How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Colorado Springs, CO?

Understanding Colorado Springs Divorce Costs

Getting divorced in Colorado Springs involves expenses ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $30,000 depending on whether your case is contested or uncontested. If you're considering divorce in El Paso County, understanding these costs helps you plan your budget and make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Colorado Springs residents face the same Colorado divorce laws as the rest of the state, but local El Paso County court procedures and attorney rates can affect your total costs. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay to get divorced in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Court Filing Fees

Every divorce in Colorado Springs starts with filing paperwork at the El Paso County Combined Courts. The court filing fee in Colorado is:

Filing Fee: $230 (standardized across all Colorado counties)

This fee is paid when you file your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the El Paso County Combined Courts located at 270 South Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs. The filing fee applies whether or not you have children.

Can Filing Fees Be Waived?

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can file a Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit. The court will review your income and financial circumstances to determine if you qualify for a fee waiver. Many Colorado Springs residents successfully obtain fee waivers based on financial hardship.

Additional Court Costs

Beyond the initial filing fee, expect these additional costs:

Service of Process: $50-$150 to have your spouse served with divorce papers by a process server or sheriff.

Certificate Fees: $2-$5 per certified copy of your final Decree of Dissolution. You'll need certified copies for name changes, updating records, and dividing retirement accounts.

Court Reporter Fees: $100-$300+ if you need court proceedings transcribed.

Subpoena Fees: $25-$75 per subpoena if you need to compel witness testimony or documents.

Discovery Costs: $200-$500+ for document copying, depositions, and interrogatories in complex cases.

Colorado Springs Divorce Attorney Costs

Attorney fees represent the largest expense for most Colorado Springs divorces. Colorado Springs divorce attorneys typically charge:

Hourly Rates: $150-$650 per hour depending on experience and case complexity

• Entry-level attorneys: $150-$250/hour

• Mid-level attorneys: $250-$400/hour

• Experienced specialists: $400-$650/hour

• Average rate: $300-$350/hour

Retainer Fees: Most Colorado Springs attorneys require an upfront retainer of $2,500-$7,500 to begin working on your case.

Flat Fees: Some attorneys offer flat fees for simple uncontested divorces, typically $2,000-$5,000 total.

Military Discount: Some Colorado Springs attorneys offer discounts for military members, veterans, and their families ($325-$350/hour instead of $375/hour) due to the area's large military presence.

Colorado Springs attorney rates tend to be lower than Denver rates but higher than smaller Colorado towns.

Total Cost by Divorce Type

Uncontested Divorce in Colorado Springs

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all terms including property division, parenting time (custody), and child support.

DIY Divorce: $230 (court filing fee only)

With Online Service: $400-$800 (includes document preparation + filing fee)

With Attorney: $2,000-$5,000 (flat fee or limited hours)

Uncontested divorces are the most affordable option and typically take 3-4 months to finalize in El Paso County after Colorado's mandatory 91-day waiting period.

Contested Divorce in Colorado Springs

A contested divorce involves disagreements on one or more issues requiring court intervention or extensive negotiation.

One Contested Issue (settled): $5,000-$10,000

Multiple Issues (settled): $10,000-$15,000

Going to Trial: $15,000-$30,000+

High-Conflict with Custody: $25,000-$50,000+

The average contested divorce in Colorado Springs costs around $10,000-$15,000, with the state average at $11,400 according to lawyers.com surveys.

Breakdown of Attorney Time and Costs

Initial Phase ($2,500-$5,000)

• Initial consultation and case evaluation

• Preparing and filing divorce petition

• Initial status conference

• Financial disclosure preparation

• Temporary orders hearing (if needed)

This covers the first few months of representation.

Discovery Phase ($2,000-$5,000)

• Gathering financial records

• Property valuations

• Business appraisals

• Depositions

• Expert consultations

• Interrogatories and document requests

Complex property cases or those involving businesses cost significantly more during this phase.

Mediation ($750-$2,500)

• Mediation preparation

• Attending mediation sessions (typically 4-8 hours)

• Drafting settlement agreements

• Negotiation support

Mediators charge $100-$300 per hour. Mediation saves thousands compared to trial.

Trial Phase ($5,000-$20,000+)

• Trial preparation

• Expert witness fees ($200-$500/hour)

• Court appearances

• Post-trial motions

• Appeals (if necessary)

Only about 5-10% of Colorado Springs divorces go to trial, but those that do become significantly more expensive.

