If you’re considering divorce in Colorado, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: how long is this going to take? The honest answer depends on your specific situation, but understanding the general timeline can help you plan ahead and set realistic expectations.
Colorado’s Mandatory 91-Day Waiting Period
Every divorce in Colorado requires a minimum waiting period of 91 days from the date the the other spouse is served. This is a statutory requirement under Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-106, and no court can waive it. Even if both spouses agree on everything from day one, the earliest a judge can finalize your divorce is 91 days after the other party is served.
Think of this as the absolute floor. For some couples, the process wraps up right around that three-month mark. For many others, it takes considerably longer.
Uncontested Divorce: 3 to 6 Months
An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. If you and your spouse can reach a full agreement early in the process, you may be looking at a timeline of roughly three to six months from filing to final orders.
The factors that push an uncontested case past the 91-day minimum usually come down to logistics: scheduling, paperwork processing, and the court’s calendar. Denver courts handle a high volume of family law cases, so even straightforward matters can take a few extra weeks to get before a judge.
Contested Divorce: 6 Months to Over a Year
When spouses disagree on one or more significant issues, the timeline stretches. A contested divorce in Colorado commonly takes six months to a year, and complex cases can extend well beyond that.
Several things drive contested cases to take longer:
Disputes over parenting time and custody. Courts in Colorado prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. If parents can’t agree on a parenting plan, the court may appoint a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) to assess the family situation and make recommendations. These evaluations add weeks or months to the process.
Complex financial situations. High-asset divorces, business valuations, disputes over marital vs. separate property, and disagreements about debt allocation all require additional time for discovery, expert analysis, and negotiation.
Spousal maintenance disagreements. When one spouse requests alimony and the other objects, working through the financial details and legal arguments takes time.
Court availability. Denver’s family courts stay busy. Getting a contested hearing scheduled can mean waiting weeks or even months for an available date, depending on the complexity of the issues.
What the Process Typically Looks Like
While every divorce follows its own path, most cases in Colorado move through a general sequence:
Filing and service (Week 1 to 3). One spouse files the petition for dissolution of marriage. The other spouse must be formally served.
Response period (Up to 21 days after service). The responding spouse has 21 days from the date they get served to file a response, though extensions are sometimes granted.
Disclosure and discovery (Months 1 to 4). Both parties exchange financial disclosures. In contested cases, this phase may also include formal discovery requests, depositions, and subpoenas.
Negotiation and settlement efforts (Ongoing). Many couples reach agreements through negotiation or mediation during this period. Settling outside of court almost always results in a faster resolution.
Temporary orders (If needed). If urgent issues need to be addressed before the divorce is final, such as temporary custody arrangements or financial support, either party can request temporary orders from the court.
Trial (If settlement fails). Cases that can’t be resolved through agreement proceed to trial. The court then makes final decisions on all disputed issues.
Final orders (After the 91-day waiting period and resolution of all issues). Once everything is decided, the court enters a decree of dissolution.
Why Denver Cases Sometimes Take Longer
Denver residents should be aware that the local court system’s caseload can affect timing. The Denver District Court’s family division processes thousands of cases each year. While the judges and court staff work efficiently, high demand means that hearing dates for contested matters are not always immediately available.
That said, Denver also offers resources that can help move things along. The court provides self-help resources, and experienced Colorado family law attorneys know how to navigate the local system effectively.
What You Can Do to Keep Things Moving
You have more control over the timeline than you might think. A few practical steps can make a real difference:
Get organized early. Gather your financial documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and property records before you file. Delays in producing required disclosures slow everything down.
Be realistic about negotiations. Approaching settlement discussions with a clear sense of your priorities, and a willingness to compromise on lower-priority items, helps avoid drawn-out disputes.
Work with an experienced attorney. A family law attorney who knows the Colorado court system can help you avoid common procedural delays and keep your case on track.
Respond promptly. When your attorney or the court asks for information, documents, or signatures, turn them around quickly. Small delays on your end add up.
Talk to a Colorado Family Law Attorney
Every divorce is different, and the timeline for your case will depend on your unique circumstances. If you’re a Denver resident thinking about divorce, or if you’re already in the process and feeling stuck, talking to an experienced Colorado family law attorney can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
At Nexus Family Law Group, we help individuals across Colorado navigate the divorce process from start to finish. Contact us to discuss your situation and get a realistic sense of your timeline.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified family law attorney.