How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Connecticut? 2025

One of the most common questions about divorce is, “How much does a divorce cost in Connecticut?” Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict upfront exactly what a divorce will cost. Each divorce is as unique as the family involved, and there are many factors that influence the cost of a divorce.

Understanding Divorce Costs

In general, the cost of any divorce is made up of the divorce attorney or mediator fees, filing fees, and court fees. Divorce attorneys typically charge by the hour. That means that the more complicated a divorce case is, the more time the attorney will have to spend on it and the more it will cost. Factors that impact attorney fees include the experience and reputation of the attorney and the location of their office, as well as:

• A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement – In general, a solid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can streamline the divorce process significantly by having many of the main issues of dissolution of marriage decided in advance.
• The complexity of dividing assets – Fewer assets or clear division between marital assets and individual assets can require much less time. More substantial assets often require extensive inspection or valuation, which leads to additional expenses.
• Spousal support or alimony – If one spouse is financially dependent on the other, they can request alimony, which can be complicated and time-consuming to negotiate
• Child custody and support – Custody and child support are technically separate legal processes from divorce, but when a couple with children separates, they are essential elements that must be included.

In some cases, other services may be required, and each has its own fees, such as divorce or parenting education classes and psychiatric evaluations for the spouses or children. It is also important to note that the presence of abuse, domestic violence, addiction, or other issues that impact the family may also increase the complexity of the case.

The biggest predictor of the costs of a divorce is how contentious these issues are. If the divorce is uncontested, meaning spouses can reach an agreement on their own or through mediation, the overall cost of the divorce will be considerably lower than for contested divorces, where each issue must be decided in family court. Each hearing or court date may require hours of additional preparation for your legal team.

Special Issues for High Net Worth Cases

When a family has a high net worth, there can often be complex challenges that other families may not face due to high incomes, extensive individual assets, business ownership, and substantial marital assets. Some issues that often impact high-net-worth couples differently include:

• Asset protection
• Estate planning
• Identifying assets
• Business valuation
• Retirement accounts and investments
• Real estate and other high-value property
• Trusts and gifts
• Tax implications
• Intellectual property
• Lifestyle considerations in spousal and child support
• Potential hidden assets
• The need for professionals such as forensic accountants
• Privacy

Protect Yourself and Minimize Costs

The most effective way to protect yourself and minimize divorce costs is to plan ahead. Having a thorough pre- or post-marital agreement can make divorce less stressful. Keeping detailed records and performing regular inventory and appraisal of all individual and marital assets can help you protect your finances. Work with a financial planner and estate planner to take advantage of tax laws and asset protection plans.

The most successful outcomes are often from former spouses who can cooperate with each other and employ tactics that reduce time in court, such as divorce mediation. In addition, spouses should avoid false accusations, stalling tactics, and other emotional manipulation.

FAQs

Q: Who Pays for a Divorce in Connecticut?

A: Generally, in Connecticut, each spouse pays for their own lawyer fees, court fees, and filing fees with their individual money. In some cases, marital assets can be used to pay for reasonable legal expenses. In addition, a judge may order one spouse to pay for all the legal and court fees if there is a significant difference in the spouses’ financial circumstances. A qualified divorce attorney can help you determine how the laws apply to your case.

Q: What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Connecticut?

A: A simple divorce, where there are minimal marital assets to divide, no children to make decisions about, and the couple was married for less than ten years, can cost as little as the filing fee. However, for the majority of marriages, which do involve asset division and child custody and support, working with your former spouse to reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce will keep you out of court and keep your expenses as low as possible.

Q: Is Connecticut a 50/50 State for Assets?

A: No, Connecticut uses the equitable distribution method of dividing assets between spouses in a divorce, which means that the court tries to split marital property fairly. This is rarely a 50/50 split and takes several factors into account, such as the length of the marriage, the number of children, and both spouse’s incomes.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced in Connecticut?

A: Connecticut has a 90-day waiting period between when you can file for divorce and when the divorce can be finalized. However, in cases where both spouses agree on all the terms of the divorce, they may be able to waive the waiting period. Uncontested divorces can sometimes be finalized in just over a month. Contested divorces can take months or more since they can often require multiple hearings and court dates.

Contact Reich & Truax, PLLC

The trusted divorce team at Reich & Truax, PLLC, has extensive experience representing high-net-worth clients in divorces and child custody issues. Our family law attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal solutions and work tirelessly toward your desired outcome.

We have the skills, knowledge, and resources to resolve your divorce disputes, whether through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Reach out today to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options.