Filing for Divorce in Denver, Colorado (Complete Guide)

If you are filing for divorce in Denver, Colorado, you will file at the Denver District Court Family Division located at 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202. Denver follows Colorado state divorce law with a mandatory 91-day waiting period and a filing fee of approximately $230. This guide covers the complete process for filing a DIY divorce in Denver.

Where to file for divorce in Denver

Divorce cases in Denver are handled by the Denver District Court — Family Division. The courthouse is located at:

Denver District Court — Family Division
1437 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (720) 865-8301
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

You can also file online through the Colorado courts e-filing system at coloradojudicial.gov.

Denver divorce filing fee

The filing fee for a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Denver is approximately $230. If your spouse files a Response, there is an additional fee of approximately $116. Denver accepts payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office.

Colorado residency requirement for Denver filers

To file for divorce in Denver you must meet Colorado’s residency requirement — at least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing, and must be a Denver County resident to file in Denver District Court.

Denver divorce waiting period

Colorado has a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date your spouse is served before the dissolution can be finalized. Denver courts cannot schedule a final hearing before this period expires. Due to Denver’s higher case volume, processing times can be slightly longer than smaller Colorado counties.

Step-by-step process for filing divorce in Denver

Step 1 — Download Colorado dissolution forms
Get your free forms from the Colorado Judicial Branch at coloradojudicial.gov. The forms you need depend on whether you have children. Colorado form numbers start with JDF — for example JDF 1101 is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

Step 2 — File at Denver District Court
Bring your completed forms to the Family Division clerk’s office at 1437 Bannock Street. You can also e-file through the Colorado courts online system. Pay the $230 filing fee when you submit your paperwork.

Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Petition and Summons. If your spouse cooperates, they can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1104). Otherwise use a process server or the Denver Sheriff’s office. The 91-day waiting period starts when your spouse is served.

Step 4 — Complete Sworn Financial Statements
Both spouses must complete and exchange JDF 1111 — Sworn Financial Statement. This document lists all income, expenses, assets, and debts. It must be filed with the Denver District Court.

Step 5 — Submit final documents after 91 days
After the 91-day waiting period, submit your signed Separation Agreement (JDF 1115) and proposed Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1116) to the court. For uncontested cases, Denver courts typically process the paperwork without requiring a court appearance.

Required forms for divorce in Denver

JDF 1101 — Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
JDF 1102 — Summons for Dissolution of Marriage
JDF 1104 — Waiver of Service (if spouse waives service)
JDF 1111 — Sworn Financial Statement (both spouses)
JDF 1115 — Separation Agreement
JDF 1116 — Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
If children are involved: JDF 1113 — Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheets

How long does a Denver divorce take?

Due to the mandatory 91-day waiting period plus Denver’s court processing time, most uncontested DIY divorces in Denver take 4–6 months from filing to finalization. Denver courts tend to take slightly longer than smaller Colorado counties due to higher case volume. Contested divorces in Denver typically take 12–24 months.

Denver self-help resources

Colorado Judicial Branch self-help forms — free at coloradojudicial.gov
Denver Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service — reduced-fee consultations available
Colorado Legal Services — free legal help for qualifying low-income residents
Denver District Court Self-Help Center — located at 1437 Bannock Street

Frequently asked questions — Denver divorce

Can I file for divorce online in Denver?

Yes. Colorado offers e-filing through the Colorado courts online system. You can file your Petition for Dissolution and subsequent documents electronically without going to the courthouse. Visit coloradojudicial.gov for more information on e-filing in Denver.

Do I need to appear in court for my Denver divorce?

For an uncontested dissolution in Denver where both spouses have signed all required documents including the Separation Agreement and Sworn Financial Statements, you typically do not need to appear in court. The Denver District Court reviews the paperwork and signs the Decree without requiring a hearing for uncontested cases.

What if I live in Denver but my spouse lives in another Colorado county?

You can file in the county where either spouse lives. If you live in Denver and your spouse lives in another Colorado county, you can file in Denver District Court. Your spouse will be served in their county of residence.

Can I get a fee waiver for my Denver divorce?

Yes. If you cannot afford the $230 filing fee, you can file a Motion to File Without Payment (JDF 205) with the Denver District Court. If your income qualifies, the court may waive the filing fee entirely.

More Colorado divorce resources

Divorce guides in other states

Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.

Legal disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Colorado and Denver vary by individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Colorado.