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