Colorado Dissolution Timeline — How Long Does It Take? (2026)
Colorado's 91-day waiting period is predictable. For agreed co-petitions with complete paperwork, total time from filing to Decree is typically 4–5 months.
Key concept: 91 days — not 90. Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS §14-10-106) specifies 91 days. The clock starts when the petition is filed AND the respondent is served (individual petition) or on the day a co-petition is filed.
Overview: Total Timeline
| Scenario | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|
| Co-petition, fully agreed, ISC waived | 4–5 months |
| Individual petition, fully agreed | 4–6 months |
| Partially contested (mediation needed) | 6–12 months |
| Fully contested | 12–36+ months |
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
Stage 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation
Duration: 2–4 weeks
Download JDF forms. Negotiate the Separation Agreement. Gather financial documentation. Both spouses sign the Separation Agreement if co-petitioning.
Stage 2 — Filing
Duration: 1 day
File at the District Court. Pay $230 filing fee. Receive case number. 91-day clock starts today (co-petition) or starts when service is complete (individual petition).
Stage 3 — Service (Individual Petition Only)
Duration: 1–7 days
Serve the Respondent. Acceptance of service (spouse voluntarily signs) is fastest. Process server: 1–3 days. The 91-day clock starts on the service date.
Stage 4 — Initial Status Conference (ISC)
Duration: Varies
Court schedules the ISC automatically after filing — typically 2–6 weeks after filing.
For agreed cases:
- Submit all completed paperwork + ISC Waiver → court cancels ISC
- Or attend a brief 15–30 minute ISC confirming the case is agreed
Stage 5 — The 91-Day Waiting Period
Duration: 91 days
Use this time to:
- Finalize the Separation Agreement (if not done before filing)
- Complete the Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheets (if children)
- Get any needed appraisals or QDRO preparation started
Stage 6 — Submit Final Papers
Duration: After Day 91
Submit Decree of Dissolution, Separation Agreement, and all supporting documents. Magistrate reviews and signs.
Stage 7 — Judicial Review and Decree
Duration: 1–4 weeks after submission
For agreed cases with complete paperwork, magistrates review and sign without requiring a hearing. Processing times vary by county.
Delay Factors
| Cause | Additional Time |
|---|---|
| Respondent served out of state (35-day response) | +14 days |
| Respondent hard to locate | 2–6 weeks |
| ISC not waived (scheduling delays) | 2–4 weeks |
| Property valuation disputes | 2–8 weeks |
| Parenting plan disagreement | 4–16 weeks |
| Maintenance disputes | 2–8 weeks |
| Court caseload backlog | 2–6 weeks |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Colorado 91-day period: CRS §14-10-106 | JDF forms: 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.