Colorado divorce papers: every form, fee, and filing step explained

Last updated 2026-07-09

What papers do you actually need to file for divorce in Colorado?

The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes a standardized set of forms for every stage of a dissolution case, all free to download. ^[1] What you need depends on whether you have children, property, and whether your spouse is cooperating. Here's how the core stack breaks down.

For every uncontested Colorado divorce, you need:

• JDF 1101: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (or Legal Separation)
• JDF 1102: Summons for Dissolution of Marriage
• JDF 1104: Case Information Sheet
• JDF 1000: Sworn Financial Statement (each spouse files their own)
• JDF 1115: Separation Agreement (covers property, debt, and support)
• JDF 1116: Support Orders (if you're agreeing to spousal maintenance)

If you have minor children, add:

• JDF 1113: Parenting Plan
• JDF 1222: Child Support Worksheet (there are two versions: use Worksheet A for sole physical care, Worksheet B for shared)
• JDF 1111: Affidavit Regarding Children (only needed in some counties)

At the end, the court issues:

• JDF 1117: Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

You don't fill out the decree yourself. The judge or magistrate signs it once everything is approved. What you do fill out is a proposed decree in some counties, so check your local district court's self-help page before you assume.

One form people skip is the Sworn Financial Statement. Both spouses must file one even in a completely uncontested case with no assets. Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 16.2 requires it. ^[2] Skip it and your case stalls.

All JDF forms are available at the Colorado Judicial Branch self-help center at coloradojudicial.gov. ^[1] Download the PDF versions, not third-party reprints, so you're guaranteed the current revision.

What are the residency and waiting period requirements in Colorado?

Colorado has a 91-day minimum waiting period before a dissolution decree can enter. That 91 days runs from the date your spouse is served with the petition, not from the date you file. ^[3] People confuse "filed" with "served" all the time, and it wrecks their timeline expectations.

Residency: at least one spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for 91 days before you can file. ^[3] Domicile means you intend Colorado to be your permanent home, more than that you've been physically present. Military members stationed in Colorado generally qualify.

Colorado is a no-fault state. Under C.R.S. 14-10-106, the only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." ^[3] You don't need to prove anything beyond that. No adultery, no abuse, no wrongdoing required.

If both spouses sign the petition together (a "co-petition"), the 91-day clock still applies but you skip the formal service step entirely. A co-petition is the cleanest path for a fully cooperative uncontested divorce. JDF 1101 works for both the single-petitioner and co-petitioner filing formats.

How much does it cost to file divorce papers in Colorado?

Filing fees vary by county but the Colorado Judicial Branch sets a base schedule. In most district courts the filing fee for a dissolution of marriage petition is $230. ^[4] That covers the petitioner's filing. In a co-petition, both spouses file jointly and typically pay a single fee.

Here's a realistic cost breakdown for a DIY uncontested divorce with no children and no contested assets:

Item	Typical Cost
Petition filing fee	$230
Service of process (if not co-petition)	$20-$100 (sheriff) or $50-$120 (process server)
Certified copy of decree	$20-$25
Parenting class (required if minor children)	$30-$75 per person
Form preparation service	$0-$299
Total (simple co-petition, no children)	~$250-$260
Total (served petition, with children)	~$400-$600

Fee waivers are available. If your income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level you can file a Motion to File Without Payment (JDF 205) and potentially waive the filing fee entirely. ^[4] The court clerk can tell you whether you qualify.

Neither spouse needs a lawyer. Colorado courts support self-represented (pro se) litigants, and every district court has a self-help center. That said, if the divorce involves a business, pension, or significant contested assets, a one-time consult with a divorce attorney is money well spent even if you file yourself.

How do you actually file the divorce papers in Colorado?

Once you've completed your forms, here's the sequence.

Step 1: File at the district court in your county. You file in the district court for the county where either spouse lives. ^[3] If you're in Denver, that's Denver District Court. El Paso County residents file at the 4th Judicial District. Find your county's court at coloradojudicial.gov.

Step 2: Pay the filing fee (or submit your fee waiver). The clerk will stamp your petition and give you a case number. Keep this case number on everything you submit going forward.

Step 3: Serve your spouse (unless you're co-petitioning). If only one of you is filing, the other spouse must be formally served with the Petition and Summons. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Options are a county sheriff, a licensed process server, or a certified mail method if the court permits it in your county. ^[5] After service, the server files a Proof of Service (JDF 1003) with the court.

