Divorce records in Litchfield, Connecticut, are available through several channels. LitchfieldCourt.us allows you to find publicly available information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the court that issued the divorce decree, the Town Clerk, or the state's Vital Records Office in Connecticut. Each of these institutions maintains different types of documents, so the choice depends on the specific document you need.
Litchfield Divorce Records Search
In the state of Connecticut, divorce cases (dissolution of marriage) are handled by the Superior Court. For the Litchfield area, this is the Litchfield Superior Court — it is the office of this court that keeps complete court cases, including divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office does not keep copies of divorce decrees. This office can only issue a divorce certificate, which confirms the fact of the dissolution of marriage but does not contain details of the agreement.
Note: The Town Clerk of Litchfield explicitly states that court records, including divorce decrees, are not stored in their office. To obtain such documents, you need to contact the Litchfield Superior Court.
Litchfield Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Litchfield
The structure for storing divorce records in Connecticut differs from many other states. Here's what you need to know.
Superior Court — Complete Court Case
Litchfield Superior Court handles all divorce cases in the Litchfield judicial district. After a decree is issued, it remains in the court's office. It is here that the following are stored:
- Divorce decree / dissolution decree
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Alimony and other financial obligations orders
- All procedural documents filed by the parties
If you need a complete copy of the court's decision or any document from the case — contact the office of the Litchfield Superior Court.
Connecticut Department of Public Health — Divorce Certificate
The State Vital Records Office only issues certificates (divorce certificates) that confirm the fact of the dissolution of marriage. This office does not provide copies of the court's decision. If you need such a document — for example, to confirm marital status for remarriage — contact the State Vital Records Office.
Town Clerk — Does Not Store Divorce Records
The Town Clerk's office in Litchfield is responsible for birth, death, and marriage certificates, as well as land records. Court documents, including divorce decrees, cannot be obtained here.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Litchfield
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate — State Vital Records Office | $20.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Expedited processing — State Vital Records Office | $20.00 + additional shipping fee | 1–2 weeks |
| Copy of court decree — Litchfield Superior Court | $1.00 per page (regular copy); $2.50 per certified page | Usually on the day of request for in-person visits |
| Certified copy — Litchfield Superior Court | $2.50 per page | Usually on the day of request or within a few business days by mail |