Colorado divorce at a glance
Official source: Colorado court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Colorado: step by step
Colorado is pure no-fault with a mandatory 91-day waiting period and uniform statewide forms. Here is the path to a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
- Confirm you can file in Colorado
One spouse must have been a Colorado resident for 91 days. Colorado is pure no-fault (irretrievable breakdown), with a mandatory 91-day waiting period.Source: C.R.S. § 14-10-106 - Generate your forms
Use the statewide JDF forms: the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Case Information Sheet, and Summons (or file jointly as co-petitioners).Source: Colorado JDF forms - File with the District Court
File with the District Court and pay about $230, or file a fee-waiver motion (JDF 205).Source: JDF 205 (fee waiver) - Serve your spouse (or co-petition)
Serve your spouse, or file jointly as co-petitioners so no service is needed.Source: C.R.C.P. 4 - Complete disclosures and support (if children)
Both spouses file a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111); if you have children, complete the child-support worksheet (JDF 1820M/1821M).Source: C.R.S. § 14-10-115 - Finalize after the 91-day wait
After the 91-day waiting period, submit your decree; the court enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.Source: Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Colorado?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Colorado
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Colorado divorce take?
A mandatory 91-day waiting period from filing (or from service) before the decree can enter — it cannot be waived. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Colorado divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Low. The statewide JDF forms are uniform; some districts add case-management orders but not substitute forms.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Prepare a Colorado joint divorce petition
Prepare an unsigned JDF 1011 joint petition with or without children. This starting path supports up to eight living common children, including adults, with JDF 1091 and complete minor-child residence histories where needed. Actual residency, joint-filing choices and family facts are reviewed explicitly; starting together does not require pretending all financial terms are already settled. A separate private JDF 1000 interview prepares the sealed case information sheet, including every required child under nineteen within its eight-row capacity. Private identifiers are never placed in saved public answers or history. Unknown identifiers, protected contacts, extra people or unsupported circumstances need further preparation. Actual signatures and filing, financial disclosures, parenting and support documents, agreements, proposed final orders and county requirements remain separate. These are starting drafts, not a complete divorce packet.
Organize your case →Why LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Colorado divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Colorado?
No lawyer is required: Colorado courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat prepares selected Colorado form drafts free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Colorado to file for divorce?
One spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for 91 days before filing. Confirm the current rule with the official Colorado court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Colorado?
The court filing fee is about $230 for the petitioner (plus about $116 for a co-petitioner or respondent). File a motion to waive fees (JDF 205, with the order on JDF 206). LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.