Divorce Lawyer in Bridgeport, CT — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Bridgeport, Connecticut is a crucial step toward protecting your rights, securing a fair financial outcome, and ensuring stability for your children. Whether you’re navigating a contested divorce, handling substantial assets, or preparing for an uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Bridgeport — including court processes, attorney costs, residency requirements, and affordable alternatives to traditional representation.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Bridgeport?

You may need a Bridgeport divorce lawyer if your situation involves:

• Custody, visitation, or parenting schedule disputes

• High-conflict communication or uncooperative behavior

• Real estate, pensions, stock accounts, or investment assets

• A business, professional practice, or multiple properties

• Disagreements about alimony

• Domestic violence or restraining order needs

• Suspected hidden income, offshore accounts, or assets

• A case expected to require hearings, mediation, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning you and your spouse agree on:

• Parenting schedules & custody

• Child support & alimony

• Division of assets & debts

• Real estate & retirement accounts

• Who stays in the home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Bridgeport divorce documents for far less than hiring an attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Bridgeport, CT

Divorces in Bridgeport are handled by the Connecticut Superior Court — Fairfield Judicial District.

Primary Filing Location

Fairfield Judicial District Courthouse
1061 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 579-6527

This courthouse handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting plans

• Child support & alimony

• Motions to modify or enforce agreements

• Domestic violence restraining orders

• Mediation & family services

• Hearings & trials

Connecticut offers e-filing through the state’s electronic filing system (E-Services Portal).

Connecticut Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Bridgeport, one of the following must be true:

• You or your spouse lived in Connecticut for at least 12 months before filing, OR

• You lived in Connecticut when you were married and intend to live here permanently, OR

• The cause for divorce happened after you moved to Connecticut

Connecticut allows for both no-fault and fault-based divorces.

How Divorce Works in Bridgeport, CT

Here is how the divorce process usually proceeds in Fairfield County:

1. File the Divorce Complaint

This initiates your case and outlines basic information.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service options include:

• State marshal

• Certified mail (limited circumstances)

• Process server

• Voluntary acceptance

3. Mandatory 90-Day Waiting Period

Connecticut requires a 90-day cooling-off period before finalizing a divorce (may be waived in certain uncontested cases).

4. Mandatory Financial Affidavits

Both spouses must exchange:

• Detailed financial affidavits

• Pay stubs & tax returns

• Bank & retirement statements

• Property valuations

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Bridgeport requires:

• Parenting Education Program

• Mediation through Family Services

• A detailed parenting plan

6. Mediation, Negotiation, or Court Hearings

Uncontested cases move quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary motions

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

A judge signs the decree, formally ending the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Bridgeport, CT?

Attorney fees in Bridgeport vary based on complexity and conflict level.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $300–$550

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $3,000–$6,000

• Contested divorce: $10,000–$25,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $30,000–$80,000+

Custody disputes significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Bridgeport, CT

Here are trusted Bridgeport divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. The Law Offices of Catherine C. Maio

https://www.catherinemaio.com

2. The Law Offices of Thomas M. Shanley, P.C.

https://www.shanleylawct.com

3. Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC (serving Fairfield County)

https://www.bomdlaw.com

These firms handle contested custody, high-asset divorce, mediation, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you may not need traditional attorney representation.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee alternatives:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Connecticut divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file all documents with the Fairfield Judicial District.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist manages your entire case.

These options are ideal for couples who agree on the terms of their divorce.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Bridgeport divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is contested

• Domestic violence is present

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or substantial assets

• You suspect hidden income or property

• The case may require hearings or trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Bridgeport Couples

• Connecticut-specific forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested divorce cases

Divorce.com helps Bridgeport couples complete their divorce with confidence and support.

Start Your Bridgeport Divorce Today

Whether you choose attorney representation or use an online platform, getting started is the key. Divorce.com offers a simple, affordable, and stress-free way to complete your divorce in Bridgeport.