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Divorce.com Staff
Colorado Divorce Timelines by Scenario
Fastest possible: about 91 days after service (uncontested) | Typical uncontested: 4–7 months | Uncontested with children: 5–9 months | Contested: 8–30 months | Requirements: 91 days of residency before filing, and 91 days after service before the decree. Both apply.
Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered. | No Separation Required: Colorado does not require separation before filing.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce Without Children
Timeline: 3-6 months | Fastest divorce possible in Colorado. | County Variations: Denver County: 4-7 months typical, highest volume. El Paso County (Colorado Springs): 4-6 months. Arapahoe County: 4-6 months. Jefferson County: 4-6 months. Boulder County: 4-6 months. Smaller mountain counties: Often 3-5 months due to lighter dockets. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Scenario 2: Uncontested Divorce With Children
Timeline: 5-9 months | Children add complexity but Colorado moves relatively fast. | Additional Requirements With Children: Parenting plan detailing parental responsibilities and parenting time (Colorado terminology), child support calculation using Colorado guidelines, possible parent education class (county-specific), additional court review time for children's best interests. | Timeline Breakdown: Month 1: Prepare petition, create detailed parenting plan, calculate child support using Colorado worksheet, file with court (or wait if 91-day requirement not met), serve spouse. Month 2-4: Meet 91-day requirement if needed. Both parents may complete parent education if county requires. Finalize parenting schedule including holidays. Exchange financial disclosures including child support worksheets. Month 4-7: After 91-day requirement met, file decree with approved parenting plan. Court reviews allocation of parental responsibilities carefully. Judge ensures child support follows guidelines. May request clarifications. Month 7-9: Final review and approval. Judge signs decree (hearing may be required with children). Divorce final. | Why It Takes Longer With Children: Some Colorado counties require parent education (Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe). Additional court scrutiny for allocation of parental responsibilities. More complex paperwork including parenting time schedules. Child support calculations must follow state guidelines. Possible delays if court requests modifications to parenting plan. | Colorado Parenting Requirements: "Allocation of parental responsibilities" instead of custody. "Parenting time" instead of visitation. Decision-making responsibilities can be joint or sole. Parenting plan must address major decisions (education, healthcare, religion). Child support follows state guidelines (considered among most fair). Parent education: Denver County requires "Parenting After Divorce" (4 hours). El Paso and Arapahoe have similar programs. Cost: $45-$60. Available online.
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Scenario 3: Contested Divorce (Settled Before Trial)
Timeline: 8-18 months | Most Colorado contested divorces settle. | What Makes a Divorce "Contested": Disagreement over property division (equitable distribution in Colorado), disputes about spousal maintenance, parental responsibility disagreements, disagreement about debt allocation, disputes about separate vs marital property. | Ways to Speed It Up: Choose early private mediation (Colorado courts order it anyway). Be realistic about equitable distribution (not automatic 50/50). Complete discovery quickly. Respond to all requests promptly. Consider collaborative divorce process. Attend mediation prepared to negotiate. | Colorado-Specific Issues: Equitable distribution (fair but not necessarily equal division). Marital property includes anything acquired during marriage except gifts/inheritance. Separate property must be clearly documented. Spousal maintenance follows statutory guidelines (new in recent years). Parental responsibilities emphasis on best interests of child. Mediation strongly encouraged or required in most counties. High cost of living in Denver/Boulder affects support calculations. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Scenario 4: Fully Contested Divorce With Trial
Timeline: 12-30+ months | Trial cases take longest in Colorado. | When Cases Go to Trial: Irreconcilable parental responsibility disagreements, high-conflict couples refusing compromise, complex asset division (businesses, stock options), allegations of hidden assets, spousal maintenance disputes, relocation cases (parent wants to move out of state). | Extended Timeline: Month 1-3: File petition, serve spouse, response filed, automatic injunctions in effect, initial status conference, possible temporary orders hearing. Month 4-12: Extensive discovery (interrogatories, depositions, document production), expert witnesses (business appraisers, custody evaluators, vocational evaluators), child and family investigator appointed in custody cases, mediation ordered by court. Month 13-20: Failed settlement attempts, pre-trial conference, trial management conference, witness lists and exhibits prepared, expert reports completed, trial date set (often 6-12 months out). Month 20-30: Trial (2-7 days typical), post-trial briefs, permanent orders hearing, judge's decision (can take 60 days), decree entered. | Why Trials Take So Long: Denver metro backlog significant. Limited trial availability statewide. Child and family investigator process adds 3-6 months. Expert involvement standard in complex cases. Mandatory mediation before trial. Colorado judges strongly prefer settlement. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Scenario 5: Divorce With Domestic Violence
Timeline: Varies - Often 4-8 months | DV cases have protections but same 91-day rule. | Protection Orders Come First: File for Civil Protection Order if needed. Emergency temporary order available same day. Hearing within 14 days for permanent order. Protection order can last indefinitely if ongoing threat. Then proceed with divorce. | Modified Timeline: Service can be by publication for safety. Confidential address available through Address Confidentiality Program. 91-day requirement still applies but temporary orders for custody/support immediate. No mediation required in DV cases per Colorado law. Decision-making responsibilities likely sole for victim if abuse proven. Supervised parenting time may be ordered. | Safety First: National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. Violence Free Colorado. Document everything. File protection order BEFORE divorce. Keep police reports, medical records, photos. Do not attempt DIY divorce with active DV. | Colorado DV Resources: Statewide hotline, Project Safeguard (Denver), TESSA (Colorado Springs), Response (Boulder), local advocacy programs in every county.
