SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
Colorado Divorce Papers
Filing for divorce in Colorado can feel overwhelming when you're staring down a stack of court forms with cryptic numbers and legal language. The good news: Colorado uses one standardized set of forms across all 64 counties, so once you understand the pieces, the path becomes a lot clearer. This guide walks you through the official Colorado divorce papers (the "JDF" forms), what each one does, where to find them, and how the process unfolds from start to final decree.
Colorado calls divorce a "dissolution of marriage," and the state's forms are designed so that people can navigate the process whether or not they have a lawyer. We'll cover the forms used to start a case, respond to one, disclose finances, address children, document an agreement, and finalize everything with a signed decree.
This page is informational only. It explains what the Colorado forms are used for and how the process generally works. It does not tell you which forms fit your specific circumstances, and it is not a substitute for legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Which Colorado Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Colorado publishes statewide standardized forms known as JDF forms (Judicial Department Forms), and they're used in every county. The exact set you'll encounter depends on your circumstances: whether you're filing jointly or separately, whether you have minor children, and whether you and your spouse have reached an agreement. Below are the core forms grouped by the job they do. Form names and numbers are pulled directly from the official Colorado Judicial Branch self-help materials.
Starting the Case
JDF 1010 – How to File for Divorce (Process Guide)
A step-by-step instruction guide for filing a divorce or legal separation. It's not a court filing itself; it's the official procedural roadmap that explains the process.
JDF 1000 – Case Information Sheet
A required cover sheet filed with the petition in every domestic relations case. It identifies the parties, the county, and the case type.
JDF 1011 – Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation
The initiating pleading. It's filed by the petitioner, or jointly by both spouses as co-petitioners, to open the divorce case.
JDF 1012 – Summons (caption only)
Issued to notify the respondent of the pending action. It's required when filing separately and is not needed in a joint/co-petitioner filing.
JDF 1099 – Instructions on How to Serve the Other Party
Official instructions for effecting service of process on the respondent in a separately filed case.
Responding to a Petition
JDF 1013 – Waiver of Service (Divorce/Separation)
A form the respondent signs to waive formal service of process. It's used when both parties are cooperating and no process server is needed.
JDF 1014 – Return of Service (Divorce/Separation)
Proof of service filed with the court confirming the respondent was properly served.
JDF 1015 – Response to the Petition
The respondent's formal answer to the petition. It must be filed within the deadline set in the summons.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
JDF 1111 – Sworn Financial Statement (Form 35.2)
A detailed disclosure of each party's income, expenses, assets, and debts. Each spouse files their own, and it's due within 42 days of service or filing.
JDF 1104 – Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Financial Disclosures
This certifies that the filing party has exchanged all mandatory financial disclosure documents required under C.R.C.P. Rule 16.2. Each party files their own.
A note on financial disclosures: Rule 16.2 requires the exchange of mandatory documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, in addition to the JDF 1111 Sworn Financial Statement. The JDF 1104 certificate is how the court confirms that exchange happened.
Forms for Divorces With Children
JDF 1113 – Parenting Plan
Required in all cases involving minor children. It specifies the parenting time schedule, decision-making (legal custody) allocation, and the holiday and vacation schedule.
JDF 1117 – Support Order
A court order for child support and/or spousal maintenance (alimony). It's attached to the final decree in cases with children or maintenance.
About child support calculations: In Colorado, child support is not a standalone numbered form. It's calculated using a Child Support Worksheet (a computational tool under C.R.S. § 14-10-115), and the result is incorporated into JDF 1117. The worksheet itself is not a separately numbered JDF court form.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
JDF 1115 – Property and Financial Agreement
The marital settlement agreement that divides property, assets, and debts and addresses spousal maintenance. It's signed by both parties and is used for an uncontested or agreed resolution.
Finalizing Your Case
JDF 1018 – Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance of Parties
Filed in uncontested cases where the parties have reached full agreement. It allows the court to enter a final decree without a hearing.
JDF 1019 – Decree of Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation
The final court order that dissolves the marriage or enters legal separation. It's signed by the judge to make the divorce final.
