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Dissolution of Civil Union Complaint

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DISSOLUTION OF CIVIL UNION COMPLAINT

JD-FM-159A Rev. 10-18

C.G.S. § 46b-38tt; P.A. 18-14;

P.B. § 25-2, et seq.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

SUPERIOR COURT

www.jud.ct.gov

CROSS COMPLAINT CODE ONLY

CRSCMP

Complaint:

Complete this form. Attach a completed Summons (JD-FM-3), a Notice of Automatic Court Orders (JD-FM-158) and a blank Appearance (JD-CL-12).

Amended Complaint.

Cross Complaint: Complete this form and attach to the Answer (JD-FM-160) unless it is already filed.

ADA NOTICE

The Judicial Branch of the State of Connecticut complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA, contact a court clerk or an ADA contact person listed at www.jud.ct.gov/ADA.

Judicial District of

At (Town)

Return date (Month, day, year)

Docket number

Plaintiff's name (Last, First, Middle Initial)

Defendant's name (Last, First, Middle Initial)

1. Plaintiff's birth name if different from above

2. Defendant's birth name if different from above

3. Date of civil union

4. Town and state, or country where civil union took place

5. (Check all that apply)

plaintiff defendant

The ("X" one) has lived in Connecticut for at least twelve months before the filing of this dissolution of civil union complaint or before the dissolution of civil union will become final.

plaintiff defendant lived in Connecticut at the time of the civil union, moved away, and then returned to Connecticut, planning to live here permanently.

plaintiff defendant

The civil union broke down after the ("X" one) moved to Connecticut.

6. A dissolution of the civil union is being sought because: (Check all that apply)

This civil union has broken down irretrievably and there is no possibility of getting back together.

Other (must be reason(s) listed in Connecticut General Statute § 46b-40(c)):

Check and complete all that apply for items 7-14. Attach additional sheets if needed.

7. No children were born to either the plaintiff or defendant after the date of this civil union.

8. There are no minor children of this civil union.

9. The following children have been born to the ("X" all that apply) plaintiff defendant or have been adopted before, on, or after the date of this civil union and the other party to this civil union is the parent/adoptive parent.

(List only children who have not yet reached the age of 23.)

Name of Child (First, Middle Initial, Last)
Date of Birth (Month, day, year)

10. The following children were born after the date of this civil union to the ("X" all that apply) plaintiff defendant and are not the children of the other party to this civil union.

Name of Child (First, Middle Initial, Last)
Date of Birth (Month, day, year)

11. The ("X" all that apply) plaintiff defendant is pregnant with a child due to be born on (date)

12. If there is a court order about any child listed above, name the child(ren) below and the person or agency awarded custody or providing support:

Child's name
Name of person or agency

13. The ("X" all that apply) plaintiff defendant or any of the child(ren) listed above has received financial support from the State of Connecticut. ("X" one)

Yes No Do not know

If yes, send a copy of the Summons, Complaint, Notice of Automatic Court Orders and any other documents filed with this Complaint to the Assistant Attorney General, 55 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106, and file the Certification of Notice (JD-FM-175) with the court clerk.

14. The ("X" all that apply) plaintiff defendant or any of the child(ren) listed above has received financial support from a city or town in Connecticut. ("X" one)

Yes (State city or town: ) No Do not know

If yes, send a copy of the Summons, Complaint, Notice of Automatic Court Orders and any other documents filed with this Complaint to the City Clerk of the town providing assistance and file the Certification of Notice (JD-FM-175) with the court clerk.

The Court is asked to order: (Check all that apply)

A dissolution of civil union.
Visitation.
A fair division of property and debts.
Name change to:
Alimony.
Sole custody.
Child Support.
Joint legal custody, Primary residence with:
An order for the post-majority educational support of the child(ren) pursuant to C.G.S. § 46b-56c.

And anything else the Court deems fair.

Signature

Print name of person signing

Date signed

Address

Juris number (If applicable)

Telephone (Area code first)

If this is an Amended Complaint or a Cross Complaint, you must mail or deliver a copy to anyone who has filed an appearance and you must complete the certification below.

Certification

I certify that a copy of this document was or will immediately be mailed or delivered electronically or non-electronically on

(date) to all attorneys and self-represented parties of record and that written consent for electronic delivery was received from all attorneys and self-represented parties of record who received or will immediately be receiving electronic delivery.

Name and address of each party and attorney that copy was or will be mailed or delivered to*

*If necessary, attach additional sheet or sheets with name and address which the copy was or will be mailed or delivered to.

Signed (Signature of filer)

Print or type name of person signing

Date signed

Mailing address (Number, street, town, state and zip code)

Telephone number

JD-FM-159A Rev. 10-18

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What a Dissolution of Civil Union Complaint Is and When It’s Used

A Dissolution of Civil Union Complaint is a formal court pleading that asks a court to terminate a civil union and resolve related issues such as property division, support, custody, and attorney fees. It initiates a family law case and sets the parties, legal grounds, and relief requested. The complaint identifies the petitioner, respondent, jurisdictional basis, and factual grounds for dissolution, and it must comply with court rules for format, service, and filing. Courts control timelines and may require additional filings such as financial affidavits and temporary relief motions.

Why a Proper Complaint Matters for Legal Clarity and Court Processing

A correctly drafted complaint clarifies each party’s claims and speeds case management by providing required jurisdictional facts, relief requested, and service instructions. Courts rely on complete pleadings to set hearings, enter temporary orders, and schedule settlement conferences.

