Colorado Dissolution Costs and Filing Fees (2026)
Colorado has one of the more affordable filing fees of any western state. JDF forms are free. For a simple agreed co-petition with no real estate or retirement, total out-of-pocket cost is modest.
Core Filing Costs
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| District Court filing fee | $230 |
| JDF forms | Free — courts.state.co.us |
| Certified copies of Decree | $10–$20 per copy |
Confirm the current filing fee with your county's District Court Clerk.
Service Costs (Individual Petition)
| Service Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse signs) | Free |
| Process server | $50–$100 |
| Sheriff | $30–$60 |
| Service by publication (if needed) | $150–$400 |
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO (employer retirement plan division) | $400–$1,500 per plan |
| Real estate deed preparation | $300–$600 |
| Deed recording at county Clerk and Recorder | $13–$30 per document |
| Property appraisal (if needed) | $400–$800 |
| Business valuation (if needed) | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Mediator (if property or parenting disputes) | $200–$400/hour |
| Attorney for limited document review | $300–$800 |
Fee Waiver
Colorado courts offer fee waivers for qualifying low-income petitioners.
How to apply:
- Complete the Motion to File Without Payment (available at courts.state.co.us or the self-help center)
- Attach the Financial Affidavit
- File with the Petition
- Court rules on the waiver request
Eligibility: Generally income at 125% of federal poverty level or below, or active public assistance recipient.
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Co-petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement | $230–$350 |
| Individual petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement | $300–$500 |
| With real estate deed transfer | $500–$1,200 |
| With QDRO for retirement account | $700–$2,000 |
| With children (agreed parenting plan) | $300–$550 |
| Partially contested (mediation) | $2,500–$8,000 |
| Fully contested through trial | $15,000–$50,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Confirm filing fee with your county District Court Clerk | JDF forms free at courts.state.co.us
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.