How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Denver, CO (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Denver—especially if your divorce is uncontested and you and your spouse agree on property, parenting time, child support, and maintenance. Colorado law allows you to represent yourself (pro se), and Denver County handles thousands of no-lawyer divorces each year.

This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to divorce without hiring an attorney in Denver, including forms, filing steps, costs, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Denver?

Yes. Colorado allows spouses to complete the divorce (dissolution of marriage) process without attorneys. A DIY divorce works best when the case is uncontested, which means both spouses agree on:

• All property & debt division

• Parenting plans & decision-making

• Child support

• Spousal maintenance

• Insurance and tax issues

If disagreements arise, mediation is often the simplest and least expensive way to resolve issues.

When a No-Lawyer Divorce Works Best in Colorado

DIY divorce is ideal if:

• You and your spouse communicate well

• You prefer to avoid $275–$500/hr attorney fees

• Your case is straightforward or low-conflict

• You want a faster, more affordable process

• You feel comfortable using forms or an online service

Most uncontested divorces in Denver go smoothly without attorney involvement.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Denver: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm You Meet Colorado’s Divorce Requirements

Colorado has two key requirements:

✓ Residency

One spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing.

✓ No-fault grounds

Colorado only allows irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

2. Complete Colorado’s Required Divorce Forms

Forms vary depending on whether you have children and whether the couple files jointly.

Common Colorado Divorce Forms Include:

• Case Information Sheet

• Petition for Dissolution (with or without Children)

• Summons (unless filing jointly)

• Sworn Financial Statement

• Separation Agreement

• Parenting Plan (if children)

• Child Support Worksheet

• Support Order

• Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

Divorce.com™ prepares all Colorado + Denver County forms automatically.

3. File Your Forms With the Denver County District Court

Denver divorces are filed at:

Denver District Court
1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Through Colorado’s ICCES/e-filing system (in many cases)

Filing Fee (2025):

• $230 (Petition for Dissolution)

• $116 (Response, only if spouse chooses to file one)

Fee waivers are available.

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless Filing Jointly)

If you file jointly, no service is required.

If one spouse files alone, service must be completed by:

• Sheriff

• Personal service by an adult

• Private process server

Your spouse then has 21 days to respond (42 if out of state).

5. Exchange Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Colorado requires a full exchange of financial information, even if your divorce is amicable.

You must exchange:

• Income documentation

• Expense records

• Bank account statements

• Tax returns

• Real estate, vehicle, and asset documentation

• Retirement / investment account records

If you skip this step or do it incorrectly, the court may delay your case.

6. Finalize Your Separation Agreement

Your agreement should cover:

• Asset and property division

• Debt allocation

• Parental responsibilities

• Parenting time schedule

• Child support

• Maintenance (spousal support)

• Insurance, taxes, and retirement divisions

Both spouses must sign the final agreement before submitting it.

7. Attend Your Hearing (If Required)

In Denver County:

• Many uncontested divorces finalize without a hearing

• If required, hearings are short (10–20 minutes)

• Judge reviews your Separation Agreement and parenting documents

Once signed, your final divorce decree is entered.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Denver?

Expect:

• Uncontested divorce: 90–150 days

• Contested divorce: 9–18+ months

Colorado has a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date of service (or joint filing).

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Denver?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: $230

• Response (if filed): $116

• Service: $35–$100

• Notary: $10–$20

Online Divorce Service

• $499–$1999

• More accurate and user-friendly than filling forms alone

Attorney Costs in Denver

• $275–$500/hour

• Uncontested cases: $4,000–$8,000+

• Contested cases: $12,000–$25,000+

DIY or online options save thousands.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Denver

✔ Save thousands in attorney fees

✔ Faster for uncontested cases

✔ Predictable court process

✔ Ideal for low-conflict couples

✔ Online tools simplify everything

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes in Denver

Avoid:

• Missing required financial disclosures

• Incorrect or incomplete Separation Agreement

• Not waiting the full 91 days

• Improper service of process

• Using outdated Colorado forms

• Errors in child support calculations

Divorce.com™ eliminates these issues with court-approved forms and step-by-step guidance.

Get Help Filing Your Denver Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Denver residents complete uncontested divorces quickly and affordably.

Why Denver couples choose Divorce.com™:

• Fully Colorado + Denver County–compliant forms

• Guided online questionnaire

• Optional attorney review

• Clear instructions for filing and service

• Flat-fee pricing

Start your divorce today and avoid expensive attorney fees or court delays.