Are Divorce Records Public in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, records of divorce proceedings can be located and viewed online. However, members of the public cannot request and receive certified copies of Connecticut divorce records. These are only available to:
- Persons listed on divorce records
- Children of parties named in the divorce documents
- Parents and/or legal guardians of the divorced parties
- Legal representatives of divorced parties
When submitting a request for a Connecticut divorce record, the requester should provide the following information and documents:
- Photo ID
- Names of both parties on the divorce record (including maiden names)
- Date of the divorce
- Location of the divorce or the circuit court where it was issued
Divorce records can be sealed in the State of Connecticut, but this is not done by default. Only family courts can seal divorce records in Connecticut. To seal a record, both parties to the divorce must file a request (motion) with the relevant circuit court. The motion will be reviewed by a judge who can choose to grant or deny the request, following which the petitioner will be issued court papers to that effect. Divorce records in Connecticut may be sealed:
- If the records contain sensitive information regarding children
- To protect victims of abuse or domestic violence
- To protect banking and other personal financial information
- To prevent false or malicious information from entering the public domain
Once a divorce record is sealed, it is only available to the parties named in the record, their attorneys, and officials of the court. A third party may access this record only with a court order authorizing access to the confidential documents found in the record.
How to Find a Divorce Record in Connecticut
A Connecticut divorce record includes all the documents associated with the proceedings of the dissolution of a marriage in a Connecticut court. They include all documents generated from when divorce papers are served to when a divorce decree is issued. There are three general types of divorce documents: divorce certificates, divorce decrees, and divorce records.
Divorce records are considered court records. They may, therefore, be searched on court terminals, platforms, and third-party public record websites. Divorce records can offer personal information on minors, finances, and sensitive criminal information like domestic abuse. Because of this, divorce records, certificates, and decree availability are usually much lower than other types of public records because of the personal nature of divorces. Simply put, divorce records are significantly harder to obtain and search for than other types of public records.
Understanding Divorce Certificates in Connecticut
A divorce certificate is a legal document that contains basic information about a divorce case. Unlike other divorce papers or divorce agreements, it does not contain specific information related to the details of the divorce settlement. Information usually provided by this document includes:
- Names of the parties to the divorce
- Where the divorce took place
- When the divorce was finalized.
How to Obtain Connecticut Divorce Certificates
The State of Connecticut does not issue divorce certificates. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) does not record divorce decrees and cannot issue certificates.
Understanding Connecticut Divorce Decrees
A divorce decree is a legal document that asserts the dissolution of a marriage in the State of Connecticut and details the conditions of the settlement. It establishes the rights and responsibilities of each party as well as the terms of:
- Asset division
- Child custody and visitation rights
- Alimony
- Child support
It is a binding document, and both parties to the divorce must comply with its contents. A divorce decree is also referred to as a Judgment File. While the divorce petition is generated at the beginning of a divorce proceeding, a divorce decree is issued when the divorce is finalized. However, while selected portions of a divorce hearing may be exempt from public disclosure, a requestor may find a divorce decree online through official government repositories or third-party alternatives.
Connecticut Divorce Records
A divorce record refers to the full set of documents detailing the dissolution of a marriage in Connecticut. Divorce records are also known as dissolution of marriage records, and they comprise a complete case file of the divorce and contain all the information in the divorce decree as well as every file and report associated with the divorce, including those introduced during the proceedings. Essentially, they are a compilation of all divorce documents relevant to a petition or proceeding.
How to Find Out if Someone is Divorced in Connecticut for Free
There are a few options available to find public divorce records online in the state of Connecticut. The first is to search through the state's vital records website. This website offers a searchable database of all public divorce records in the state. Another option is to contact the clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. The clerk's office will typically provide requestors access to the public divorce records. Finally, requestors can also contact the Connecticut State Archives. The archives maintain a collection of all public records for the state, including divorce records. Requestors may also search through the archives' database online or request copies of documents in person.
To obtain copies of public divorce records in Connecticut, requestors must submit a written request to the Vital Records Office, the Superior Court Clerk's Office, or the Connecticut State Archives. The request should include the full names of both parties involved in the divorce and the date and county where the divorce was filed. Requestors must also provide a valid photo ID and pay the required fees.
