Filing for divorce in Colorado without a lawyer is possible when both spouses agree on major issues. Colorado calls divorce a Dissolution of Marriage and has a mandatory 91-day waiting period after filing. The filing fee is approximately $230. This guide explains every step of the DIY divorce process in Colorado.
Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Colorado?
You may be able to file for divorce without a lawyer in Colorado if both spouses agree on all major issues including property division, debts, and — if applicable — child custody and support. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which simplifies the process considerably.
- Both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce
- There is no history of domestic violence or coercion
- Neither spouse has highly complex assets such as a business or pension
- Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign documents
Colorado residency requirement
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Colorado for a minimum of 91 days before filing for dissolution of marriage. You must file in the District Court of the county where either spouse lives.
Colorado divorce waiting period
Colorado has a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date the petition is served on your spouse before the dissolution can be finalized. This waiting period cannot be waived even if both spouses agree on all terms. Most uncontested divorces in Colorado are finalized within 3–5 months.
Step-by-step divorce process in Colorado
Step 1 — Download Colorado dissolution forms
Colorado provides free divorce forms through the Colorado Judicial Branch website at coloradojudicial.gov. Colorado has complete self-help divorce packets with step-by-step instructions for different situations including with and without children.
Step 2 — File at your county District Court
File your completed Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the District Court in your county. The filing fee is approximately $230 in most Colorado counties. Denver County, El Paso County, and Arapahoe County may have slightly different administrative fees.
Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Petition and Summons. If your spouse agrees to cooperate, they can sign a Waiver of Service avoiding formal service. Otherwise use a process server or the county sheriff. The 91-day waiting period begins when your spouse is served.
Step 4 — Your spouse files a Response or waiver
Your spouse has 21 days to file a Response after being served. For an uncontested divorce, your spouse can sign a Waiver of Service and Consent to Jurisdiction instead of filing a formal Response.
Step 5 — Complete financial disclosures
Colorado requires both spouses to complete and exchange Sworn Financial Statements listing all income, expenses, assets, and debts. This is mandatory even for uncontested dissolutions and must be filed with the court.
Step 6 — Wait 91 days and submit final documents
After the 91-day waiting period, submit your signed Separation Agreement and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage to the court. For uncontested cases in Colorado, you typically do not need to appear in court — the judge reviews the paperwork and signs the decree.
Required forms for divorce in Colorado
- 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
All forms are available free at coloradojudicial.gov.
How much does a divorce cost in Colorado?
The court filing fee in Colorado is approximately $230 in most counties. For a DIY uncontested dissolution, your total cost is typically $230–$400. Attorney fees for an uncontested divorce in Colorado typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. For a complete breakdown see our guide: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Colorado?
How long does a divorce take in Colorado?
The minimum time for any divorce in Colorado is 91 days from the date of service. Most uncontested DIY divorces in Colorado are finalized in 3–5 months. Contested divorces typically take 12–18 months or longer. If you are filing in Denver, see our detailed guide: Filing for Divorce in Denver, Colorado.
Frequently asked questions — Colorado divorce
Is Colorado a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Colorado is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only ground for dissolution of marriage in Colorado is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse, and fault is not considered when dividing marital property.
Is Colorado an equitable distribution state?
Yes. Colorado is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally, based on factors such as each spouse’s economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and the value of separate property.
Do I need to appear in court for a divorce in Colorado?
For an uncontested dissolution in Colorado where both spouses have signed all documents including the Separation Agreement and Sworn Financial Statements, you typically do not need to appear in court. The judge reviews the paperwork and signs the Decree without requiring a hearing.
Can I file for divorce in Colorado without my spouse’s cooperation?
Yes. You can file a contested dissolution in Colorado without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served and has 21 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default divorce after the 91-day waiting period.
What if I cannot afford the Colorado divorce filing fee?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing a Motion to File Without Payment and supporting financial affidavit with the court. If your income qualifies, the court may waive the filing fee entirely.
Divorce guides in other states
Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.
- Virginia
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Arizona
- Washington
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Legal disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Colorado vary by county and individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Colorado.