When a marriage is under strain, legal advice, private counseling, mediation and court-connected conciliation serve different purposes. M.C. Law Group provides legal advice and representation. Our lawyers are not mental-health therapists and do not provide marriage counseling.
What Is Divorce Conciliation in Connecticut?
Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-53 allows either spouse, or counsel for a minor child, to request conciliation after the return day and before judgment, within the statutory period described in the law. If requested, the parties meet with a mutually acceptable conciliator or one named by the court.
The purpose is to explore possible reconciliation or reduce the emotional conflict that can continue after a divorce. Communications during the consultations are privileged, apart from reporting whether the parties attended. Conciliation is not automatic in every divorce, and the statute should not be confused with a universal ninety-day waiting period for every Connecticut case.
Conciliation, Counseling and Mediation Are Different
- Private counseling is provided by a qualified mental-health professional and may focus on the relationship, communication or individual well-being.
- Statutory conciliation is the limited process authorized by Section 46b-53.
- Divorce mediation helps spouses work toward agreements about parenting, support, property and other legal issues. A mediator does not act as each spouse’s individual lawyer.
- Independent legal advice explains rights, risks and the effect of a proposed agreement.
When Legal Advice Can Help
Even when spouses hope to reconcile, it may be important to understand temporary finances, parenting arrangements, housing and filing deadlines. If settlement discussions continue, each spouse should understand the terms before signing an agreement. Concerns about coercion, hidden assets, family violence or child safety require individual legal attention and may make joint counseling or mediation inappropriate.
For information about resolving a case by agreement, see our pages on divorce mediation, uncontested divorce and divorce agreements.
Discuss a Connecticut Family-Law Matter
Call (203) 373-9080 or use the contact form on this page. Submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after a conflicts check and a written engagement agreement.
Reviewed September 2026. Connecticut law and court procedures can change. This page provides general information and is not legal advice.
