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Uncontested divorce in Colorado: how it works, what it costs, and what to expect
An uncontested divorce in Colorado requires 91 days of residency, a signed marital settlement agreement, and a $230 court filing fee. Most cases finalize in 3 to 5 months without a court hearing. If you and your spouse agree on all terms, you can file jointly and skip the service process entirely.
Quick answer
An uncontested divorce in Colorado is available when both spouses agree on all terms: property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and parenting arrangements if children are involved. You must meet a 91-day residency requirement, and the court cannot finalize the divorce until 91 days after service or joint filing. The court filing fee is $230. Most uncontested cases close in 3 to 5 months, often without either spouse setting foot in a courtroom.
Deciding to end a marriage is hard. The legal process that follows doesn't have to be. If you and your spouse are on the same page about the major decisions, an uncontested divorce gives you a path forward that is faster, less expensive, and far less contentious than going to court over every issue. Colorado makes this process accessible: no at-fault grounds, no mandatory separation period, and no requirement that either of you appear before a judge.
This guide walks you through every step of an uncontested Colorado divorce, from checking your eligibility to collecting your final decree.
What is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one in which both spouses agree on every substantive issue before the case is filed or shortly after. There is no courtroom battle, no competing testimony, and no judge deciding how to split your life. Instead, you and your spouse work out the terms privately, put them in a written agreement, and ask the court to approve it.
Colorado refers to divorce as a "dissolution of marriage." The only legal ground recognized by the state is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, meaning there is no reasonable likelihood of saving it. You don't need to prove infidelity, abandonment, or any wrongdoing. If you both agree the marriage is over, that is sufficient.
Uncontested divorces are not the same as informal divorces. The court still reviews your agreement, and a judge still signs the final decree. The difference is that the process is streamlined and cooperative rather than adversarial. In many Colorado uncontested cases, the judge reviews the paperwork and signs the decree remotely without scheduling any hearing at all.
Do you qualify for an uncontested divorce in Colorado?
Colorado's uncontested process is available to most couples who can reach agreement. Before you file, confirm that you meet each of the following requirements:
Residency
At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days immediately before filing.
Full agreement
Both spouses must agree on property, debts, spousal maintenance, and any child-related matters.
No pending disputes
If any issue remains unresolved, the case becomes contested and requires a different process.
Voluntary agreement
Both spouses must sign the settlement agreement willingly. Courts will not approve agreements that appear coerced.
One thing worth knowing: you don't have to be separated before filing in Colorado. There is no mandatory separation period prior to submitting your petition. The 91-day waiting period runs after you file or after your spouse is served, not before.
If you and your spouse aren't fully aligned yet, that doesn't automatically mean you're headed for a contested divorce. Many couples use mediation to bridge remaining gaps before finalizing their agreement. Hello Divorce's Colorado mediation service connects you with a neutral mediator who can help you reach resolution without the cost of litigation.
Step-by-step: how the uncontested process works
Colorado gives couples two filing options: joint filing (where both spouses file together as co-petitioners) and solo filing (where one spouse files and then serves the other). Joint filing is the faster and simpler choice whenever possible. Here is how the full process unfolds:
Confirm residency and draft your settlement agreement
Make sure at least one of you has lived in Colorado for 91 continuous days. Then draft a written Marital Settlement Agreement that covers all property and debts, any spousal maintenance, and if you have children, parenting time and child support. Your agreement must be complete and signed before the court will finalize the divorce.
File your petition with the District Court
File your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1011) with the District Court in the county where you or your spouse lives. If you're filing jointly, both spouses sign and file together as co-petitioners. The filing fee is $230 for the petitioner. If your spouse files a separate response, there is an additional $116 response fee.
Handle service (or skip it with a joint filing)
If you filed jointly, there is no service requirement. The 91-day waiting period starts on the date of filing. If one spouse filed solo, the other must be formally served, or they can sign an Acceptance of Service, which eliminates the need for a process server entirely.
Complete mandatory financial disclosures
Colorado requires both spouses to exchange Sworn Financial Statements (JDF 1111) within 42 days of service or joint filing. These disclosures document income, expenses, assets, and debts. Skipping or delaying them is one of the most common reasons uncontested cases slow down. For more information, visit Hello Divorce's guide to mandatory financial disclosures in Colorado.
Wait out the 91-day period
No Colorado court can enter a final decree before 91 days have passed from service or joint filing. This is a hard statutory floor. Use this time to finalize your paperwork, gather certified financial records, and confirm any parenting plan details are airtight.
Submit your decree documents for review
For fully settled cases, you can file a JDF 1018 Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance, which requests the judge sign the Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1116) based on the affidavits and agreement on file, with no hearing required. This is the norm for straightforward uncontested cases in Colorado.