Factors That Increase Divorce Costs

Children and Custody Disputes

Cases involving allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) are among the most expensive. Costs increase when:

• Parents cannot agree on parenting time schedules

• Decision-making responsibilities are contested

• Child custody evaluations are needed ($2,000-$5,000)

• Parenting plans are complex

• Relocation is disputed

• Child support calculations are contested

Average cost with contested custody: $25,000+

Complex Property Division

High-asset divorces require additional services:

• Business valuations ($3,000-$10,000+)

• Real estate appraisals ($300-$500 per property)

• Forensic accountants ($200-$400 per hour)

• Retirement account valuations ($500-$2,000)

• Tax professional consultations

• QDRO preparation ($500-$2,000)

Colorado is an equitable distribution state (not community property), so property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally.

Maintenance (Alimony)

When one spouse requests maintenance (spousal support), attorneys must:

• Analyze earning capacities and financial needs

• Review duration of marriage and contributions

• Calculate appropriate support amounts using Colorado guidelines

• Present evidence and arguments

Maintenance disputes typically add $2,000-$5,000 to attorney fees.

Military Considerations

Colorado Springs has a significant military population (Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, U.S. Air Force Academy, NORAD). Military divorces can be more complex due to:

• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections

• Military pension division (10-year rule)

• Survivor Benefit Plan considerations

• Deployment issues

• Jurisdictional complexities

Military divorces often require specialized attorneys familiar with military benefits.

High Conflict Cases

If your spouse:

• Refuses to cooperate or provide documents

• Files excessive motions

• Misses court dates

• Acts vindictively or hides assets

• Makes false allegations

These behaviors significantly increase time and costs.

Ways to Reduce Colorado Springs Divorce Costs

Choose Uncontested Divorce

Work with your spouse to reach agreements before filing. Uncontested divorces cost 70-80% less than contested divorces.

Use Online Divorce Services

For straightforward uncontested divorces, online services like Divorce.com provide:

• Completed Colorado divorce forms

• El Paso County-specific documents

• Step-by-step filing instructions

• Much lower cost than attorneys

Total cost: $400-$800 including filing fee

Mediate Early

Mediation costs $750-$2,500 but can save $10,000+ in trial expenses. Most Colorado Springs divorces that mediate successfully avoid trial.

Minimize Attorney Communication

Since attorneys bill by the hour:

• Batch questions into one conversation

• Provide organized, complete documents

• Respond promptly to requests

• Avoid unnecessary calls and emails

Every interaction costs money.

Use Limited Scope Representation

Consider "unbundled" services:

• Attorney reviews your prepared documents

• Attorney handles only specific hearings

• You file paperwork yourself with guidance

This hybrid approach saves thousands.

Consider Modest Means Programs

The El Paso County Bar Association Justice Center offers reduced-rate legal services:

• $1,250 retainer

• $125/hour (compared to $300-$650/hour standard rates)

• Must meet income qualifications

Contact the Justice Center at justicecentercos.org to see if you qualify.

Colorado Springs Divorce Timeline and Costs

Month 1: Filing and Service

Costs: $230 filing fee + $50-$150 service fee + attorney retainer if applicable

File your petition at El Paso County Combined Courts and serve your spouse.

Month 2-3: Waiting Period and Initial Hearings

Costs: $1,000-$3,000 in attorney time if contested issues arise

Colorado requires a mandatory 91-day waiting period from filing (or when your spouse enters the case) before divorce can be finalized. Initial status conference held within 42 days of filing.

Month 3-6: Settlement Negotiations

Costs: $2,000-$8,000 in attorney time for contested issues

Most Colorado Springs couples negotiate settlements during this period, often through mediation. Exchange of financial disclosures occurs.

Month 6-12: Finalization

Costs: $500-$3,000 in attorney time to finalize agreements and attend hearings

Once all agreements are reached, you'll attend a final hearing or submit an Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance of Parties (if both parties agree).

Total Timeline: 3-6 months for uncontested, 6-18+ months for contested

Hidden Divorce Costs to Consider

Beyond legal fees and court costs, budget for:

Moving Expenses: $1,000-$5,000+ if one spouse relocates

New Housing Costs: Security deposits, first/last month's rent in Colorado Springs market

QDRO Preparation: $500-$2,000 to divide retirement accounts (including military pensions)

Credit Monitoring: $10-$30 per month to protect your credit

Counseling: $100-$200 per session for you or your children

Updated Estate Planning: $500-$1,500 for new will and documents

Name Change Costs: $100-$300 for updated licenses and records

Property Valuations: $300-$500 per property appraisal

Business Valuations: $3,000-$10,000+ if you own a business

Tax Consequences: Potential capital gains, support taxation issues

Colorado Springs Divorce Courts

All divorces in Colorado Springs are filed at:

El Paso County Combined Courts 270 South Tejon Street Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 Phone: (719) 452-5000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The courthouse is located in downtown Colorado Springs. Parking is available in the adjacent parking structure.