A heads-up on the decree form number: JDF 1116 appears in older documents as the decree form. The current operative decree form confirmed from the 2024-dated official PDF is JDF 1019. Both numbers appear in the official system, and JDF 1116 may be a superseded version. It's worth verifying the current version number at coloradojudicial.gov before filing.
Where to Get Colorado Divorce Forms
Colorado divorce forms are available from several places. Here are the most common sources.
Official State Courts Site
The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes every JDF form for free on its self-help page. You can download the current versions directly at coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms. Because Colorado uses statewide standardized forms, these are the same forms accepted in all 64 counties.
County Clerk / District Court
The district court clerk in the county where either spouse resides is where divorce cases are filed. Some judicial districts maintain local standing orders (Case Management Orders) that add district-specific procedural requirements on top of the statewide forms, particularly around parenting class providers and scheduling. The clerk's office can point you to any local requirements.
Legal Aid & Self-Help Resources
Colorado's courts maintain self-help resources, and the JDF 1010 process guide is designed to walk self-represented parties through the steps. Local legal aid organizations may also offer assistance for those who qualify.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through which forms apply and filling them out correctly feels daunting, Divorce.com offers a guided online process that prepares your Colorado forms based on the information you provide. It's an option for people who want a simpler, step-by-step experience without starting from a blank PDF.
Hire an Attorney
For complex situations, contested issues, or when you simply want professional guidance, a Colorado family law attorney can prepare and review your forms and represent you. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Colorado Divorce Process
Every case is different, but most Colorado dissolutions follow the same general arc.
1. Confirm Residency
Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days. If children are involved, the children must have lived in Colorado for at least 182 days (or been born there) for the court to have jurisdiction over custody matters. The case is filed in the county where either spouse resides.
2. File the Petition
The case opens when the Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (JDF 1011) is filed along with the Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000). Spouses can file together as co-petitioners, or one spouse can file separately.
3. Serve the Other Party
In a separately filed case, the respondent must be formally served using the Summons (JDF 1012), with service instructions in JDF 1099 and proof filed via the Return of Service (JDF 1014). When both spouses cooperate, the respondent can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013) instead. In a joint/co-petitioner filing, no service is required.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Each spouse completes a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and exchanges mandatory financial documents under Rule 16.2, then files a Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104). The Sworn Financial Statement is due within 42 days of service or filing.
5. Address Children and Reach Agreement
In cases with minor children, a Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) addresses parenting time and decision-making, and a Support Order (JDF 1117) documents child support or maintenance. Spouses who agree can document the division of property and debts in a Property and Financial Agreement (JDF 1115).
6. Observe the Waiting Period
Colorado requires a mandatory 91-day waiting period. The court may not enter a final decree until at least 91 days have passed from the date the petition is filed or the respondent is served, whichever is later. This is a minimum cooling-off period.
7. Finalize the Decree & Get Certified Copies
In an uncontested case, parties may file the Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance (JDF 1018) so the court can enter the decree without a hearing. The judge then signs the Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1019) to make the divorce final. Once entered, you can request certified copies from the court for your records.
Colorado-Specific Requirements You Should Know
A few features of Colorado law set it apart from other states.
Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. For custody jurisdiction, children must have lived in the state for at least 182 days (or been born there). Notably, civil unions formed in Colorado do not require residency to dissolve, and Colorado dissolves civil unions using the same JDF divorce forms.
Property regime: Colorado is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not necessarily a 50/50 split.
Grounds (no-fault): Colorado is a pure no-fault state under C.R.S. § 14-10-106. The sole ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." Fault grounds such as adultery or abandonment do not exist as pleaded grounds for dissolution, and courts will not consider marital misconduct when dividing property. There is also no covenant marriage in Colorado.
Waiting period: A mandatory 91-day cooling-off period applies before a final decree can be entered, measured from filing or service, whichever is later. (Notably, the residency requirement and the waiting period are both 91 days.)
Mandatory parenting class: When minor children are involved, both parties must complete a court-approved parenting education class and file a certificate of completion before the decree is entered. Approved class lists vary by judicial district.
"Allocation of Parental Responsibilities" (APR): Colorado does not use the terms "custody" or "visitation." Instead, it uses APR to describe decision-making and parenting time.