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The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
Scenario 6: Military Divorce in Ohio
Timeline: 4-10 months (uncontested) to 12-24 months (contested) | Military divorces have federal protections. | SCRA Protections: Active duty spouse can request 90-day stay. Cannot default deployed spouse. Military pension division under USFSPA. Can file in Colorado if stationed here. | Colorado Military Installations: Common filing counties: El Paso County (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, USAF Academy). Arapahoe County (Buckley SFB). | Timeline Factors: SCRA adds 90 days minimum. Deployment affects parental responsibilities. Military pension requires QDRO. PCS orders complicate jurisdiction. Colorado's military-friendly courts experienced with these issues.
Scenario 7: High-Asset Divorce
Timeline: 10-24 months or longer | High-asset Colorado divorces complex. | Additional Time: Business valuation: 60-120 days. Property appraisals: 3-6 weeks each. Forensic accounting: 3-6 months. Separate property tracing. Tax analysis. QDRO for each plan: 30-60 days. | Why Longer: Asset discovery in equitable distribution state. Expert involvement standard. Complex negotiations. Tax implications. Hidden asset investigation. Colorado real estate market volatility affects valuations. | Colorado Equitable Distribution: Fair division based on factors including marriage length, economic circumstances, contributions, separate property value. Not automatic 50/50. Courts consider each spouse's contributions. Professional degree enhancement may be considered. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
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How to Speed Up Your Ohio Divorce
3. Use Online Services: Colorado paperwork updated frequently. Benefits: correct forms, $500-$2,000 vs $10,000-$40,000 attorneys. Filing fee: $200–$250. | 4. Complete Parent Education Early: If your county requires it, register immediately. Don't let $45 class delay your divorce. | 5. Agree Before Filing: Property, debts, spousal maintenance, parental responsibilities. | 6. Exchange Disclosures Quickly: Colorado requires sworn financial statements. Complete thoroughly and promptly. | 7. Choose Mediation Early: Colorado courts order it anyway. Private mediation earlier saves time and money ($150-$400/hour vs $15,000+ litigation). | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Colorado County-Specific Timelines
Denver County: Uncontested: 4-7 months. Highest volume in state. Contested: 12-24 months. Significant backlog. | El Paso County (Colorado Springs): Uncontested: 4-6 months. Second largest. Military cases common. Contested: 10-20 months. | Arapahoe County: Uncontested: 4-6 months. Suburban Denver. Contested: 10-18 months. | Jefferson County (Golden/Lakewood): Uncontested: 4-6 months. Contested: 10-18 months. | Boulder County: Uncontested: 4-6 months. Affluent area. Contested: 10-20 months. High-asset cases common. | Adams County: Uncontested: 4-6 months. Contested: 8-16 months. | Larimer County (Fort Collins): Uncontested: 4-6 months. College town. Contested: 8-15 months. | Smaller counties (mountain areas): Uncontested: 3-5 months. Much lighter dockets. Contested: 6-12 months.
