Quick Answer: If you are filing for divorce in Colorado, the required divorce paperwork depends on whether your case is an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce. All divorce filings require specific court forms, financial disclosures, and deadlines. Submitting the correct divorce documents in Colorado, accurately and on time, is essential to avoid delays or dismissal of your case.
If there's one thing the pop culture always got right about the legal aspect of the divorce, it's that you need to prepare, file, and then serve the divorce papers. But what kind of “papers” are these exactly? Do they impact the cost of your divorce? And where are you supposed to get them?
For many people filing in Denver-area courts or Adams County courts serving Brighton and Northern Denver, the divorce process can feel overwhelming. Watch the video below, and read the rest of the blog to learn how to complete, file, and serve Colorado divorce paperwork.
What is Divorce Paperwork?
Divorce papers are a collection of legally binding forms that must be completed and filed with the court to start the divorce process. Divorce forms can be completed jointly by both spouses (if the two can agree on most matters and file an uncontested divorce), or by just one of them (if an agreement can't be reached and it becomes a contested divorce). In the second case, the filing spouse must then serve these papers to the other one.
Where Do You Get Divorce Paperwork in Colorado?
Divorce paperwork generally falls into two categories, and the type you obtain differs depending on the circumstances.
Personal Documents
These are records you gather yourself, such as financial statements, property ownership records, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Personal documents support the information provided in your court filings.
Court-Supplied Divorce Forms
Colorado provides standardized divorce forms through the state judicial branch. These forms are available online on the state of Colorado’s judicial branch website and at Denver County, Adams County (Brighton), and other district courts.
The required forms vary depending on whether you have children, are filing jointly or separately, or expect a contested divorce.
In this post, we detail where to get and how to prepare both types of documents.
Colorado Divorce Documents
Divorce paperwork can feel complex because the exact documents required depend on the specifics of your case. The forms and filings may differ depending on whether you are the petitioner (i.e., the person filing for divorce) or the respondent, whether children are involved, and whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.
Additional documentation may also be necessary if you share children, own property together, operate a business, or have other financial or legal complexities that require further disclosure and court review.
In most cases, you should expect to prepare or gather the following:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage – the form that officially starts the divorce
- Certificate of Marriage – typically obtained from the county where you were married
- Summons – required when filing separately to notify the other spouse
- Parenting Plan – required if children are involved, outlining parenting time and decision-making
- Child Support Worksheets – state-issued forms used to calculate support
These documents form the foundation of the divorce filing process.
What Forms do i need To File for Divorce in Colorado?
While every divorce case is different, most divorce filings in Colorado require a core set of court forms. These documents officially begin the divorce process and provide the court with essential information about the parties and the marriage.
In most cases, the required divorce paperwork includes:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000)
- Summons (JDF 1102), if filing separately
- Sworn Financial Statement
- Certificate of Compliance for mandatory financial disclosures
Together, these forms make up the primary divorce documents Colorado courts require. You must file in the county where you or your spouse has lived for at least 91 days, such as Denver County or Adams County (Brighton). Filing is currently done in person, though some courts offer limited online filing options.
After filing, the court clerk will issue:
- A Case Management Order (CMO) outlining required next steps, such as parenting classes
- A Notice of Initial Status Conference (ISC) with the date you must appear and submit remaining documents
You will need to include the Petition, Case Information Sheet, signed Summons, and any CMO or ISC Notice in the packet served to your spouse.
Additional Divorce Forms Required Before the ISC
After the initial divorce filing, Colorado courts require both parties to complete and submit additional divorce paperwork before the Initial Status Conference (ISC). Most uncontested divorces without kids can even be finalized without courtroom appearances, although you may still need to attend the initial status conference (ISC) in person.
These forms allow the court to assess finances, parenting arrangements, and whether any issues remain contested.
- Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) (each party must complete their own)
- Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104) (each party must complete their own)
- Separation Agreement (JDF 1115) (may be filed jointly or separately)
- Decree (JDF 1116) (caption only)
- (JDF 1201) Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance (used in uncontested divorces)
These forms allow the court to finalize financial and property issues efficiently, especially in uncontested cases.
Note: you may also need to fill in a JDF 1129 form (Pre-trial Statement) if you and your spouse cannot agree on certain matters stated in the separation agreement. You’ll have to bring all of these papers to the initial status conference.
what divorce forms are needed If i have children?
These additional forms address parenting time, decision-making, financial disclosures, and child support, and they are required whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.- Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) (may be filed jointly or separately)
- Support Order (JDF 1117) (may be filed jointly or separately)
- Child Support Worksheet A or B , depending on your situation
How Do i Serve Divorce Papers in Colorado?
Colorado divorce law does not allow you to serve your own divorce papers. Instead, you must use an approved method of service.