El Paso County Combined Courts handle all family law matters including dissolution of marriage, allocation of parental responsibilities (custody), parenting time, child support, and maintenance.

Getting Divorced in Colorado Springs Without an Attorney

Colorado allows self-representation in divorce cases. You can handle an uncontested divorce yourself if:

• You and your spouse agree on all terms

• You have no minor children or agree on parenting plan

• You have limited assets and debts

• Neither spouse seeks maintenance

• You feel comfortable completing legal forms

Advantages:

• Saves $2,000-$30,000+ in attorney fees

• You control the timeline

• Less formal and adversarial

• Lower stress for simple cases

Disadvantages:

• Risk of incomplete or incorrect forms

• No legal advice on your rights

• May miss important protections

• Court won't help you if you make mistakes

• Complex Colorado procedures

When You Need an Attorney in Colorado Springs

Hire an attorney if:

• Your spouse has an attorney

• You have significant assets or debts

• You own a business or complex property

• Parental responsibilities are disputed

• You're in the military or divorcing a service member

• Domestic violence is involved

• Your spouse is hiding assets

• You don't understand Colorado divorce law

• You want to ensure your rights are protected

The cost of an attorney is worth it when significant issues are at stake.

Colorado-Specific Divorce Considerations

Equitable Distribution

Colorado uses equitable distribution (not community property). This means:

• Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally

• Courts consider multiple factors including marriage duration, contributions, economic circumstances

• Separate property (owned before marriage, inherited, or received as gifts) remains separate

• Marital property includes assets acquired during marriage

No-Fault Divorce Only

Colorado is a pure no-fault divorce state. You simply need to state that "the marriage is irretrievably broken." You don't need to prove wrongdoing. Colorado does not recognize fault-based divorce grounds.

Mandatory Waiting Period

Colorado requires a 91-day waiting period from the date you file (or when your spouse enters the case) before the divorce can be finalized. This cooling-off period:

• Applies to all divorces

• Cannot be waived

• Designed to allow time for reconciliation

• Gives time to complete financial disclosure and reach agreements

No Separation Requirement

Colorado does not require spouses to separate before filing for divorce. You can file while still living together, though many couples choose to separate.

Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must complete and exchange financial disclosures including:

• Sworn Financial Statement

• Pay stubs and tax returns

• Asset and debt documentation

• Retirement account statements

Full disclosure is mandatory and must be completed within specific timeframes.

Parental Responsibilities

Colorado uses the term "allocation of parental responsibilities" rather than "custody." This includes:

• Parenting time (physical custody)

• Decision-making responsibilities (legal custody)

• Child support calculations based on both incomes and parenting time

Colorado Springs Cost Comparison

How Colorado Springs compares to other Colorado cities:

Colorado Springs (El Paso County): $230 filing fee, $150-$650/hour attorneys (avg $300-$350)

• Denver (Denver County): $230 filing fee, $250-$500/hour attorneys (avg $350-$400)

• Aurora (Arapahoe County): $230 filing fee, $200-$450/hour attorneys

• Fort Collins (Larimer County): $230 filing fee, $200-$400/hour attorneys

• Boulder (Boulder County): $230 filing fee, $300-$600/hour attorneys

Colorado Springs offers competitive attorney rates compared to Denver, with slightly lower average costs.

The Bottom Line

A divorce in Colorado Springs costs anywhere from $230 to over $30,000 depending on:

• Whether it's contested or uncontested

• Whether you have children

• How much property you need to divide

• Whether you hire an attorney

• How cooperative your spouse is

Average Costs:

• Simple uncontested DIY divorce: $230

• Uncontested divorce with online service: $400-$800

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,000-$5,000

• Contested divorce (no children): $10,000-$15,000

• Contested divorce (with children): $15,000-$25,000

• High-conflict trial divorce: $25,000-$50,000+

The best way to minimize costs is to work with your spouse to reach agreements before filing, consider using an online divorce service for simple cases, and mediate disputes rather than going to trial.

Get Started with Your Colorado Springs Divorce

Divorce.com helps Colorado Springs residents complete their divorce paperwork correctly for a fraction of attorney costs:

✓ All required Colorado divorce forms ✓ Customized to El Paso County requirements ✓ Step-by-step filing instructions ✓ Complete forms in 30 minutes ✓ Flat fee - no surprises ✓ Money-back guarantee

For simple, uncontested divorces in Colorado Springs, Divorce.com provides an affordable alternative to expensive attorneys while ensuring your paperwork is done right.

Get Started with Your Colorado Springs Divorce