorce complaint or petition
Replies from the other party
Financial statements
Custody assessments (if relevant)
Transcripts from court hearings
The final ruling and any changes after the judgment

These files offer a complete picture of the divorce case and are typically the most in-depth source of divorce details.

Information Contained in Connecticut Divorce Records

Personal Details of Parties Involved

Connecticut divorce records commonly include the following personal data about the divorcing individuals:

Full legal names
Birth dates
Home addresses when the divorce was filed
Jobs (sometimes)

Marriage Information

Facts about the marriage that’s being dissolved are also recorded:

Date of marriage
Place of marriage
Duration of the marriage

Grounds for Divorce

Connecticut is a “no-fault” divorce state, but records might still show the grounds for the divorce, which could be:

Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (the most frequent reason)
Other lawful grounds as stated in Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-40

Court Orders and Judgments

Divorce records, especially decrees and case files, contain important court rulings and decisions, such as:

Property division outcomes
Alimony or spousal support arrangements
Child custody and visitation schedules
Child support decisions and orders

Importance and Uses of Divorce Records

Legal Purposes

Divorce records play a vital role in legal matters, including:

Confirming single status for remarriage
Enforcing court orders related to property division, spousal support, or child support
Adjusting existing divorce terms through post-judgment motions
Settling disputes over divorce conditions

These records are often required by different institutions and authorities to confirm an individual’s marital status or to ensure adherence to court-ordered responsibilities.

Genealogical Research

For those studying family history, divorce records can shed light on family backgrounds. These records can help:

Trace family trees
Understand family dynamics and relationships
Uncover historical trends and customs tied to marriage and divorce

Personal Documentation

People might need their divorce records for personal reasons, such as:

Filing for name changes
Updating personal information with government offices or banks
Gaining personal closure or clarity about past relationships

Laws Governing Connecticut Divorce Records

Public Access to Divorce Records

In Connecticut, divorce records are usually public documents under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. This means that most divorce records are available to the public, with exceptions for private or sealed records.

The Connecticut Practice Book § 11-20A sets out the procedures for public access to court records, including divorce records. Though the general rule is openness, the court might limit access to protect privacy or sensitive data.

Confidentiality and Sealed Records

Some parts of divorce records may be kept private or sealed by a court order. This often happens in cases involving:

Minor children
Domestic abuse
Financial information deemed private

The rules for sealing records are outlined in Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-11, which lets the court exclude the public from certain family law matters to uphold the interest of justice.

Procedures Related to Divorce Records

Filing for Divorce in Connecticut

The process of creating divorce records begins when one files for divorce. In Connecticut, this involves:

Submitting a divorce complaint to the Superior Court
Serving the complaint to the spouse
Waiting for the legal waiting period as stated in Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-67
Attending court hearings and mediation sessions as necessary
Receiving a final divorce judgment from the court

Record Creation and Maintenance

Divorce records are made throughout the divorce process and kept by the Superior Court that granted the divorce. The Connecticut Judicial Branch handles the long-term filing and management of these records.

Amending Divorce Records

Sometimes, changes to divorce records may be needed. This could happen because of:

Mistakes in the original files
Modifications to divorce terms after the judgment
Court orders to seal or unseal certain details

FAQ

How far back do Connecticut divorce records stretch? Centralized state files start from July 1, 1897. Older files might be found at town offices or historical collections.
Can I access Connecticut divorce records via the web? Core case details are available online through the Judicial Branch website, but full files often require in-person or mailed requests.
What information is necessary to ask for a divorce file? You will need the full names of both parties, estimated divorce date, and ideally, the court or docket number.
How much does it run to acquire a divorce file in Connecticut? Certified files typically cost $25 plus a $1.50 service charge, as per state statutes.
How long does it take to get a divorce file after submitting a request? Processing durations fluctuate, but count on a few weeks for mailed requests. In-person may be quicker.
Can I ask for someone else’s divorce file? Divorce files are generally public in Connecticut, but certain personal details might be restricted.
What’s the distinction between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree? A divorce certificate is a brief notice confirming the divorce, whereas a decree outlines court rulings and decisions.
Are Connecticut divorce files public? Yes, most divorce files are accessible under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, though some personal data may be sealed.
Can I get my divorce file if I was divorced in a different state but live in Connecticut now? You’ll need to contact the court in the state where the divorce was processed.
What should I do if I can’t locate my divorce file in Connecticut? Double-check details, consider alternate spellings or name shifts, and reach out to the court for more help.