Responding to a motion in Connecticut family court

The deadline to watch

For many motions, you have 5 business days from the date the motion was filed to object in writing. Business days are Monday through Friday, not counting court holidays. Even when a hearing is scheduled, filing a written objection early tells the court your side before the event.

Check your Appearance too. You need a current Appearance (form JD-CL-12) with a valid email on file to receive notices. For a remote court event, file it at least 5 days before the event if you have not already.

Path 1: Object

Your objection is a written response filed in the same case, under the same docket number. Go through the motion paragraph by paragraph and state what is not true or what it leaves out, with dates and amounts. The court decides on facts, so "I paid $200 every Friday from January through April" does more than "I always paid."

File the objection with the clerk or through E-Services, and deliver a copy to the other party or their attorney, stating at the end of the document when and how you sent it.

Path 2: Agree, without a written agreement

If you agree with what the motion asks and nothing is in writing, the court event goes forward and the judge hears both of you. You can say there that you agree. The order the judge enters is what binds you both, so read it when it arrives and keep it.

Path 3: Agree in writing, and skip the hearing

If you and the other party both sign a written agreement resolving the motion, the court can approve it without either of you coming to court:

• While the case is pending, the request form is the Request for Approval of Temporary Agreement Without Court Appearance (form JD-FM-263). It is not available for continuances, restraining orders, or Family Support Magistrate matters.
• After judgment, it is the Request for Approval of Final Agreement Without Court Appearance (form JD-FM-282).
• If the agreement covers custody or parenting time, the court's form for the plan itself is the Custody Agreement and Parenting Plan (form JD-FM-284).
• If child support is involved and Support Enforcement Services is in the case, the Assistant Attorney General must also sign.

An approved agreement becomes a court order. Until the court approves it, the existing orders remain in effect.

Money and children paperwork

Whatever path you take, some motions carry required attachments:

• Alimony, support, or fees: both parties' sworn Financial Affidavits (form JD-FM-6) must be on file at least 5 business days before any hearing.
• Child support: the Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines Worksheet (form CCSG-1) is required at any hearing on child support.
• Alimony or child support: the Advisement of Rights Re: Income Withholding (form JD-FM-71) is required at any hearing.
• Custody or visitation: an Affidavit Concerning Children (form JD-FM-164) must be on file before the court makes any order about custody or visitation.

Before you file, check four things

1. 1.The caption matches the case: the same party names, docket number, and court as the papers you were served with.
2. 2.Your response names the motion it responds to by its exact title.
3. 3.Every fact you state carries its date or amount.
4. 4.You have a copy for yourself and a copy for the other party.

Filing online

You can file through the Judicial Branch's E-Services system at eservices.jud.ct.gov. Enroll to create a User ID and password, activate your account through the emailed link, then request electronic access to your case, which the clerk approves if someone else started the case. Choose your User ID carefully; it cannot be changed and appears on every document you file. If the deadline is close and you are not yet enrolled, paper filing at the clerk's office is the safer route.

What happens next

If you objected, the court event goes forward and the judge decides after hearing both sides or reviewing the papers. If you filed a written agreement with the request for approval, watch the mail and your email for the court's ruling; if the court wants to hear from you before approving, it schedules an event. Keep every order you receive.

Where to get help

Connecticut's Court Service Centers offer free help for self-represented parties. The clerk's office can answer questions about procedure but cannot give legal advice. Legal aid organizations serve people who qualify. If you want legal advice, talk to a licensed Connecticut attorney.