If you filed a co-petition, skip this step. Both of you already signed.

Step 4: Exchange financial disclosures. Both spouses must exchange Sworn Financial Statements and supporting documents (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns) within 42 days of the case being filed, under C.R.C.P. 16.2. ^[2] This is mandatory even if you both agree on everything.

Step 5: File your agreements. Once you have the signed Separation Agreement, Parenting Plan (if applicable), and Child Support Worksheet, file them with the court. Some courts let you submit these at filing; others require you wait until after the 91-day period.

Step 6: Attend a brief hearing or submit for administrative review. Many uncontested Colorado divorces resolve without a contested hearing. A judge or magistrate reviews the paperwork and, if everything is in order, signs the Decree. Some courts do a short 5 to 10 minute "prove-up" hearing. Your court's self-help center will tell you which process they use.

Step 7: Get certified copies of your Decree. The Decree is your legal proof of divorce. Order at least two certified copies from the clerk. You'll need them for name changes, updating beneficiaries, refinancing property, and similar tasks.

What goes into the Separation Agreement (JDF 1115)?

The Separation Agreement is the heart of an uncontested Colorado divorce. It's the document where you and your spouse divide everything and agree on ongoing obligations. A court won't approve a vague or incomplete agreement, so this one deserves real care.

The agreement must address:

Property division. Colorado is an equitable distribution state under C.R.S. 14-10-113. ^[6] That doesn't mean 50/50 by default. It means "fair" based on factors like each spouse's economic circumstances, contribution to marital property, and how long the marriage lasted. In an uncontested case you decide what's fair and the court generally accepts it as long as the agreement isn't clearly unconscionable.

Debt allocation. List every marital debt (mortgages, car loans, credit cards, student loans) and say who's responsible for each one. Creditors aren't bound by your agreement. If your name is on a joint credit card and your spouse stops paying, the creditor will still come after you. The practical fix is to close or refinance joint accounts before or right after the divorce.

Real property. If you own a home, the agreement must state whether one spouse is buying the other out, you're selling and splitting proceeds, or one spouse is deeding their interest to the other. If there's a buyout, you'll need a separate deed (typically a Quitclaim Deed) recorded with the county.

Spousal maintenance (alimony). Colorado has a maintenance formula under C.R.S. 14-10-114 for marriages that lasted at least 3 years. ^[7] For longer marriages the advisory formula calculates an amount and duration based on gross incomes. You can agree to a different amount, waive maintenance entirely, or keep it open. Whatever you decide, put it in writing in the Separation Agreement. If you want to understand the maintenance landscape more broadly, the alimony overview is a good starting point.

Retirement accounts. If either spouse has a 401(k), pension, or IRA, the Separation Agreement should address the split. Dividing a workplace retirement account requires a separate Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a separate court order sent directly to the plan administrator. QDROs are one area where spending $500 to $1,000 on a QDRO specialist attorney can save you serious tax headaches later.

For couples completing their own paperwork, services like DivorceClear offer a $149 complete document packet that builds out JDF 1115 and the other required forms based on your specific situation. That's useful if you want a first draft you can actually review rather than staring at a blank template.

What forms do you need if you have minor children?

Adding children to the equation means more paperwork and a mandatory parenting education requirement.

Parenting Plan (JDF 1113). This form details decision-making responsibility (what Colorado calls "legal custody" in plain English, though the statute uses "decision-making") and parenting time (physical schedule). You have to address major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion, plus a detailed day-to-day schedule including holidays, school breaks, and a procedure for handling schedule changes. ^[8]

Child Support Worksheet. Colorado child support is calculated under a strict income shares model defined in C.R.S. 14-10-115. ^[9] The worksheet takes both parents' gross monthly incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, costs for health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical expenses, and spits out a presumptive monthly amount. You can use the child support calculator to estimate your number before you fill out the official worksheet.

The court can approve a child support amount that differs from the formula, but only if you both submit written findings explaining why the deviation fits the children's best interests. Judges scrutinize below-guideline amounts.

Parenting Education Class. Under C.R.S. 14-10-123.7, both parents in a Colorado divorce involving minor children must complete a court-approved parenting education program. ^[10] Most courts require you to complete it within 30 to 45 days of filing. Classes are available online and cost roughly $30 to $75 per person. You file a certificate of completion with the court.

