In the state of Connecticut, numerous divorce cases are being reported every day. The database of divorce records is increasing daily. But the good news is that, the divorce records are maintained systematically by the Superior Court of the county.
In Connecticut, most of the vital records are stored at the Connecticut Department of Public Health State Office of Vital Records, but it is the county's Superior court (the court where the decree was filed), that files as well as maintains these records.
In Connecticut, most counties maintain divorce records for 15 years. Any divorce record filed prior to 15 years may be archived and will take longer to investigate. Usually requests for records within the last 15 years takes around 7 to 10 days to process. But the archived records might take longer, and it is possible that there might be an additional fee for this service. It is always advisable to check at the county whether there are any charges for additional research or not.
To request a divorce record in the state of Connecticut, you need to include the full name of the spouse, date and year the verdict was issued, and the city and county where the divorce was granted. You must also include your relationship with the person involved in the record, and your objective for the request. You also need to provide a valid photo ID while you are placing the request, along with your name and your current address. Without these, your request might not be accepted.
This could be done in three easy steps. First, to obtain a Connecticut divorce record, you need to get in touch with the Superior Court where the decree was issued. To locate the correct office where you need to contact, please visit the Connecticut Directory of Superior Courts. Secondly, to find out the correct fees and the other requirements for a divorce record request, you are required to get in touch with the specific office or branch of the Superior Court. Lastly, a proper written request for a divorce record along with the required fee and authenticated official photo ID, including your relationship with the person mentioned in the record that will prove that you have an interest in the record should be provided to the Superior Court.
For further information on Connecticut divorce records you can contact:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
State Office of Vital Records
410 Capital Avenue MS#11VRS
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Phone: (860) 509-7700
The information is in the public domain, and so anyone can access it. However, The Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) passed in 1966 safeguards divorce records, along with other vital records in both the County and State level. The State also recognizes the privacy of the divorced. So, though the details regarding the divorce are available, but the information you can get is restricted. You cannot learn about the personal details such as the reasons for seeking divorce, the way the asset and liabilities were distributed, alimony amount, information about child custody and such others.
To request copies of Connecticut divorce decrees, follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
To obtain a Connecticut divorce decree or full record, you must contact the Superior Court in which the decree was issued. Go to the Connecticut Directory of Superior Courts to locate the correct office to contact.
Step 2.
Contact the specific office or branch of the Superior Court to find out correct fees and requirements for divorce decree requests.
Step 3.
Provide the Superior Court with the proper written request for a divorce decree or full divorce record along with the required fee, and include your relationship to the parties of the decree that proves you have a verifiable interest in the record.
For more information, the following office can assist you:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
State Office of Vital Records
410 Capital Avenue MS#11VRS
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Phone: (860) 509-7700
Where Connecticut Divorce Records Are Maintained
The Connecticut Department of Public Health State Office of Vital Records maintains most vital records, but divorce records are not kept at this office. Instead, all divorce records are filed and maintained by the Superior Court of the county in which the divorce decree was filed.
Turnaround Time for Connecticut Divorce Record Requests
Most counties in Connecticut will maintain divorce records for 15 years. Subsequently, any divorce record filed more than 15 years ago may be archived and will take longer to research. While most requests for records within the last 15 years will take about 7 to 10 days to process, archived records may take longer, and these may have additional fees. Check with the county for any additional research charges.
Information Required for Divorce Requests
The State of Connecticut requires divorce record requests to include the full name of the husband, full name of wife, date and year the decree was issued, and the city and county in which the divorce was issued. You must also include your relationship to the parties involved in the decree and the purpose for the request.