Two procedural paths: Colorado offers a joint/co-petitioner path, where both spouses file together with no service required (simpler and often less expensive), and a separate/contested path, where one party files and formally serves the other.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the mandatory disclosures
The Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and the Rule 16.2 document exchange are not optional. Missing the 42-day disclosure deadline or filing without the Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104) can stall a case.
Overlooking the parenting class
In cases with minor children, the court generally will not enter a decree until both parties file proof of completing an approved parenting class. Because providers vary by judicial district, it's easy to miss this step.
Using the wrong form version
Form numbers can change. The decree form is a good example: JDF 1116 appears in older materials, while JDF 1019 is the current confirmed version. Always download the latest version from the official site before filing.
Misunderstanding no-fault
Because Colorado is pure no-fault, the court will not weigh marital misconduct when dividing property. Building a case around a spouse's behavior generally won't change the outcome of property division.
Forgetting the 91-day clock
The court cannot finalize the divorce until at least 91 days have passed from filing or service. Expecting a faster finish can lead to frustration.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through more than a dozen JDF forms, deadlines, and district-specific quirks is a lot to manage on your own. Divorce.com is built to take the guesswork out of the paperwork by guiding you through a simple online process and preparing your Colorado forms based on your answers.
A guided, step-by-step questionnaire instead of a stack of blank PDFs
Colorado forms prepared from the information you provide
Plain-language explanations of what each document does
A clear path for both joint and separate filings
Support designed for people handling an uncontested divorce
Which Colorado Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Colorado publishes statewide standardized forms known as JDF forms (Judicial Department Forms), and they're used in every county. The exact set you'll encounter depends on your circumstances: whether you're filing jointly or separately, whether you have minor children, and whether you and your spouse have reached an agreement. Below are the core forms grouped by the job they do. Form names and numbers are pulled directly from the official Colorado Judicial Branch self-help materials.
Starting the Case
JDF 1010 – How to File for Divorce (Process Guide)
A step-by-step instruction guide for filing a divorce or legal separation. It's not a court filing itself; it's the official procedural roadmap that explains the process.
JDF 1000 – Case Information Sheet
A required cover sheet filed with the petition in every domestic relations case. It identifies the parties, the county, and the case type.
JDF 1011 – Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation
The initiating pleading. It's filed by the petitioner, or jointly by both spouses as co-petitioners, to open the divorce case.
JDF 1012 – Summons (caption only)
Issued to notify the respondent of the pending action. It's required when filing separately and is not needed in a joint/co-petitioner filing.
JDF 1099 – Instructions on How to Serve the Other Party
Official instructions for effecting service of process on the respondent in a separately filed case.
Responding to a Petition
JDF 1013 – Waiver of Service (Divorce/Separation)
A form the respondent signs to waive formal service of process. It's used when both parties are cooperating and no process server is needed.
JDF 1014 – Return of Service (Divorce/Separation)
Proof of service filed with the court confirming the respondent was properly served.
JDF 1015 – Response to the Petition
The respondent's formal answer to the petition. It must be filed within the deadline set in the summons.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
JDF 1111 – Sworn Financial Statement (Form 35.2)
A detailed disclosure of each party's income, expenses, assets, and debts. Each spouse files their own, and it's due within 42 days of service or filing.
JDF 1104 – Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Financial Disclosures
This certifies that the filing party has exchanged all mandatory financial disclosure documents required under C.R.C.P. Rule 16.2. Each party files their own.
A note on financial disclosures: Rule 16.2 requires the exchange of mandatory documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, in addition to the JDF 1111 Sworn Financial Statement. The JDF 1104 certificate is how the court confirms that exchange happened.
Forms for Divorces With Children
JDF 1113 – Parenting Plan
Required in all cases involving minor children. It specifies the parenting time schedule, decision-making (legal custody) allocation, and the holiday and vacation schedule.
JDF 1117 – Support Order
A court order for child support and/or spousal maintenance (alimony). It's attached to the final decree in cases with children or maintenance.
About child support calculations: In Colorado, child support is not a standalone numbered form. It's calculated using a Child Support Worksheet (a computational tool under C.R.S. § 14-10-115), and the result is incorporated into JDF 1117. The worksheet itself is not a separately numbered JDF court form.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
JDF 1115 – Property and Financial Agreement
The marital settlement agreement that divides property, assets, and debts and addresses spousal maintenance. It's signed by both parties and is used for an uncontested or agreed resolution.