The children themselves don't have to do anything. Courts rarely appoint a guardian ad litem in an uncontested case unless there are concerns about the children's welfare.

Can you file for divorce in Colorado without a lawyer?

Yes. Colorado allows and supports pro se (self-represented) filings. Every district court is required to have a self-help center, and the Colorado Judicial Branch's website has instructional guides that walk through each form. ^[1]

The honest answer is: it depends on your situation. A childless couple with no real estate, no retirement accounts, and modest combined debt can do this themselves from start to finish. The forms are fillable PDFs, the instructions are clear, and the clerks (though they can't give legal advice) can tell you whether your paperwork is technically complete.

Where it gets harder is when you have a house that's underwater, a spouse who goes unresponsive after being served, a pension from a government employer that requires a special QDRO, or a business interest to value. None of those situations necessarily require a full-representation lawyer, but a limited-scope consultation (sometimes called "unbundled" legal services) with a divorce lawyer for just the tricky piece is a reasonable middle ground.

For background on what the general divorce papers process looks like across states, that overview can give you context before you go deep on Colorado-specific forms.

How long does a Colorado divorce take from filing to decree?

The legal minimum is 91 days from service of process. In practice, a simple uncontested Colorado divorce with no children and no complex assets typically takes 3 to 5 months from filing to signed decree. ^[3]

What adds time:

• Errors or missing documents that cause the clerk to reject your filing (add 2 to 4 weeks)
• A spouse who is hard to locate for service (add weeks to months)
• Court backlogs (varies by county; Denver and Jefferson County have historically longer wait times)
• Required parenting class not completed before the case is set for review
• A mandatory case management conference that some courts schedule automatically

What saves time:

• Filing a co-petition (avoids service entirely)
• Submitting complete, accurate paperwork the first time
• Using a court that allows administrative review rather than requiring a hearing
• Filing in a less-backlogged county if you have genuine ties to more than one

Nothing you do can get you under 91 days. Colorado statute is explicit: "No decree of dissolution shall be entered until 91 days have elapsed from the date of service of process or the date of filing of the co-respondent's appearance." ^[3] Plan your timeline around that floor.

What happens if your spouse won't sign the divorce papers?

If your spouse refuses to sign a Separation Agreement, you don't have to wait forever. Colorado divorce law does not require both spouses to agree to the divorce. One spouse can file and the other can refuse, and the divorce still proceeds.

Here's how it works.

After your spouse is served with the Petition and Summons, they have 21 days to file a Response (35 days if served outside Colorado). ^[5] If they don't respond, you can ask the court to enter a default. You file a Motion for Default and, after a hearing, the court can grant the dissolution on the terms you proposed.

If your spouse does respond but won't agree on terms, the case becomes contested. That shifts you out of the DIY lane. You'll likely need a hearing, and the judge will divide property and set support according to Colorado law rather than your agreement. This is where attorney representation earns its keep.

A refusal to sign divorce papers does not mean you're stuck married. It usually just means the process takes longer and may require court intervention to resolve the disagreement.

How does property division work when you're filing Colorado divorce papers?

Colorado divides "marital property" equitably under C.R.S. 14-10-113. ^[6] Marital property is generally everything either spouse acquired from the date of marriage to the date of filing, with some exceptions.

Exceptions to marital property:

• Property one spouse owned before the marriage
• Gifts or inheritances received by one spouse alone during the marriage
• Property excluded by a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement

Separate property can become partially marital if it appreciated due to the other spouse's efforts or if marital funds were used to maintain it. The clearest example: a house owned before marriage that was paid down with joint income during marriage. Part of that equity is likely marital.

In your Separation Agreement, you don't have to use the word "equitable." You just divide things. The court reviews whether the agreement is unconscionable, meaning shockingly one-sided. If it's not, the court generally approves it. Couples with straightforward situations often agree on a split that makes practical sense to them even if it isn't exactly 50/50, and courts routinely approve that.

Debt follows a similar logic. Debt incurred during the marriage for marital purposes is generally marital debt. Student loans are fact-specific. Loans taken before marriage are separate, but loans taken during marriage for a degree that increased marital income get more complicated.

Colorado is not a community property state. You don't have an automatic 50/50 starting point the way you would in California or Texas. That gives you more flexibility to negotiate a split that fits your real-world situation.

What about changing your name in the divorce decree?

