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Divorce and Separation

Family Cases
Family Cases

Divorce and Separation

These standard instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice about your case. If you choose to represent yourself, you are bound by the same rules and procedures as an attorney.

Divorce or Legal Separation

What's the Difference?

  • A Legal Separation case can do everything a Divorce case can, but it doesn't legally end the marriage/civil union.

 

What Can a Case Do?

  • Divide up your shared property, assets, and debts.
  • End your marriage or civil union.
  • If you have children, it also creates a parenting plan that:
    • Creates a parenting schedule.
    • Determines how the child's life decisions will be made.
    • Sets the child support amount.

Start a divorce or legal separation case

Step 0 - When can you file?
  • You or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before you can file a divorce case in Colorado.
  • Children must have lived in Colorado for at least 182 days (or since birth).

or

  • If you are ending a Civil Union, then neither party has to live in Colorado if you got your Civil Union License in Colorado.

Step 1 - Start a Case

File in the county where you or your spouse lives.

Filing Jointly

It's easier and cheaper to file a case with your spouse.

Filing Separately

Otherwise, file

File Online

Create an account and file your completed forms at:

Of file in person at your local District Court.

Pay Filing Fee

Step 2 - Notify Your Spouse

Skip this step if you filed jointly.

 

Personal Service

Review the Instructions (JDF 1099) about formally notifying your spouse about the case.  Then file the appropriate form:

  • JDF 1013 - Waiver of Service (if your spouse agrees)
  • JDF 1014 - Return of Service

 

Step 3 - Response

Skip this step if you filed jointly.

 

Form & File

  • Use form: JDF 1015 - Response to the Petition.
  • Create an account and file the completed form online:
  • Or, file in person at the clerk's office.  The address is at the top of the summons.
    • Then mail a copy to your spouse.

 

Pay the Filing Fee

 

Step 4 - Initial Status Conference & Beyond
  • Read and follow the instructions in the Case Management Order.
  • Review the steps and forms needed for the Initial Status Conference.
  • At that conference, you will be informed about the next steps in the process.

 

Questions?

How to Get a Copy of the Divorce Paperwork

Contact the courthouse where the divorce was filed with questions or to get a copy of the divorce decree.

Additional Resources