Section 25-10.—Answer to Cross Complaint

Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026

In one sentenceThis section requires a plaintiff who contests the grounds of a cross complaint to file an answer, and lets the court award the plaintiff the relief claimed in the complaint even when judgment goes on the cross complaint.

Full Text of Section 25-10

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A plaintiff in a dissolution of marriage or civil union, legal separation, or annulment matter seeking to contest the grounds of a cross complaint shall file an answer admitting or denying the allegations of such cross complaint or leaving the pleader to his or her proof. If a decree is rendered on the cross complaint, the judicial authority may award to the plaintiff such relief as is claimed in the complaint.

End

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 457.) (Amended June 28, 1999, to take effect Jan. 1, 2000; amended June 26, 2006, to take effect Jan. 1, 2007.)

Plain-English Summary

A plaintiff who wants to contest the grounds alleged in the defendant’s cross complaint files an answer admitting or denying its allegations, or leaving the defendant to their proof. Without that answer, the grounds are not in issue.

The second sentence prevents an odd result. If the decree is rendered on the cross complaint rather than the complaint, the judicial authority may still award the plaintiff the relief claimed in the complaint. Which pleading the dissolution is granted on does not decide who gets what.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to answer a cross complaint in a Connecticut divorce?

To contest the grounds of the cross complaint, the plaintiff files an answer admitting or denying its allegations or leaving the pleader to their proof.

If judgment enters on the cross complaint, do I lose my claims?

No. If a decree is rendered on the cross complaint, the judicial authority may award the plaintiff such relief as is claimed in the complaint.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 25-10). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: answer to cross complaint Connecticut divorcePractice Book section 25-10relief when judgment on cross complaint CT