You can request a name restoration (returning to a prior name) directly in your Petition for Dissolution and in the Decree itself. This is the cheapest and easiest way to legally change your name after divorce. ^[11]

JDF 1101 has a section for this. If you want your former name restored, fill it in. The court includes the name change in the Decree. That Decree is then your legal documentation to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and financial accounts.

Sequence for name change after decree: 1. Get a certified copy of the Decree from the court clerk ($20 to $25) 2. Update Social Security Administration first (it's free; visit SSA.gov or a local SSA office) 3. Take your updated Social Security card to the DMV for a new driver's license 4. Update your passport (if you travel internationally) 5. Update financial accounts, employer records, and any beneficiary designations

If you forgot to include a name change in your original petition you can file a separate name change petition after the divorce, but that costs additional filing fees and takes more time. Add it to the petition from the start if you want it.

Where can you get help with Colorado divorce forms?

Several legitimate resources exist for people filing on their own.

Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Center. This is the first stop. The website at coloradojudicial.gov has all JDF forms, instructional videos, and guides organized by topic. ^[1] Most district courts also have a physical self-help center at the courthouse where staff (not lawyers) can answer procedural questions.

Colorado Legal Services. If you have a low income, Colorado Legal Services (coloradolegalservices.org) provides free or reduced-cost legal help. ^[12] They can sometimes assist with form completion or refer you to volunteer attorneys.

Law libraries. Colorado's county law libraries are open to the public and many have staff who can help you find procedural guides. The Denver County Law Library is a good example.

Online document preparation. Services that ask you questions and populate the JDF forms for you can save hours of confusion. DivorceClear's $149 document packet is one option for couples who want completed forms they can review and file themselves, rather than starting from blank PDFs.

One thing to avoid: websites selling "Colorado divorce papers" for $30 to $50 that turn out to be generic forms not tailored to Colorado's current JDF versions. Always cross-check the form number against the current version listed on coloradojudicial.gov before you file anything.

If you want to understand the bigger picture of the divorce rate in America or how other people handle this process, those resources can provide useful context even if the procedural details vary by state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the filing fee for divorce papers in Colorado?

Most Colorado district courts charge $230 to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Some counties vary slightly. If your income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, you can file JDF 205 to request a fee waiver. Additional costs include service of process ($20-$100), certified copies of the decree ($20-$25), and a mandatory parenting class ($30-$75 per person) if you have minor children.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Colorado?

The legal minimum is 91 days from service of the petition. In practice, an uncontested divorce with no children and straightforward finances takes 3 to 5 months from filing to signed decree. Court backlogs, missing paperwork, and service delays all add time. Filing a co-petition (both spouses sign together) eliminates the service wait and is the fastest route.

Do both spouses have to sign Colorado divorce papers?

No. One spouse can file without the other's cooperation. The filing spouse serves the other with the Petition and Summons. If the responding spouse doesn't reply within 21 days, the petitioner can request a default. However, for a fully agreed uncontested divorce, both spouses typically sign the Separation Agreement, which is what the court needs to approve the dissolution without a contested hearing.

What is the difference between a Petition and a co-petition in Colorado?

A standard Petition is filed by one spouse (the petitioner), who then serves the other (the respondent). A co-petition is signed by both spouses together and filed jointly. With a co-petition you skip formal service entirely, which saves money and time. Colorado's JDF 1101 form works for both filing formats. The 91-day waiting period still applies either way.

Do I need a Separation Agreement even if we don't have any property?

Yes. Colorado courts require a signed Separation Agreement (JDF 1115) to finalize an uncontested dissolution. Even if you have no assets or debts to divide, the agreement needs to address spousal maintenance (even if you're waiving it) and confirm how everything was handled. Courts will not enter a Decree without it in an uncontested case.

Are Colorado divorce papers public record?

Most filings in Colorado divorce cases are public record, including the Petition and Decree. However, financial affidavits (Sworn Financial Statements) are sealed from public inspection under C.R.C.P. 16.2. The Parenting Plan is also generally sealed. If you have concerns about privacy for specific documents, ask the court clerk about a motion to seal at the time of filing.

What is the Sworn Financial Statement in a Colorado divorce?

JDF 1000, the Sworn Financial Statement, is a detailed disclosure of each spouse's income, expenses, assets, and debts. Both spouses must file one within 42 days of the case opening, regardless of how simple the divorce is. This requirement comes from Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 16.2. Courts use it to review whether any proposed property division or support arrangement is fair.