Collect certified copies of your decree
Once the judge signs the decree, your marriage is legally dissolved. Request at least three to four certified copies from the clerk's office. You'll need them for name changes, updating financial accounts, and transferring property titles.
Required forms and documents
Colorado divorce forms use a "JDF" numbering system, and specific forms can vary slightly by county. The core documents you'll need for an uncontested case are listed below. Hello Divorce's Colorado divorce forms guide goes deeper on each one.
| Form number | Form name | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| JDF 1011 | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | Required to open the case |
| JDF 1000 | Case Information Sheet | Filed with the petition |
| JDF 1111 | Sworn Financial Statement | Both spouses, within 42 days of service or joint filing |
| JDF 1115 | Separation Agreement | Covers all property and financial terms; signed by both spouses |
| JDF 1018 | Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance | Allows decree without a court hearing in settled cases |
| JDF 1113 | Parenting Plan | Required if minor children are part of the divorce |
| JDF 1116 | Decree of Dissolution of Marriage | Final order issued by the judge |
Colorado forms vary by county
Unlike some states with a single statewide form set, Colorado form requirements can differ depending on the county where you file. Denver District Court, for example, has specific local rules and supplemental forms that may not apply in El Paso or Boulder counties.
When you use Hello Divorce, we prepare the correct forms for your specific county and check them against current court requirements before you file.
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Colorado?
The total cost depends on how much professional help you use. An uncontested divorce in Colorado typically costs between $500 and $5,000, including the $230 filing fee and any additional legal or document preparation fees. Here is how the major cost categories break down:
| Expense | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee (petitioner) | $230 | Set by Colorado House Bill 2024-1286, effective January 2025 |
| Response fee (respondent, if filing separately) | $116 | Waived when both spouses file jointly |
| Service of process | $35 to $80 | Not needed if your spouse signs an Acceptance of Service or you file jointly |
| Certified copies of decree | ~$20 per copy | Plan for three to four copies |
| Online divorce service or document preparation | $299 to $999+ | Includes guided form completion, county-specific review, and filing instructions |
| Mediation (if needed) | $500 to $2,500+ | Required by some Colorado counties before contested hearings; optional but helpful for finalizing agreements |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Colorado courts offer a fee waiver for people who meet income guidelines. You'll need to submit a financial affidavit for the court's review. Hello Divorce has a dedicated guide on how to file a fee waiver in Colorado.
Why uncontested matters for your wallet
A contested Colorado divorce involving attorneys can cost between $10,000 and $30,000 or more per spouse. An uncontested case handled with the right support typically costs a fraction of that, often under $1,500 total for both spouses.
How long does the process take?
Most uncontested Colorado divorces finalize in 3 to 5 months from the date of filing. The 91-day waiting period sets the absolute floor. No court can issue a decree before day 91, no matter how simple the case or how quickly both spouses cooperate.
Common reasons cases take longer than the minimum:
- Financial disclosure forms submitted late or incorrectly completed.
- Forms rejected by the court clerk due to errors or missing signatures.
- Court backlog in high-volume counties such as Denver or El Paso.
- Delays in one spouse signing and returning documents.
Filing jointly as co-petitioners is the single most effective way to keep your timeline on track. It starts the 91-day clock at the moment you file, eliminates the need for service, and typically results in a faster overall resolution.
What happens when children are involved?
Having children does not prevent an uncontested divorce, but it does add additional requirements. Both spouses must agree on parenting time, decision-making authority, and child support before the court will approve the divorce. Colorado courts review all child-related agreements through the lens of the child's best interests, regardless of whether parents reached the terms cooperatively.
Additional requirements when minor children are involved:
- Children must have lived in Colorado for at least 182 days (about six months) for Colorado courts to have jurisdiction over custody matters.
- Both parents must complete a court-approved parenting class. Which class is required varies by county. Hello Divorce's resource on required parenting classes by Colorado county lists approved providers.
- A completed Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) must be submitted to the court. This document details parenting time schedules, holiday arrangements, and how major decisions will be made.
- Child support must follow Colorado's statutory guidelines. Both parents' incomes, the parenting time split, and certain expenses are factored into the calculation.
For more detail on how parenting rights and responsibilities work in Colorado, see our guide to understanding parental responsibility in Colorado divorce.
Property division in an uncontested Colorado divorce
Colorado divides marital property using an equitable distribution standard. Equitable means fair, not necessarily equal. However, for most straightforward marriages, courts start from a presumption that marital property will be divided roughly 50/50. In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse can agree to any division you both consider fair, and the court will generally approve it as long as the agreement isn't grossly one-sided or the product of pressure.