Cost Impact of Divorce Timeline
Uncontested (4-7 months): DIY: $230-$350. Online service: $500-$2,000. Uncontested attorney: $2,000-$5,000. | Contested Settled (8-18 months): With mediation: $3,000-$10,000. With attorneys: $10,000-$25,000 per side. | Geographic Variations: Denver/Boulder attorney rates highest in state. Colorado Springs moderate. Rural areas lower rates but fewer attorneys. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Common Delays in Colorado Divorces
2. Incomplete Financial Disclosures (Adds: 2-6 weeks): Colorado requires sworn financial statements. Fix: Complete thoroughly with all documentation. | 3. Missing Parent Education (Adds: 2-6 weeks): Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe require class. Fix: Complete immediately after filing. | 4. Service Problems (Adds: 2-8 weeks): Fix: Use professional process server. | 5. Court Backlog (Adds: 4-16 weeks): Denver especially busy. Fix: File during slower times, be flexible. | 6. Mediation Delays (Adds: 2-6 months): Court-ordered mediation backed up. Fix: Private mediation earlier. | 7. Child and Family Investigator Timeline (Adds: 3-6 months): Required in contested custody cases. Fix: Cooperate fully, respond promptly. | 8. Discovery Disputes (Adds: 2-6 months): Fix: Respond to all discovery immediately and completely. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Colorado have a waiting period for divorce? A: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered. | Q: Can I get divorced in Colorado without waiting 91 days? A: No. The 91-day requirement is mandatory. However, if you've already lived in Colorado for 91+ days before filing, you've already met this requirement and can potentially finalize quickly after filing. | Q: Do I have to go to court in Colorado? A: Uncontested: Usually no hearing required if all paperwork complete. Judge reviews and signs. Cases with children may require brief hearing. Contested: Yes, multiple hearings and possibly trial required. | Q: Is Colorado a 50/50 divorce state? A: No. Colorado is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Courts consider multiple factors including length of marriage, economic circumstances, and each spouse's contributions. It's not automatic 50/50 like community property states. | Q: Do I need to take a parenting class in Colorado? A: It depends on your county. Denver County, El Paso County, and Arapahoe County require parent education classes (typically 4 hours, around $45-$60). Other counties may encourage but not require it. | Q: What is allocation of parental responsibilities in Colorado? A: Colorado uses this term instead of "custody." It includes both decision-making responsibilities (major decisions about education, healthcare, religion) and parenting time (when child is with each parent). Can be joint or sole.
The Bottom Line
Colorado requires both 91 days of residency before filing and 91 days after service before the decree. Agree on everything: about 4–7 months. Disagree but settle: 8–18 months. Go to trial: 12–30 months.
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City Divorce Guides
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Colorado Divorce Timelines by Scenario
Fastest possible: about 91 days after service (uncontested) | Typical uncontested: 4–7 months | Uncontested with children: 5–9 months | Contested: 8–30 months | Requirements: 91 days of residency before filing, and 91 days after service before the decree. Both apply.
Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered. | No Separation Required: Colorado does not require separation before filing.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce Without Children
Timeline: 3-6 months | Fastest divorce possible in Colorado. | County Variations: Denver County: 4-7 months typical, highest volume. El Paso County (Colorado Springs): 4-6 months. Arapahoe County: 4-6 months. Jefferson County: 4-6 months. Boulder County: 4-6 months. Smaller mountain counties: Often 3-5 months due to lighter dockets. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Scenario 2: Uncontested Divorce With Children
Timeline: 5-9 months | Children add complexity but Colorado moves relatively fast. | Additional Requirements With Children: Parenting plan detailing parental responsibilities and parenting time (Colorado terminology), child support calculation using Colorado guidelines, possible parent education class (county-specific), additional court review time for children's best interests. | Timeline Breakdown: Month 1: Prepare petition, create detailed parenting plan, calculate child support using Colorado worksheet, file with court (or wait if 91-day requirement not met), serve spouse. Month 2-4: Meet 91-day requirement if needed. Both parents may complete parent education if county requires. Finalize parenting schedule including holidays. Exchange financial disclosures including child support worksheets. Month 4-7: After 91-day requirement met, file decree with approved parenting plan. Court reviews allocation of parental responsibilities carefully. Judge ensures child support follows guidelines. May request clarifications. Month 7-9: Final review and approval. Judge signs decree (hearing may be required with children). Divorce final. | Why It Takes Longer With Children: Some Colorado counties require parent education (Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe). Additional court scrutiny for allocation of parental responsibilities. More complex paperwork including parenting time schedules. Child support calculations must follow state guidelines. Possible delays if court requests modifications to parenting plan. | Colorado Parenting Requirements: "Allocation of parental responsibilities" instead of custody. "Parenting time" instead of visitation. Decision-making responsibilities can be joint or sole. Parenting plan must address major decisions (education, healthcare, religion). Child support follows state guidelines (considered among most fair). Parent education: Denver County requires "Parenting After Divorce" (4 hours). El Paso and Arapahoe have similar programs. Cost: $45-$60. Available online.