Colorado Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/colorado/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
91 days minimum for uncontested cases (mandatory waiting period under C.R.S. § 14-10-106), 6-9 months typical for agreed divorces with children, 12-18 months or longer for contested cases requiring trial in Colorado
Documents to Gather
- Certified copy of marriage certificate
- Birth certificates for minor children
- Social Security cards
- Valid photo identification
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement(if applicable)
- Prior court orders(if applicable)
- Property deeds and vehicle titles
- Debt documentation
Financial Documents
- Federal and state tax returns (last 3 years)
- Pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Bank account statements (all accounts)
- Retirement account statements
- Investment account statements
- Credit card statements (all cards)
- Insurance policies
- Mortgage and real estate documents
- Business financial records (if self-employed)
- Employee benefits documentation(if applicable)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Gather Essential Personal Documents
- Compile Financial Records for Mandatory Disclosure
- Assess Safety Concerns and Access Protection Resources
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101)
- Prepare the Summons and Additional Filing Documents
- File the Petition with the District Court Clerk
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
- Wait for Respondent's Response (21 Days)
- Exchange Mandatory Financial Disclosures and File Sworn Financial Statement
- Complete Mandatory Parenting Education Course (If Minor Children)
- Attend Initial Status Conference and Negotiate Settlement
- Finalize the Decree of Dissolution After the 91-Day Waiting Period
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Colorado, you must first establish 91 days of residency in the state under C.R.S. § 14-10-106. File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101) and Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000) with your county district court, paying a $230 filing fee (fee waiver available via JDF 205). If filing alone, prepare the Summons (JDF 1102) and arrange for personal service on your spouse. The respondent has 21 days to file a Response (JDF 1103) if served in Colorado, or 35 days if served out of state. Both parties must exchange mandatory financial disclosures and file Sworn Financial Statements (JDF 1111) within 42 days under Rule 16.2(e). If minor children are involved, both parents must complete a court-approved parenting education course per C.R.S. § 14-10-123.7 and submit a Parenting Plan (JDF 1113). Colorado enforces a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date of service before any decree can be entered. An automatic temporary injunction under C.R.S. § 14-10-107 prohibits both parties from transferring property, removing children from the state, or canceling insurance during the case. Uncontested divorces can finalize in as few as 91 days, while contested cases typically take 6-18 months.