Colorado Dissolution FAQ — Most Common Questions (2026)

Basics

Is it called "divorce" or "dissolution" in Colorado? Officially, Colorado uses "Dissolution of Marriage." The final order is a "Decree of Dissolution."

How long do I have to live in Colorado before filing? One spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing.

What is the waiting period? 91 days from the date the petition is filed AND the respondent is served (individual petition), or from the date a co-petition is filed. It is exactly 91 days — not 90.

What is the ground for dissolution in Colorado? "Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage." Colorado is no-fault only.

Co-Petition

What is a co-petition? Both spouses file together as Co-Petitioners using JDF 1000. No service is required. The 91-day clock starts on the filing date. Fastest possible path for agreed dissolutions.

Can we do a co-petition if we have children? Yes — both spouses file JDF 1000 and also complete JDF 1113 (Parenting Plan), JDF 1820 (Child Support Worksheet), and JDF 1111 (Child Support Order).

ISC (Initial Status Conference)

What is the Initial Status Conference? A brief procedural hearing scheduled automatically by the court after filing — even for uncontested cases. Typically 15–30 minutes.

Can we skip the ISC? Yes, if all paperwork is complete. File JDF 1100A (Waiver of ISC) with your complete filing packet. The court cancels the ISC if everything is in order.

Forms

Where do I get Colorado dissolution forms? courts.state.co.us → Self Help → Divorce. All JDF forms are free.

What is the Separation Agreement? JDF 1115 — the complete written agreement between the parties on all property, debts, and maintenance (or waiver). Filed with the court and incorporated into the Decree.

Maintenance

How is maintenance calculated in Colorado? Colorado has a statutory guideline formula (since 2014): 40% of higher earner's monthly gross minus 50% of lower earner's monthly gross. Duration is based on a percentage of marriage length for marriages of 3–20 years.

Is the maintenance formula mandatory? It is a guideline. Courts can deviate for good cause. Parties can agree to a different amount in the Separation Agreement.

Children

What does "allocation of parental responsibilities" mean? Colorado's term for what other states call custody. It covers both decision-making responsibility and parenting time.

How is child support calculated? Using the Income Shares Model (JDF 1820 worksheet) considering both parents' incomes, parenting time overnights, health insurance, and childcare.

When does child support end in Colorado? At age 19 — not 18 (Colorado is distinctive on this point).

Property

Does Colorado split everything equally? No. Colorado uses equitable distribution — fair given each party's circumstances. Parties can agree to any division in the Separation Agreement.

How do I transfer the house title? A new deed is prepared and recorded at the county Clerk and Recorder's office. The Decree alone doesn't transfer title.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Colorado JDF forms: courts.state.co.us | 91-day period (not 90) | child support to age 19

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