1. Service by Regular Mail
You may mail the divorce paperwork along with an Acceptance of Service form. form. Your spouse must sign and return the form, which you then file with the court. This option works best in cooperative, uncontested divorces.
2. Service by Certified Mail
Divorce papers may also be sent by certified or registered mail with a return receipt requested. The signed return receipt, along with a Proof of Service form, must be filed with the court. This document is a legally binding statement that details how you’ve served the divorce papers.
3. Service by hand delivery
If service by mail is unsuccessful, divorce papers may be served by hand delivery. This must be completed by a neutral adult over the age of 18 who is not involved in the case, the county sheriff, or a professional process server.
Whoever completes service is required to sign a Proof of Service form, which is then filed with the court to confirm that proper notice was given.
What if i Can't Serve the Divorce Papers?
Finally, alternative scenarios are possible if the spouse's whereabouts are unknown, they serve in the military, live abroad, or are in jail. In such cases, you'll need to file a separate motion with the court to request service by publication or by posting. At this point, it’s best to have a divorce attorney at your side.
What Happens After Divorce Papers Are Served?
There is a mandatory 91-day waiting period, representing the absolute minimum amount of time before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period starts either on the day of joint filing in an uncontested divorce or on the day of service in a contested one.
It is more common for a divorce to take longer than 91 days, but that is the minimum amount of time. During this time, and before your set ISC date, both you and your spouse will also need to complete and sign the necessary forms prior to the ISC.
How Long Does it Take to Be Served with Divorce Papers?
It depends on the selected method. If you are serving your spouse by certified mail, your letter should reach them in 5 days on average (if you are in the same state). You can also opt for a speedier hand-in document courier service for same-day delivery, or choose the right moment and approach them for personal service. Remember, the official 91-day waiting period begins only after your spouse was served.
Common Mistakes in Divorce Filing
Mistakes that frequently delay divorce cases include:
- Using outdated Colorado forms
- Missing disclosure deadlines
- Improper service of divorce paperwork
- Incomplete financial affidavits
Even in uncontested divorces, these errors can prevent approval, which is why it's important to have an experienced divorce attorney by your side.
How Does the Type of Divorce Affect Filing?
When filing for divorce in Colorado, one of the first determinations the court makes is whether the case is uncontested or contested. This distinction matters because it directly affects how much divorce paperwork is required, how many filings follow the initial petition, and how much court involvement will be necessary.
Understanding this difference helps set expectations for the filing process from the start.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce means both spouses are able to reach an agreement on all required issues at or near the time of filing. This typically includes the division of property and debt, parenting arrangements if children are involved, and agreements regarding how child support is determined.
Because there are no unresolved disputes, uncontested divorces generally involve a simpler divorce filing process, fewer court appearances, and fewer supplemental documents. Even so, the court still carefully reviews all submitted divorce paperwork to make sure it is complete, accurate, and legally compliant before finalizing the divorce.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot reach an agreement on one or more significant issues, such as child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, or the division of property and debt. In these situations, filing the initial divorce papers is only the beginning of a more involved legal process.
Contested cases typically require additional motions, formal written responses, expanded financial disclosures, and, in many instances, temporary orders hearings and other court appearances. The process is more document-intensive and deadline-driven, which means mistakes or incomplete filings can delay the case or require corrective action.
When to Seek Legal Divorce Support
Colorado divorce paperwork can be complex. If you are unsure how to complete forms, expect disputes, or want to avoid costly mistakes, working with an attorney can help make sure your divorce filing proceeds smoothly.
The family law attorneys at Tolison & Williams assist clients throughout Colorado, including Denver, Northern Denver, and Brighton, with uncontested and contested divorces. Request a free consultation with us today!
Divorce Papers in Colorado: FAQs
How do I fill out divorce papers in Colorado?
Most Colorado divorce forms include basic instructions explaining what information is required. However, some documents, such as parenting plans, support orders, and separation agreements, often require coordination between spouses and must meet specific legal standards.
What happens if Your spouse doesn’t sign divorce papers?
When your spouse doesn’t want to sign the jointly filled court divorce forms, the divorce becomes contested. This means you both will have to appear in front of the judge to make the ruling on your case. Once that happens, the other party will be legally obliged to sign the finalized divorce paperwork, stating the terms of your divorce.
Do divorce papers need to be notarized in Colorado?
Some divorce documents, including sworn financial statements and affidavits, must be notarized or signed in front of a court clerk to be valid.
Can I get a divorce without going to court?
Yes. Many uncontested divorces in Colorado are finalized without court appearances when all required paperwork is properly completed and approved. In this case, you and your spouse reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce with the help of a family law attorney or a trained mediator.
.png)