Separate property, meaning assets either spouse owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage, is typically kept by the original owner. Disputes about what counts as separate versus marital property are one of the most common reasons uncontested divorces become complicated. If you have significant assets or business interests, review Hello Divorce's guide to separate property in Colorado.
Retirement accounts require special handling. Dividing a 401(k), pension, or similar account typically requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a separate court order that instructs the plan administrator on how to split the account. This step happens after the divorce is finalized. Hello Divorce's QDRO guide for Colorado walks through the process.
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Hello Divorce prepares your county-specific Colorado divorce paperwork, reviews it for accuracy, and walks you through every step. Flat-rate pricing, no retainer, no surprises.
Colorado court resources
The following links go directly to official Colorado court and government sources for forms, filing information, and self-help services.
- Colorado Judicial Branch: Divorce and Family Forms (statewide)
- Colorado Courts Self-Help: Dissolution of Marriage
- Colorado Legal Services: free legal aid for income-eligible residents
- SHERLOCK Coordinators: court-based self-help staff at every Colorado judicial district
- Colorado Courts E-Filing System: file your divorce petition online
Frequently asked questions about uncontested divorce in Colorado
Can I get an uncontested divorce in Colorado if my spouse lives in another state?
Yes. As long as at least one of you has lived in Colorado for 91 days, the state has jurisdiction to grant the divorce. Your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service remotely, and documents can be exchanged and signed digitally. Physical location during the process does not affect your eligibility.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Colorado?
You are not required to hire an attorney. Many couples handle their own uncontested divorce using court-provided forms or an online service. That said, having at least a one-time review with a family law professional is worthwhile if you own real estate, have retirement accounts, or are agreeing to spousal maintenance. Hello Divorce offers on-demand attorney consultations and document review on an as-needed basis, so you're not paying for full representation.
What if my spouse and I agree on everything except one issue?
One unresolved issue can hold up the entire case. Before concluding that your divorce must be contested, consider mediation. A single session with a neutral mediator can often resolve one sticking point without turning the whole process adversarial. Hello Divorce's mediation service in Colorado is available as a standalone option even if you're handling the rest of the case on your own.
Do we have to go to court for an uncontested Colorado divorce?
In most uncontested cases, no hearing is required. Colorado allows fully settled divorces to be finalized by affidavit, meaning the judge reviews your paperwork and signs the decree remotely. Some counties may schedule a brief Initial Status Conference, but even that is often waived when both parties have filed jointly and all documents are in order.
Can we waive spousal maintenance in our agreement?
Yes. In an uncontested Colorado divorce, both spouses can agree that neither will receive spousal maintenance. The waiver should be stated explicitly in your Settlement Agreement. Once included in the final decree, the waiver is typically permanent. If you want the option to revisit maintenance in the future, your agreement must include specific language reserving that right.
How does an Initial Status Conference affect an uncontested divorce?
Colorado courts typically schedule an Initial Status Conference about 42 days after filing. It is a brief check-in to confirm disclosures are on track and both parties understand the process. In many uncontested cases, the court allows this conference to be waived or handled by written submission. Hello Divorce explains what to expect in the guide to the Colorado Initial Status Conference.
References & further reading
Sources cited in this article and recommended for further reading.
- 1. Colorado Judicial Branch. "Divorce and Separation Forms" — Official source for Colorado dissolution of marriage forms, including JDF 1011, JDF 1115, and JDF 1018. Colorado Judicial Branch, continuously updated. Accessed April 2026.
- 2. Colorado Courts. "Colorado Courts E-Filing System" — The official Colorado state court electronic filing portal for submitting divorce petitions and related documents online. Colorado Judicial Department, updated 2025. Accessed April 2026.
- 3. Colorado Legal Services. "Legal Aid for Income-Eligible Colorado Residents" — Nonprofit providing free family law representation to qualifying individuals across all 64 Colorado counties. Colorado Legal Services, 2025. Accessed April 2026.
- 4. Hello Divorce. "Colorado Divorce Forms and Documents" — Overview of required JDF forms for Colorado dissolution cases, with county-specific guidance. hellodivorce.com. Accessed April 2026.
- 5. Hello Divorce. "Mandatory Financial Disclosures in Colorado Divorce" — Explains the Sworn Financial Statement requirements and deadlines for Colorado dissolution cases. hellodivorce.com. Accessed April 2026.
- 6. Hello Divorce. "Cost of Divorce in Colorado" — Breakdown of filing fees, document preparation costs, and how to reduce expenses for an uncontested Colorado divorce. hellodivorce.com. Accessed April 2026.