Filing for divorce in Colorado without an attorney costs $230 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 90 days in Colorado. Colorado is a equitable distribution state with a 90 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-4 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Colorado-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $230 (The filing fee is $230 statewide. Colorado has a unified court system with standardized fees.) |
| Residency Requirement | 90 days in Colorado |
| Waiting Period | 90 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievably broken (no-fault) |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 3-4 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Colorado, you must meet the following residency requirement: 90 days in Colorado.
At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for at least 90 days before filing. The divorce must also be filed at least 90 days before the decree can be entered.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Colorado's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Colorado without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for at least 90 days before filing. The divorce must also be filed at least 90 days before the decree can be entered.
Download the official Colorado divorce forms: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons for Dissolution of Marriage, Case Information Sheet. All forms are available from the Colorado courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (JDF 1101) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Colorado court and pay the filing fee of $230. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Colorado rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Colorado law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Colorado has a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before the divorce can be finalized. This allows time for reconciliation and proper case management.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Colorado, this typically takes 3-4 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Colorado. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Notifies spouse
Court administration
Financial disclosure
If uncontested
The filing fee to start a divorce in Colorado is $230. The filing fee is $230 statewide. Colorado has a unified court system with standardized fees.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $230 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $350-$1,200 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Colorado offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Colorado, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Colorado courts are strict about service requirements.
Colorado is a equitable distribution state.
Colorado divides marital property equitably (fairly, not necessarily equally). The court considers factors including each spouse's contribution, economic circumstances, any changes in value of separate property, and depletion of marital property.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Colorado law applies to your specific property.
Colorado uses the Income shares model per C.R.S. §14-10-115.
Colorado uses an income shares formula. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined, and support is calculated based on the number of children and overnights with each parent. Online calculators are available.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Colorado divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $230 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
90 days - Colorado has a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before the divorce can be finalized. This allows time for reconciliation and proper case management.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault only state
90-day waiting period and residency align
Standardized forms statewide (JDF series)
Strong self-help resources
Parenting time uses overnights calculation
Common questions about filing for divorce in Colorado without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Colorado's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Colorado-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Colorado's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Colorado divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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