CONNECTICUT DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE:
A MAJOR CHANGE IN COURT PROCEDURE

Court Procedures in all family law matters were changed dramatically effective October 1, 1997. The most significant change is the implementation of automatic orders that take effect for the plaintiff upon the signing of the writ and for the defendant upon service of the writ. These orders freeze all marital assets, restrict changes in insurance coverage, prohibit the removal of children out of the jurisdiction and require all parents to participate in a parenting education program within sixty (60) days.

Additionally, the new procedures create a case management program which is hoped will speed most dissolutions to final hearing in less time than had been the case under the old system. Due to the case management deadlines, clients will have to be better prepared to provide their attorneys with employment and financial information and records much earlier in the process.

Finally, in recognition of the growing number of Pro Se divorces (in which an individual represents him/herself without the assistance of legal counsel) filed in Connecticut, the Courts have developed new forms which can be completed by checking the appropriate boxes.