Finalizing Your Case
JDF 1018 – Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance of Parties
Filed in uncontested cases where the parties have reached full agreement. It allows the court to enter a final decree without a hearing.
JDF 1019 – Decree of Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation
The final court order that dissolves the marriage or enters legal separation. It's signed by the judge to make the divorce final.
A heads-up on the decree form number: JDF 1116 appears in older documents as the decree form. The current operative decree form confirmed from the 2024-dated official PDF is JDF 1019. Both numbers appear in the official system, and JDF 1116 may be a superseded version. It's worth verifying the current version number at coloradojudicial.gov before filing.
Where to Get Colorado Divorce Forms
Colorado divorce forms are available from several places. Here are the most common sources.
Official State Courts Site
The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes every JDF form for free on its self-help page. You can download the current versions directly at coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms. Because Colorado uses statewide standardized forms, these are the same forms accepted in all 64 counties.
County Clerk / District Court
The district court clerk in the county where either spouse resides is where divorce cases are filed. Some judicial districts maintain local standing orders (Case Management Orders) that add district-specific procedural requirements on top of the statewide forms, particularly around parenting class providers and scheduling. The clerk's office can point you to any local requirements.
Legal Aid & Self-Help Resources
Colorado's courts maintain self-help resources, and the JDF 1010 process guide is designed to walk self-represented parties through the steps. Local legal aid organizations may also offer assistance for those who qualify.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through which forms apply and filling them out correctly feels daunting, Divorce.com offers a guided online process that prepares your Colorado forms based on the information you provide. It's an option for people who want a simpler, step-by-step experience without starting from a blank PDF.
Hire an Attorney
For complex situations, contested issues, or when you simply want professional guidance, a Colorado family law attorney can prepare and review your forms and represent you. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Colorado Divorce Process
Every case is different, but most Colorado dissolutions follow the same general arc.
1. Confirm Residency
Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days. If children are involved, the children must have lived in Colorado for at least 182 days (or been born there) for the court to have jurisdiction over custody matters. The case is filed in the county where either spouse resides.
2. File the Petition
The case opens when the Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (JDF 1011) is filed along with the Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000). Spouses can file together as co-petitioners, or one spouse can file separately.
3. Serve the Other Party
In a separately filed case, the respondent must be formally served using the Summons (JDF 1012), with service instructions in JDF 1099 and proof filed via the Return of Service (JDF 1014). When both spouses cooperate, the respondent can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013) instead. In a joint/co-petitioner filing, no service is required.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Each spouse completes a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and exchanges mandatory financial documents under Rule 16.2, then files a Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104). The Sworn Financial Statement is due within 42 days of service or filing.
5. Address Children and Reach Agreement
In cases with minor children, a Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) addresses parenting time and decision-making, and a Support Order (JDF 1117) documents child support or maintenance. Spouses who agree can document the division of property and debts in a Property and Financial Agreement (JDF 1115).
6. Observe the Waiting Period
Colorado requires a mandatory 91-day waiting period. The court may not enter a final decree until at least 91 days have passed from the date the petition is filed or the respondent is served, whichever is later. This is a minimum cooling-off period.
7. Finalize the Decree & Get Certified Copies
In an uncontested case, parties may file the Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance (JDF 1018) so the court can enter the decree without a hearing. The judge then signs the Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1019) to make the divorce final. Once entered, you can request certified copies from the court for your records.
Colorado-Specific Requirements You Should Know
A few features of Colorado law set it apart from other states.
Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. For custody jurisdiction, children must have lived in the state for at least 182 days (or been born there). Notably, civil unions formed in Colorado do not require residency to dissolve, and Colorado dissolves civil unions using the same JDF divorce forms.
Property regime: Colorado is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not necessarily a 50/50 split.
Grounds (no-fault): Colorado is a pure no-fault state under C.R.S. § 14-10-106. The sole ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." Fault grounds such as adultery or abandonment do not exist as pleaded grounds for dissolution, and courts will not consider marital misconduct when dividing property. There is also no covenant marriage in Colorado.