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Scenario 3: Contested Divorce (Settled Before Trial)
Timeline: 8-18 months | Most Colorado contested divorces settle. | What Makes a Divorce "Contested": Disagreement over property division (equitable distribution in Colorado), disputes about spousal maintenance, parental responsibility disagreements, disagreement about debt allocation, disputes about separate vs marital property. | Ways to Speed It Up: Choose early private mediation (Colorado courts order it anyway). Be realistic about equitable distribution (not automatic 50/50). Complete discovery quickly. Respond to all requests promptly. Consider collaborative divorce process. Attend mediation prepared to negotiate. | Colorado-Specific Issues: Equitable distribution (fair but not necessarily equal division). Marital property includes anything acquired during marriage except gifts/inheritance. Separate property must be clearly documented. Spousal maintenance follows statutory guidelines (new in recent years). Parental responsibilities emphasis on best interests of child. Mediation strongly encouraged or required in most counties. High cost of living in Denver/Boulder affects support calculations. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Scenario 4: Fully Contested Divorce With Trial
Timeline: 12-30+ months | Trial cases take longest in Colorado. | When Cases Go to Trial: Irreconcilable parental responsibility disagreements, high-conflict couples refusing compromise, complex asset division (businesses, stock options), allegations of hidden assets, spousal maintenance disputes, relocation cases (parent wants to move out of state). | Extended Timeline: Month 1-3: File petition, serve spouse, response filed, automatic injunctions in effect, initial status conference, possible temporary orders hearing. Month 4-12: Extensive discovery (interrogatories, depositions, document production), expert witnesses (business appraisers, custody evaluators, vocational evaluators), child and family investigator appointed in custody cases, mediation ordered by court. Month 13-20: Failed settlement attempts, pre-trial conference, trial management conference, witness lists and exhibits prepared, expert reports completed, trial date set (often 6-12 months out). Month 20-30: Trial (2-7 days typical), post-trial briefs, permanent orders hearing, judge's decision (can take 60 days), decree entered. | Why Trials Take So Long: Denver metro backlog significant. Limited trial availability statewide. Child and family investigator process adds 3-6 months. Expert involvement standard in complex cases. Mandatory mediation before trial. Colorado judges strongly prefer settlement. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Scenario 5: Divorce With Domestic Violence
Timeline: Varies - Often 4-8 months | DV cases have protections but same 91-day rule. | Protection Orders Come First: File for Civil Protection Order if needed. Emergency temporary order available same day. Hearing within 14 days for permanent order. Protection order can last indefinitely if ongoing threat. Then proceed with divorce. | Modified Timeline: Service can be by publication for safety. Confidential address available through Address Confidentiality Program. 91-day requirement still applies but temporary orders for custody/support immediate. No mediation required in DV cases per Colorado law. Decision-making responsibilities likely sole for victim if abuse proven. Supervised parenting time may be ordered. | Safety First: National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. Violence Free Colorado. Document everything. File protection order BEFORE divorce. Keep police reports, medical records, photos. Do not attempt DIY divorce with active DV. | Colorado DV Resources: Statewide hotline, Project Safeguard (Denver), TESSA (Colorado Springs), Response (Boulder), local advocacy programs in every county.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
Scenario 6: Military Divorce in Ohio
Timeline: 4-10 months (uncontested) to 12-24 months (contested) | Military divorces have federal protections. | SCRA Protections: Active duty spouse can request 90-day stay. Cannot default deployed spouse. Military pension division under USFSPA. Can file in Colorado if stationed here. | Colorado Military Installations: Common filing counties: El Paso County (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, USAF Academy). Arapahoe County (Buckley SFB). | Timeline Factors: SCRA adds 90 days minimum. Deployment affects parental responsibilities. Military pension requires QDRO. PCS orders complicate jurisdiction. Colorado's military-friendly courts experienced with these issues.