How do I serve divorce papers in Colorado?

You cannot serve the papers yourself. Options are the county sheriff (typically $20-$50), a licensed private process server ($50-$120), or in some cases certified mail if the court permits it and the respondent signs the return receipt. After service the server files a Proof of Service (JDF 1003) with the court. The 91-day waiting period begins on the date service is completed.

Can I change my name in my Colorado divorce decree?

Yes. Request the name restoration directly in JDF 1101 when you file. The court includes it in the signed Decree at no extra cost. The Decree then works as your legal name change document for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. If you forget to include it in your original petition, you'll need to file a separate name change action later, which costs additional fees.

What parenting class do I need for a Colorado divorce with kids?

Colorado requires both parents to complete a court-approved parenting education program under C.R.S. 14-10-123.7. Most courts require completion within 30 to 45 days of filing. Classes are available online and typically cost $30 to $75 per person. You file a certificate of completion with the court. The divorce case generally won't be finalized until both parents' certificates are on file.

Can I file Colorado divorce papers online?

As of 2026, Colorado does not have a fully electronic e-filing system for self-represented litigants in dissolution cases in all counties. Some counties accept documents by email or through a portal; others require in-person or mail filing. Check your specific county's district court website for current options. You can prepare and print all forms using the fillable PDFs at coloradojudicial.gov.

What happens to my house in a Colorado divorce?

Your Separation Agreement must address the family home. Options are one spouse buys out the other's equity, you sell and split proceeds, or one spouse keeps the home without a buyout (common when the equity is minimal). If one spouse keeps the home, the other's name should be removed from the mortgage (by refinancing) and the deed (by Quitclaim Deed). Colorado is an equitable distribution state, so the starting point is fairness, not automatic 50/50.

What is the residency requirement for filing divorce papers in Colorado?

At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for 91 days before filing. Domicile means Colorado is your permanent home state, more than a temporary residence. Military members stationed in Colorado generally qualify. If neither spouse meets the 91-day requirement yet, you can wait until the requirement is met and then file.

How much does a divorce cost in Colorado without a lawyer?

A simple uncontested divorce with no children and no real property costs roughly $250-$260 total (filing fee plus certified copies). Add children, mandatory parenting classes, and process server fees and the all-in cost rises to roughly $400-$600. If you use a document preparation service, add $0-$299 depending on the service. Attorney fees are zero if you file entirely on your own.

Sources

1. Colorado Judicial Branch, Self-Help Center (Forms): Colorado Judicial Branch publishes all JDF forms and instructional guides for self-represented litigants at no charge
2. Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 16.2 (Mandatory Disclosure in Domestic Relations Cases): C.R.C.P. 16.2 requires both parties to exchange Sworn Financial Statements and supporting financial documents within 42 days of filing, and mandates that financial affidavits be sealed from public inspection
3. Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-106 and 14-10-122: Colorado requires 91-day domicile before filing and a 91-day waiting period after service before a dissolution decree can enter; the only ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
4. Colorado Judicial Branch, Court Fees and Fee Waivers: Filing fee for a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is $230 at most Colorado district courts; fee waivers available for those at or below 250% of federal poverty level via JDF 205
5. Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4 (Process): Respondent has 21 days to file a Response after being served in Colorado; 35 days if served out of state; petitioner may not personally serve the respondent
6. Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-113 (Disposition of Property): Colorado is an equitable distribution state; marital property is divided fairly based on each spouse's economic circumstances, contributions, and duration of marriage
7. Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-114 (Maintenance): Colorado has an advisory maintenance formula for marriages of 3 years or longer, calculated from both spouses' gross incomes and the length of the marriage
8. Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-124 (Best Interests of Child, Parenting Plan): Colorado requires a Parenting Plan addressing decision-making responsibility and detailed parenting time schedules for all divorces involving minor children
9. Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-115 (Child Support): Colorado child support uses an income shares model based on both parents' gross monthly incomes, overnights, and costs for health insurance and childcare
10. Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-123.7 (Parenting Education Programs): Both parents must complete a court-approved parenting education program in any Colorado divorce involving minor children
11. Colorado Revised Statutes, C.R.S. 14-10-120 (Decree and Permanent Orders): Colorado courts may restore a former name as part of the dissolution decree upon request in the petition
12. Colorado Legal Services: Colorado Legal Services provides free or reduced-cost legal assistance to low-income residents, including help with dissolution of marriage paperwork