Waiting period: A mandatory 91-day cooling-off period applies before a final decree can be entered, measured from filing or service, whichever is later. (Notably, the residency requirement and the waiting period are both 91 days.)
Mandatory parenting class: When minor children are involved, both parties must complete a court-approved parenting education class and file a certificate of completion before the decree is entered. Approved class lists vary by judicial district.
"Allocation of Parental Responsibilities" (APR): Colorado does not use the terms "custody" or "visitation." Instead, it uses APR to describe decision-making and parenting time.
Two procedural paths: Colorado offers a joint/co-petitioner path, where both spouses file together with no service required (simpler and often less expensive), and a separate/contested path, where one party files and formally serves the other.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the mandatory disclosures
The Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and the Rule 16.2 document exchange are not optional. Missing the 42-day disclosure deadline or filing without the Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104) can stall a case.
Overlooking the parenting class
In cases with minor children, the court generally will not enter a decree until both parties file proof of completing an approved parenting class. Because providers vary by judicial district, it's easy to miss this step.
Using the wrong form version
Form numbers can change. The decree form is a good example: JDF 1116 appears in older materials, while JDF 1019 is the current confirmed version. Always download the latest version from the official site before filing.
Misunderstanding no-fault
Because Colorado is pure no-fault, the court will not weigh marital misconduct when dividing property. Building a case around a spouse's behavior generally won't change the outcome of property division.
Forgetting the 91-day clock
The court cannot finalize the divorce until at least 91 days have passed from filing or service. Expecting a faster finish can lead to frustration.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through more than a dozen JDF forms, deadlines, and district-specific quirks is a lot to manage on your own. Divorce.com is built to take the guesswork out of the paperwork by guiding you through a simple online process and preparing your Colorado forms based on your answers.
A guided, step-by-step questionnaire instead of a stack of blank PDFs
Colorado forms prepared from the information you provide
Plain-language explanations of what each document does
A clear path for both joint and separate filings
Support designed for people handling an uncontested divorce
Which Colorado Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Colorado publishes statewide standardized forms known as JDF forms (Judicial Department Forms), and they're used in every county. The exact set you'll encounter depends on your circumstances: whether you're filing jointly or separately, whether you have minor children, and whether you and your spouse have reached an agreement. Below are the core forms grouped by the job they do. Form names and numbers are pulled directly from the official Colorado Judicial Branch self-help materials.
Starting the Case
JDF 1010 – How to File for Divorce (Process Guide)
A step-by-step instruction guide for filing a divorce or legal separation. It's not a court filing itself; it's the official procedural roadmap that explains the process.
JDF 1000 – Case Information Sheet
A required cover sheet filed with the petition in every domestic relations case. It identifies the parties, the county, and the case type.
JDF 1011 – Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation
The initiating pleading. It's filed by the petitioner, or jointly by both spouses as co-petitioners, to open the divorce case.
JDF 1012 – Summons (caption only)
Issued to notify the respondent of the pending action. It's required when filing separately and is not needed in a joint/co-petitioner filing.
JDF 1099 – Instructions on How to Serve the Other Party
Official instructions for effecting service of process on the respondent in a separately filed case.
Responding to a Petition
JDF 1013 – Waiver of Service (Divorce/Separation)
A form the respondent signs to waive formal service of process. It's used when both parties are cooperating and no process server is needed.
JDF 1014 – Return of Service (Divorce/Separation)
Proof of service filed with the court confirming the respondent was properly served.
JDF 1015 – Response to the Petition
The respondent's formal answer to the petition. It must be filed within the deadline set in the summons.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
JDF 1111 – Sworn Financial Statement (Form 35.2)
A detailed disclosure of each party's income, expenses, assets, and debts. Each spouse files their own, and it's due within 42 days of service or filing.
JDF 1104 – Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Financial Disclosures
This certifies that the filing party has exchanged all mandatory financial disclosure documents required under C.R.C.P. Rule 16.2. Each party files their own.
A note on financial disclosures: Rule 16.2 requires the exchange of mandatory documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, in addition to the JDF 1111 Sworn Financial Statement. The JDF 1104 certificate is how the court confirms that exchange happened.
