Divorce Lawyer in Hartford, CT — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Hartford, Connecticut can significantly impact your financial future, custody arrangements, and overall peace of mind. Whether you're navigating a contested divorce, dividing substantial assets, or pursuing an uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Hartford — including court procedures, costs, residency requirements, and affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Hartford?

You may need a Hartford divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Disputes over child custody, visitation, or decision-making

• High-conflict communication or emotional volatility

• Real estate, retirement accounts, stock options, or investments

• A business or professional practice

• Disagreements about alimony (spousal support)

• Domestic violence or need for a restraining order

• Suspected hidden income or assets

• A case requiring mediation, hearings, or trial

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

• Parenting schedules

• Child support and alimony

• Division of assets and debts

• Retirement and investment accounts

• Marital home and real estate decisions

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Hartford divorce documents for a fraction of the cost of using an attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Hartford, CT

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

Primary Filing Location

Hartford Judicial District Courthouse
90 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 706-5100

This courthouse handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & visitation

• Child support & alimony

• Protection orders

• Mediation & family services

• Hearings & trials

Connecticut supports e-filing through the statewide E-Services Portal.

Connecticut Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Hartford, one spouse must meet one of the following:

• Lived in Connecticut for at least 12 months before filing, OR

• Lived in Connecticut when the marriage occurred and intends to remain, OR

• The cause for divorce happened in Connecticut

Connecticut recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorce grounds.

How Divorce Works in Hartford, CT

Here’s the typical Connecticut family-court process:

1. File the Complaint for Divorce

This begins the case and outlines the grounds and relief requested.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed by:

• State marshal

• Certified mail (limited situations)

• In-person service

• Acceptance of service

3. 90-Day Cooling-Off Period

Connecticut requires a 90-day statutory waiting period, which may be waived for simplified or uncontested divorce cases.

4. Mandatory Financial Affidavits

Each spouse must provide:

• Detailed financial affidavit

• Tax returns

• Pay stubs

• Retirement, investment & bank statements

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Hartford County requires:

• Parenting Education Program

• Mediation through Family Services

• A detailed Parenting Plan

6. Mediation, Negotiation, or Trial

Uncontested cases move quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary support hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

A judge signs the final decree, ending the marriage.

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

Attorney fees in Hartford vary by complexity and the number of contested issues.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $300–$550

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

• Contested divorce: $12,000–$28,000+

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

Custody disputes and significant assets substantially increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Hartford, CT

Here are respected Hartford divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Flaherty Legal Group

https://www.flahertylegalgroup.com

2. The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ferry, LLC

https://www.ferrylaw.com

3. Freed Marcroft LLC

https://www.freedmarcroft.com

These firms specialize in contested custody cases, mediation, high-asset divorce, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

For low-conflict or uncontested divorces, you may not need to hire a Hartford attorney.

Divorce.com offers flat-fee solutions:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Connecticut divorce forms.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file everything with the Hartford Judicial District.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist supports your entire case.

These services help couples avoid costly litigation while ensuring accuracy and compliance.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Hartford divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is disputed

• Domestic violence or fear is a factor

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or substantial assets

• You suspect hidden income or irregular finances

• The case may require hearings or trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Hartford Couples

• Connecticut-specific divorce forms

• Transparent, flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & cheaper than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Hartford couples navigate divorce with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Hartford Divorce Today

Whether you choose a traditional attorney or an online divorce platform, getting started is the most important step. Divorce.com offers an affordable, efficient, and stress-free path forward for Hartford families.