Going through a divorce can be frustrating, especially when you’re unsure how long the process will take or what steps come next. Understanding the Colorado divorce timeline can help you feel more prepared and in control during this difficult time. Your case might be straightforward or more complex, but knowing what to expect at each stage of the divorce process in Colorado can ease stress, minimize delays, and support better outcomes for you and your family.
We’ll walk you through the full timeline for divorce in the state of Colorado—from filing the initial petition to receiving your final decree. Rest assured, with the right information and legal support, you can navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Colorado Divorce Process
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, so the process has clearly defined steps, some of which can move quickly. Others depend on the complexity of the case, cooperation between spouses, and court availability.
Step 1 – Filing the Petition
Either spouse can initiate the divorce by filing the petition, also known as a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, as long as either one of you has lived in Colorado for at least 91 days. If you have minor children, they must have lived in the state for at least six months for Colorado courts to make decisions about child custody.
What Paperwork Is Required
The spouse who files (Petitioner) must complete and submit the petition, a Case Information Sheet, and a Summons to the district court in the county where either spouse resides. If the divorce involves children, parenting plans or financial affidavits may be required. Some counties allow you to file online, while others require in-person filing at the County Clerk’s Office.
Step 2 – Service of Process
Once the petition is filed, the next step in the Colorado divorce timeline is to serve the other spouse (Respondent) with the divorce papers. This can be done through a private process server or sheriff’s office. The receiving spouse then has 21 days (or 35 days if they live out of state) to file a response. The respondent can opt to sign a Waiver of Service Form as an alternative to being served.
Step 3 – 91-Day Waiting Period Begins
Once the divorce petition is filed and the other spouse has been officially served, Colorado law imposes a mandatory 91-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period applies regardless of whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and begins on the date the respondent is served or when both spouses file jointly.
This time allows both parties time to reflect, explore possible reconciliation, or begin negotiating terms related to property division, child custody, alimony, and other key issues.
Step 4 – Temporary Orders
During the waiting period, several key steps in the Colorado divorce process can occur. One of them is the requesting of temporary orders by either spouse for matters like:
- Child custody and parental responsibility
- Child support and spousal maintenance
- Living arrangements (who stays in the marital home)
- Use of shared property/ vehicles
- Payment of bills and debts
- Restrictions on withdrawals from joint accounts or selling assets
The Temporary Orders Hearing
If spouses can’t agree on temporary arrangements, the court schedules a temporary orders hearing. Both parties present evidence and arguments to a judge, who decides and issues temporary orders that remain in effect until the final orders.
Step 5 – Discovery & Financial Disclosures
The discovery phase is the formal process where both parties gather information and evidence relevant to the case, such as financial records, assets, and other relevant facts. This is especially important in complex or high-asset divorces and may involve depositions, interrogatories, requests for production of documents and subpoenas.
Colorado requires each spouse to submit a sworn financial statement, along with documentation that supports their income, assets, expenses, and liabilities. This can include tax returns, pay stubs, financial accounts, bank statements, loan documents, insurance records, and business records, among others.
Step 5 – Mediation or Negotiation
At this stage of the Colorado divorce timeline, especially in uncontested or low-conflict cases, many couples opt to resolve their differences outside of court. Mediation and negotiation are more cost-effective, less emotionally draining than a trial, and they give both spouses more control over the outcome. A neutral mediator is engaged to facilitate communication and negotiations between the parties to resolve custody, division of property, alimony, and child support issues.
In almost all divorce cases in Colorado, courts may require mediation before scheduling a trial. If an agreement is reached, it will be put into writing, signed by both parties, and submitted for court approval.
Step 6 – Permanent Orders Hearing or Trial
If you and your spouse are unable to resolve all issues through mediation or negotiation, the divorce will move to a trial. This is the final stage of the process, where a judge will decide on any unresolved matters based on the evidence and testimony presented. The judge will issue a final order outlining the terms of the divorce settlement.
Step 7 – Divorce Finalization
The divorce is finalized when the court issues permanent orders and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in the State of Colorado?
The length of the divorce process in Colorado varies depending on the complexity of the case, the level of conflict between spouses, and how efficiently both parties meet court requirements.
Due to the mandatory waiting period, the minimum timeline is 91 days from the date the petition is filed (or served, if filed separately) before a divorce can be finalized. This means that even the simplest, most amicable divorce cannot be completed in less than three months.
On average, most divorces in Colorado take 6 to 12 months from start to finish. However, highly contested or litigated divorces can stretch out well beyond a year.
Speeding Up the Process
To help move your case along and navigate the Colorado divorce timeline, you’ll want to reach out to a divorce lawyer early in the process, preferably when you’re contemplating ending your marriage and before filing. An attorney from our team at Nexus Family Law will help you understand your rights, learn about your options, plan strategically, and avoid missteps.
The sooner you speak with a qualified divorce attorney, the better prepared you’ll be to protect what matters most. At Nexus Family Law, we help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and peace of mind.