How to File for Divorce in Colorado Without a Lawyer (2026)

Colorado's dissolution process has several features worth knowing upfront:

91 days — both residency AND waiting period. Colorado requires 91 days of residency before filing AND a 91-day minimum waiting period. It's 91, not 90 — the exact number matters.

Co-petition option. When both spouses agree on everything, they can file as Co-Petitioners together — no service step, no response period, just wait 91 days and submit the final decree.

Initial Status Conference (ISC). Colorado automatically schedules an ISC after filing — even for uncontested cases. You can often waive it if all paperwork is complete, but you need to know about it.

JDF forms. Colorado's Judicial Department Forms (JDF series) are numbered, free, and available at courts.state.co.us. The right JDF number matters — download carefully.

Disclaimer: General legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Colorado attorney for your specific situation.

Colorado Dissolution at a Glance

Step-by-Step: Colorado Dissolution

Step 1 — Confirm Residency

One spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing. "Domiciled" means living in Colorado with the intent to remain.

Step 2 — Choose: Co-Petition or Individual Petition

Co-Petition (both spouses file together — preferred for agreed cases):

• Both spouses sign JDF 1000 (Petition for Dissolution — Co-Petitioners)
• No service required
• 91-day clock starts on filing date
• Fastest possible path

Individual Petition (one spouse initiates):

• Petitioner files JDF 1001 (Petition for Dissolution)
• Respondent must be served with Summons (JDF 1002)
• 91-day clock starts on service date
• Respondent has 21 days to respond (35 days if served out of state)

Step 3 — Get Colorado JDF Forms

Download from courts.state.co.us → "Self Help" → "Divorce."

Core forms — no children:

Additional forms — with children:

Step 4 — File at District Court

File at the District Court in the county where you (or your spouse) live. Pay $230 filing fee. Receive case number.

Step 5 — Initial Status Conference (ISC)

After filing, the court automatically schedules an Initial Status Conference — a brief procedural hearing (often 15–30 minutes).

For uncontested cases: You can waive the ISC. To request a waiver:

1. Complete all required paperwork (Separation Agreement, Parenting Plan if applicable, etc.)
2. Both spouses submit a Waiver of Hearing (JDF 1100A) or equivalent waiver form
3. The court reviews and may cancel the ISC

If the ISC is not waived: Both spouses briefly attend. The magistrate or judge confirms what is agreed and what (if anything) is in dispute.

Step 6 — Complete the Separation Agreement (JDF 1115)

The Separation Agreement is the full written agreement between Co-Petitioners or negotiated parties covering:

• All real property (addresses, legal descriptions, division method)
• Bank and investment accounts
• Retirement accounts (QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs)
• Vehicles
• Debts
• Maintenance (amount, duration, termination — or explicit mutual waiver)

Both spouses sign before a notary.

Step 7 — Submit Final Papers After 91 Days

After the 91-day period:

1. File the Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1100) and Separation Agreement
2. File the Waiver of ISC (if the ISC hasn't already been held)
3. If children: Parenting Plan (JDF 1113), Child Support Order (JDF 1111), Child Support Worksheet (JDF 1820)
4. A magistrate or judge reviews and signs the Decree

Step 8 — After the Decree

• Name restoration: SSA → Colorado DMV → bank accounts
• Real estate: New deed prepared → recorded at county Clerk and Recorder's office
• Vehicles: Colorado DMV title transfer
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs
• Beneficiary designations: Update all immediately

Colorado Maintenance Formula (Since 2014)

Colorado uses a statutory maintenance formula for marriages of 3+ years (CRS §14-10-114):

Guideline maintenance amount: 40% of higher earner's monthly adjusted gross income minus 50% of lower earner's monthly adjusted gross income

Duration: Based on a percentage of the marriage length (for marriages 3–20 years, Colorado has a statutory schedule). For marriages over 20 years, courts retain discretion.

The guideline is a starting point — courts can deviate for good cause.

Free Colorado Dissolution Resources

• Colorado Courts JDF forms: courts.state.co.us
• Colorado Legal Services: coloradolegalservices.org
• Colorado Bar referral: cobar.org
• Colorado Self-Help Center: Self-help centers located in most district courthouses

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Colorado uses "Dissolution of Marriage" | 91 days (not 90) for both residency and waiting period | JDF forms at courts.state.co.us

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.