Forms for Divorces With Children
JDF 1113 – Parenting Plan
Required in all cases involving minor children. It specifies the parenting time schedule, decision-making (legal custody) allocation, and the holiday and vacation schedule.
JDF 1117 – Support Order
A court order for child support and/or spousal maintenance (alimony). It's attached to the final decree in cases with children or maintenance.
About child support calculations: In Colorado, child support is not a standalone numbered form. It's calculated using a Child Support Worksheet (a computational tool under C.R.S. § 14-10-115), and the result is incorporated into JDF 1117. The worksheet itself is not a separately numbered JDF court form.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
JDF 1115 – Property and Financial Agreement
The marital settlement agreement that divides property, assets, and debts and addresses spousal maintenance. It's signed by both parties and is used for an uncontested or agreed resolution.
Finalizing Your Case
JDF 1018 – Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance of Parties
Filed in uncontested cases where the parties have reached full agreement. It allows the court to enter a final decree without a hearing.
JDF 1019 – Decree of Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation
The final court order that dissolves the marriage or enters legal separation. It's signed by the judge to make the divorce final.
A heads-up on the decree form number: JDF 1116 appears in older documents as the decree form. The current operative decree form confirmed from the 2024-dated official PDF is JDF 1019. Both numbers appear in the official system, and JDF 1116 may be a superseded version. It's worth verifying the current version number at coloradojudicial.gov before filing.
Where to Get Colorado Divorce Forms
Colorado divorce forms are available from several places. Here are the most common sources.
Official State Courts Site
The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes every JDF form for free on its self-help page. You can download the current versions directly at coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms. Because Colorado uses statewide standardized forms, these are the same forms accepted in all 64 counties.
County Clerk / District Court
The district court clerk in the county where either spouse resides is where divorce cases are filed. Some judicial districts maintain local standing orders (Case Management Orders) that add district-specific procedural requirements on top of the statewide forms, particularly around parenting class providers and scheduling. The clerk's office can point you to any local requirements.
Legal Aid & Self-Help Resources
Colorado's courts maintain self-help resources, and the JDF 1010 process guide is designed to walk self-represented parties through the steps. Local legal aid organizations may also offer assistance for those who qualify.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through which forms apply and filling them out correctly feels daunting, Divorce.com offers a guided online process that prepares your Colorado forms based on the information you provide. It's an option for people who want a simpler, step-by-step experience without starting from a blank PDF.
Hire an Attorney
For complex situations, contested issues, or when you simply want professional guidance, a Colorado family law attorney can prepare and review your forms and represent you. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Colorado Divorce Process
Every case is different, but most Colorado dissolutions follow the same general arc.
1. Confirm Residency
Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days. If children are involved, the children must have lived in Colorado for at least 182 days (or been born there) for the court to have jurisdiction over custody matters. The case is filed in the county where either spouse resides.
2. File the Petition
The case opens when the Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (JDF 1011) is filed along with the Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000). Spouses can file together as co-petitioners, or one spouse can file separately.
3. Serve the Other Party
In a separately filed case, the respondent must be formally served using the Summons (JDF 1012), with service instructions in JDF 1099 and proof filed via the Return of Service (JDF 1014). When both spouses cooperate, the respondent can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013) instead. In a joint/co-petitioner filing, no service is required.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Each spouse completes a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and exchanges mandatory financial documents under Rule 16.2, then files a Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104). The Sworn Financial Statement is due within 42 days of service or filing.
5. Address Children and Reach Agreement
In cases with minor children, a Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) addresses parenting time and decision-making, and a Support Order (JDF 1117) documents child support or maintenance. Spouses who agree can document the division of property and debts in a Property and Financial Agreement (JDF 1115).
6. Observe the Waiting Period
Colorado requires a mandatory 91-day waiting period. The court may not enter a final decree until at least 91 days have passed from the date the petition is filed or the respondent is served, whichever is later. This is a minimum cooling-off period.
7. Finalize the Decree & Get Certified Copies
In an uncontested case, parties may file the Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance (JDF 1018) so the court can enter the decree without a hearing. The judge then signs the Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1019) to make the divorce final. Once entered, you can request certified copies from the court for your records.