Scenario 7: High-Asset Divorce
Timeline: 10-24 months or longer | High-asset Colorado divorces complex. | Additional Time: Business valuation: 60-120 days. Property appraisals: 3-6 weeks each. Forensic accounting: 3-6 months. Separate property tracing. Tax analysis. QDRO for each plan: 30-60 days. | Why Longer: Asset discovery in equitable distribution state. Expert involvement standard. Complex negotiations. Tax implications. Hidden asset investigation. Colorado real estate market volatility affects valuations. | Colorado Equitable Distribution: Fair division based on factors including marriage length, economic circumstances, contributions, separate property value. Not automatic 50/50. Courts consider each spouse's contributions. Professional degree enhancement may be considered. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
How to Speed Up Your Ohio Divorce
3. Use Online Services: Colorado paperwork updated frequently. Benefits: correct forms, $500-$2,000 vs $10,000-$40,000 attorneys. Filing fee: $200–$250. | 4. Complete Parent Education Early: If your county requires it, register immediately. Don't let $45 class delay your divorce. | 5. Agree Before Filing: Property, debts, spousal maintenance, parental responsibilities. | 6. Exchange Disclosures Quickly: Colorado requires sworn financial statements. Complete thoroughly and promptly. | 7. Choose Mediation Early: Colorado courts order it anyway. Private mediation earlier saves time and money ($150-$400/hour vs $15,000+ litigation). | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Colorado County-Specific Timelines
Denver County: Uncontested: 4-7 months. Highest volume in state. Contested: 12-24 months. Significant backlog. | El Paso County (Colorado Springs): Uncontested: 4-6 months. Second largest. Military cases common. Contested: 10-20 months. | Arapahoe County: Uncontested: 4-6 months. Suburban Denver. Contested: 10-18 months. | Jefferson County (Golden/Lakewood): Uncontested: 4-6 months. Contested: 10-18 months. | Boulder County: Uncontested: 4-6 months. Affluent area. Contested: 10-20 months. High-asset cases common. | Adams County: Uncontested: 4-6 months. Contested: 8-16 months. | Larimer County (Fort Collins): Uncontested: 4-6 months. College town. Contested: 8-15 months. | Smaller counties (mountain areas): Uncontested: 3-5 months. Much lighter dockets. Contested: 6-12 months.
Cost Impact of Divorce Timeline
Uncontested (4-7 months): DIY: $230-$350. Online service: $500-$2,000. Uncontested attorney: $2,000-$5,000. | Contested Settled (8-18 months): With mediation: $3,000-$10,000. With attorneys: $10,000-$25,000 per side. | Geographic Variations: Denver/Boulder attorney rates highest in state. Colorado Springs moderate. Rural areas lower rates but fewer attorneys. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Common Delays in Colorado Divorces
2. Incomplete Financial Disclosures (Adds: 2-6 weeks): Colorado requires sworn financial statements. Fix: Complete thoroughly with all documentation. | 3. Missing Parent Education (Adds: 2-6 weeks): Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe require class. Fix: Complete immediately after filing. | 4. Service Problems (Adds: 2-8 weeks): Fix: Use professional process server. | 5. Court Backlog (Adds: 4-16 weeks): Denver especially busy. Fix: File during slower times, be flexible. | 6. Mediation Delays (Adds: 2-6 months): Court-ordered mediation backed up. Fix: Private mediation earlier. | 7. Child and Family Investigator Timeline (Adds: 3-6 months): Required in contested custody cases. Fix: Cooperate fully, respond promptly. | 8. Discovery Disputes (Adds: 2-6 months): Fix: Respond to all discovery immediately and completely. | Waiting Period: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Colorado have a waiting period for divorce? A: Colorado has two separate 91-day requirements: one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing, and at least 91 days must pass after the other spouse is served (or a joint petition is filed) before the decree can be entered. | Q: Can I get divorced in Colorado without waiting 91 days? A: No. The 91-day requirement is mandatory. However, if you've already lived in Colorado for 91+ days before filing, you've already met this requirement and can potentially finalize quickly after filing. | Q: Do I have to go to court in Colorado? A: Uncontested: Usually no hearing required if all paperwork complete. Judge reviews and signs. Cases with children may require brief hearing. Contested: Yes, multiple hearings and possibly trial required. | Q: Is Colorado a 50/50 divorce state? A: No. Colorado is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Courts consider multiple factors including length of marriage, economic circumstances, and each spouse's contributions. It's not automatic 50/50 like community property states. | Q: Do I need to take a parenting class in Colorado? A: It depends on your county. Denver County, El Paso County, and Arapahoe County require parent education classes (typically 4 hours, around $45-$60). Other counties may encourage but not require it. | Q: What is allocation of parental responsibilities in Colorado? A: Colorado uses this term instead of "custody." It includes both decision-making responsibilities (major decisions about education, healthcare, religion) and parenting time (when child is with each parent). Can be joint or sole.
The Bottom Line
Colorado requires both 91 days of residency before filing and 91 days after service before the decree. Agree on everything: about 4–7 months. Disagree but settle: 8–18 months. Go to trial: 12–30 months.
State Divorce Guides
City Divorce Guides
Divorce Cost in Aurora, CO (2026 Guide)
Colorado Springs Divorce Cost: 2026 Fees & Price Breakdown
Divorce Cost in Denver, CO (2026 Guide)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Fort Collins, CO? | 2026 Price Guide
Divorce Cost in Lakewood, CO: 2026 Price Breakdown & Attorney Fees
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Divorce Lawyers in Aurora, CO | Compare Attorneys
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Divorce Lawyers in Denver, CO | Compare Attorneys
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