Why a Proper Complaint Matters for Legal Clarity and Court Processing

Who Typically Prepares or Files a Dissolution Complaint

The complaint is prepared by the petitioner, often with attorney assistance, and filed with the family or superior court in the appropriate jurisdiction.

  • Self-represented petitioners who want to start the dissolution process and meet court filing requirements
  • Family law attorneys drafting pleadings, exhibits, and temporary relief motions on behalf of clients
  • Court clerks and mediators who review filings for completeness and route matters for hearing or alternative dispute resolution

Step-by-Step: Completing and Filing the Complaint

Follow these steps in order to prepare a complete complaint and proceed through initial court intake.

  • 01
    Draft: Assemble parties, jurisdictional facts, grounds, and relief sought in standard pleading format.
  • 02
    Attach Documents: Include financial affidavits, prenuptial agreements, and any exhibits supporting jurisdiction or relief.
  • 03
    File: Submit to the appropriate family or superior court using court e-filing or paper submission per local rules.
  • 04
    Serve: Serve the respondent according to state rules and file proof of service with the court.

How to Customize and Submit the Complaint Online

Configure an online workflow that matches the court’s e-filing requirements and preserves a clear audit trail for service and signatures.

Document Format PDF/A or court-preferred PDF with searchable text and embedded page numbers for reliable review.
Signature Method Use platform authentication consistent with court guidance; many courts accept e-filed documents but not external e-signatures for pleadings.
Supporting Uploads Attach exhibits, financial affidavits, and proof-of-service forms as separate labeled PDFs.
Filing Account Register with the court’s e-filing portal and match filer details to the complaint caption.
Audit Record Preserve timestamped logs and signer identity evidence for the record in case of disputes.

Where to File and How Court Filing Usually Proceeds

Filing and processing routes depend on the court system; confirm local intake procedures before submission.

  • Local Family Court: File in the county or district where the petitioner meets residency requirements.
  • Court E-Filing: Many jurisdictions require or permit filings through an authorized e-filing portal with account registration.
  • Paper Filing: If e-filing is unavailable, submit printed originals to the clerk and request filing-stamped copies.
  • Service Process: After filing, arrange personal service, certified mail, or other court-approved service methods and file proof.

Digital Signing and eSubmission: Technical Requirements and Integrations

Ensure any eSignature or e-filing path meets court rules for authentication, audit trails, and record reproduction before relying on electronic execution.

  • File Types: PDF (searchable) preferred; avoid native Word for official filing.
  • Authentication: Email+code, SMS, or stronger KBA for signer attribution where required.
  • Integrations: Integrate with court e-filing portals or document management systems for seamless submission.

Typical Deadlines and Court Scheduling to Expect

Timeframes vary by state and court calendar. These common milestones indicate when key actions typically occur after filing.

Response Period:

Respondent usually has a statutory period to answer, commonly 20–30 days after service.

Temporary Orders:

Motions for temporary support or custody may be heard within 7–30 days depending on court urgency.

Mandatory Disclosures:

Financial disclosures are often due within 30 days of filing or as ordered by the court.

Trial or Final Hearing:

Scheduling varies widely; some matters resolve within months, others take a year or more.

Service Deadlines:

Courts may require service and proof within a fixed period, commonly 90–120 days after filing.

Key Milestones from Filing to Final Order

A typical case advances through defined stages; each milestone focuses on a discrete procedural or evidentiary action.

01

Filing Submitted

Court accepts the complaint and assigns a case number and judge.

02

Service Completed

Respondent is served and proof of service is filed with the court.

03

Temporary Relief Hearings

Court may hear immediate requests for support, custody, or injunctions.

04

Final Hearing or Settlement

Court enters a final decree or approves a settlement agreement resolving issues.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete jurisdictional facts that lead the court to question its authority to decide the case.
  • Failing to attach required financial disclosures and schedules required by local rule.
  • Improper or late service of process, resulting in continuances or dismissal for failure to prosecute.
  • Submitting unsigned or improperly notarized documents when the court specifically requires originals.

Legal Risks and Consequences of Errors in the Complaint

Dismissal Risk: Incomplete pleadings or improper service can lead to dismissal of the complaint
Sanctions: False statements or failure to comply with court orders may expose parties to sanctions
Enforcement Exposure: Failing to request or reserve relief may limit later enforcement options
Delay Costs: Errors cause continuances, increasing attorney fees and emotional stress
Support Obligations: Late or incomplete financial disclosures can trigger retroactive support orders
Jurisdictional Loss: Incorrect venue or residency facts may require refiling in the proper court

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Dissolution Complaint

A complete pleading improves judicial processing and supports the relief requested. Include these six core elements with clear supporting facts.

Caption

Court name, county, case number placeholder, and parties named in the standard caption format required by local rules.

Parties

Full legal names, addresses, and residency statements for petitioner and respondent to establish venue and jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction

Statutory residency facts and dates showing the court has authority to hear the dissolution under state law.

Grounds

Allege the statutory ground(s) for dissolution (no-fault or fault-based) with concise factual support required by jurisdiction.

Relief Sought

Specify requested remedies: dissolution, property division, child custody and support, spousal support, attorney fees, and other orders.

Verification

Signed verification or affidavit by the petitioner stating the truth of factual allegations; include notary if required by the court.

eSignature Pricing Snapshot for Filing and Signing Legal Pleadings

Pricing and feature availability influence platform choice for preparers and law firms. This table shows starting prices and key distinctions; verify plan details with each vendor.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Dissolution of Civil Union Complaints

Answers to common procedural and technical questions about preparing, filing, and submitting a dissolution complaint in the United States.


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