Colorado-Specific Requirements You Should Know
A few features of Colorado law set it apart from other states.
Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. For custody jurisdiction, children must have lived in the state for at least 182 days (or been born there). Notably, civil unions formed in Colorado do not require residency to dissolve, and Colorado dissolves civil unions using the same JDF divorce forms.
Property regime: Colorado is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not necessarily a 50/50 split.
Grounds (no-fault): Colorado is a pure no-fault state under C.R.S. § 14-10-106. The sole ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." Fault grounds such as adultery or abandonment do not exist as pleaded grounds for dissolution, and courts will not consider marital misconduct when dividing property. There is also no covenant marriage in Colorado.
Waiting period: A mandatory 91-day cooling-off period applies before a final decree can be entered, measured from filing or service, whichever is later. (Notably, the residency requirement and the waiting period are both 91 days.)
Mandatory parenting class: When minor children are involved, both parties must complete a court-approved parenting education class and file a certificate of completion before the decree is entered. Approved class lists vary by judicial district.
"Allocation of Parental Responsibilities" (APR): Colorado does not use the terms "custody" or "visitation." Instead, it uses APR to describe decision-making and parenting time.
Two procedural paths: Colorado offers a joint/co-petitioner path, where both spouses file together with no service required (simpler and often less expensive), and a separate/contested path, where one party files and formally serves the other.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the mandatory disclosures
The Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and the Rule 16.2 document exchange are not optional. Missing the 42-day disclosure deadline or filing without the Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104) can stall a case.
Overlooking the parenting class
In cases with minor children, the court generally will not enter a decree until both parties file proof of completing an approved parenting class. Because providers vary by judicial district, it's easy to miss this step.
Using the wrong form version
Form numbers can change. The decree form is a good example: JDF 1116 appears in older materials, while JDF 1019 is the current confirmed version. Always download the latest version from the official site before filing.
Misunderstanding no-fault
Because Colorado is pure no-fault, the court will not weigh marital misconduct when dividing property. Building a case around a spouse's behavior generally won't change the outcome of property division.
Forgetting the 91-day clock
The court cannot finalize the divorce until at least 91 days have passed from filing or service. Expecting a faster finish can lead to frustration.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through more than a dozen JDF forms, deadlines, and district-specific quirks is a lot to manage on your own. Divorce.com is built to take the guesswork out of the paperwork by guiding you through a simple online process and preparing your Colorado forms based on your answers.
A guided, step-by-step questionnaire instead of a stack of blank PDFs
Colorado forms prepared from the information you provide
Plain-language explanations of what each document does
A clear path for both joint and separate filings
Support designed for people handling an uncontested divorce
Filing for divorce in Colorado can feel overwhelming when you're staring down a stack of court forms with cryptic numbers and legal language. The good news: Colorado uses one standardized set of forms across all 64 counties, so once you understand the pieces, the path becomes a lot clearer. This guide walks you through the official Colorado divorce papers (the "JDF" forms), what each one does, where to find them, and how the process unfolds from start to final decree.
Colorado calls divorce a "dissolution of marriage," and the state's forms are designed so that people can navigate the process whether or not they have a lawyer. We'll cover the forms used to start a case, respond to one, disclose finances, address children, document an agreement, and finalize everything with a signed decree.
This page is informational only. It explains what the Colorado forms are used for and how the process generally works. It does not tell you which forms fit your specific circumstances, and it is not a substitute for legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Bottom Line
Colorado keeps things consistent: one statewide set of JDF forms works in all 64 counties, from Denver and Colorado Springs to Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Pueblo. The core pieces are the Petition (JDF 1011), the financial disclosures (JDF 1111 and JDF 1104), children's forms (JDF 1113 and JDF 1117) when minor children are involved, an optional settlement agreement (JDF 1115), and the final Decree (JDF 1019). Remember the two 91-day clocks: residency before filing and the mandatory waiting period before finalizing.
You can download every current form for free from the official Colorado Judicial Branch self-help page at coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms. If you'd rather have the paperwork prepared through a guided online process, Divorce.com can walk you through it step by step.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Form numbers and local requirements can change, so verify the current versions before filing. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
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