Divorce records are typically available to the public, but some restrictions may exist. For example, sealed records or records that contain sensitive information may not be open to the general public. To obtain copies of these types of documents, you must submit a written request to the court that granted the divorce.
How to Obtain Connecticut Divorce Decrees
A Connecticut divorce decree is available from the Judicial District Clerk's Office in the Connecticut Superior Court where the divorce took place. When looking for a divorce decree in the state, search available records with the Superior Court Case Look-up tool. To conduct an online search, the requester will need to provide the case name (on the record) and a docket number.
This search tool only allows the public to view available records. To obtain a certified copy of a Connecticut divorce decree, the requester must submit a written request to the Superior Court, which issued the judgment. Only parties eligible to receive a divorce decree will receive a copy on request. Eligible persons are parties named on the record, their immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives. When submitting a request for the record, the request should include a valid photo ID and pertinent information about the record. Requests for divorce decrees can be submitted by mail or by paying a visit to the Superior Court, where the judgment file is located.
Connecticut Superior Courts charge $25 for a certified copy of a divorce decree.
Government public record search portals and third-party public record websites may provide court records search tools, which can help find divorce records, though record availability usually varies widely. Divorce records, in particular, may simply not be available through either source.
What is the Connecticut Divorce Index?
The State of Connecticut retains an online index of divorces that occurred in the state. This is most useful for family history records or genealogical research. It can also help identify where a particular divorce took place. The historical divorce records available in this database can be searched and viewed online, but cannot be downloaded or printed. To obtain a copy of a record, contact the Connecticut Superior Court where the associated divorce was finalized.
The divorce index is available from the History and Genealogical Unit of the Connecticut State Library. Members of the public can use the statewide search tool to find records or search for records by county. Available records include those for divorces finalized between 1968 and 1997. These records can only be viewed. The records available from these indexes are archival records.
Does Connecticut Recognize Common-Law Marriages?
Connecticut recognizes common-law marriages created in other states, as long as the other state's law accepts the union as valid. The components of common-law marriage differ slightly in each state; nonetheless, the essential features are:
- Cohabitation
- The parties presenting themselves to the world as a married couple through their actions
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), ten states and the District of Columbia (Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah) accept common-law marriages; however, several impose restrictions. Five additional states (Georgia, Idaho, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania) recognize only those created prior to a specified date.
How to Get a Divorce in Connecticut
In order to file for a divorce in Connecticut, one spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least 12 months prior to filing. The divorce must be filed in the Superior Court in the county where either spouse resides.
If both parties are able to come to an agreement on all aspects of the divorce, they can file for an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce, including child custody, child support, spousal support, and division of assets and debts.
If unable to come to an agreement on the terms of the divorce, they will need to file for a contested divorce. A contested divorce is one where the spouses cannot agree on one or more terms of the divorce and will need to have a judge decide these terms.
When filing for a contested divorce, the petitioner will need to file a number of documents with the court, including a complaint, financial affidavits, and parenting plans. They will also need to attend a number of hearings, both in front of a judge and with their spouse, in order to resolve the terms of the divorce.
What is the Difference Between a Divorce and a Legal Separation in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, there are two ways to end a marriage: divorce and legal separation. Both options have different legal implications, so it's essential to understand the difference between them before making a decision.
A divorce is a permanent legal end to a marriage. Once a divorce is finalized, the parties are no longer married and cannot remarry. A divorce decree will address issues such as child custody, child support, alimony, division of property, and division of debts.
A legal separation does not end a marriage but allows the parties to live apart and have their own financial lives. A legal separation can be converted to a divorce if one party decides to file for divorce within a year of the separation. If neither party files for divorce, the separation remains in place indefinitely.
What is Connecticut Family Law?
Connecticut's family law system is based on English common law, which was brought over by early settlers. The Connecticut General Statutes codify the state's provisions.
Although there are some similarities, Connecticut family law is not identical to federal law or the laws of other states. For example, Connecticut is one of only a few states that still recognizes common-law marriage. This means that couples who live together for a certain period of time (usually seven years) and meet certain other requirements may be considered married under state law, even if they have never had a formal ceremony or obtained a marriage license.
Another unique aspect of Connecticut family law is the state's grandparent visitation statute. This law allows grandparents to seek court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren in certain circumstances, such as when the parents are divorced or estranged.
