How long does it take to get divorced in Routt County, Colorado?

Uncontested divorces in Routt County typically take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Colorado requires 91 days waiting period after filing. Contested cases take 8-18 months or longer depending on complexity and court availability.

How is property divided in Routt County divorces?

Colorado follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors including marriage length, contributions, and financial circumstances. Routt County District Court applies Colorado law to property division.

"The Most Trusted

Name in Online Divorce"

Exclusive

Online Divorce Partner

Best

Online Divorce Service

ADVISOR

We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.

Start your divorce

See if this is right for me

Written By:

Divorce.com Staff

Real Answers. Real Support.

We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Read the blog

Featured Article
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
Divorce Process with Divorce.com
Read more

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

$1,999

Get started

Our Services

Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
Get started
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Get started
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
Get started

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.

Get started

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

Routt County Divorce Guide: Filing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Q: How much does divorce cost in Routt County?

Filing fees in Colorado vary by county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases in Routt County.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Routt County?

No, Colorado allows self-representation in divorce cases. However, attorney representation is recommended for contested custody, significant assets, or business ownership. Simple uncontested divorces in Routt County often work well with online service assistance.

Q: Can I file for divorce in Routt County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Colorado's residency requirement of 91 days, you can file for divorce in Routt County even if your spouse lives in another county or out of state.

Routt County handles divorce cases through the District Court. Whether you live in Steamboat Springs or another Routt County community, this guide provides everything you need to know about filing for divorce in Routt County.

Routt County Divorce at a Glance

County: Routt County
Primary City: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Court Type: District Court
Residency Requirement: 91 days
Waiting Period: 91 days

What Makes Routt County Unique

Every county in Colorado follows the same state divorce laws, but Routt County has specific local procedures, filing requirements, and resources that affect your divorce process.

Local Court Procedures

Routt County's District Court has established local rules that govern how divorces proceed. These include specific document formatting requirements, filing deadlines, and hearing schedules that differ from other Colorado countys.

Filing Requirements

The Clerk of Courts in Routt County has specific requirements for document submission, fee payments, and case processing. Understanding these requirements before filing prevents delays and rejected paperwork.

Community Resources

Routt County offers various divorce-related resources including mediation services, self-help centers, and legal aid programs. Availability and eligibility vary by county.

Routt County Court Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: Filing fees in Colorado vary by county. Contact the Routt County Clerk of Courts for current exact fees.

Typical Colorado Filing Fees: $75-$450 depending on county

Additional Costs:

Service of process: $40-$150
Certified copies: $1-$5 per page
Motion filing fees: $25-$100 each

Payment Methods:
Most Colorado courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Some countys charge a processing fee for card payments.

Attorney Costs in Routt County

Attorney fees in Routt County vary based on experience, case complexity, and whether your divorce is contested.

Hourly Rates:

Entry-level attorneys: $150-$275/hour
Experienced attorneys: $275-$400/hour
Senior attorneys: $400-$500/hour

Average Total Costs:

Simple uncontested: $1,500-$4,000
Contested divorce: $8,000-$30,000+
High-conflict cases: $30,000-$60,000+

Retainer Requirements:

Uncontested: $1,500-$3,000
Contested: $5,000-$15,000+

These are typical ranges for Colorado attorneys. Actual costs in Routt County depend on your specific situation.

How to File for Divorce in Routt County

Step 1: Verify Residency

You or your spouse must meet Colorado's residency requirement: 91 days

Step 2: Gather Documents

Marriage certificate (certified copy)
Financial records (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
Property records
Debt information
Children's information (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Divorce Forms

Colorado requires specific forms for divorce petitions. Routt County may have additional local forms.

Required documents typically include:

Petition/Complaint for Divorce
Financial affidavits
Child custody forms (if applicable)
Settlement agreement (if uncontested)

Step 4: File with the Court

Submit your completed forms to the Routt County Clerk of Courts along with the filing fee. Many Colorado countys now offer electronic filing options.

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse

After filing, your spouse must be served with divorce papers according to Colorado law. Service options include:

Sheriff's department
Private process server
Certified mail (if spouse agrees)

Step 6: Complete Mandatory Requirements

Colorado may require:

Parenting classes (if children involved)
Financial disclosures
Mediation attempts
Waiting period: 91 days

Step 7: Finalize Your Divorce

For uncontested cases, a brief hearing may be required. Contested cases involve negotiations, possible trial, and final judgment.

Routt County Divorce Timeline

Uncontested Divorce (Both Agree):

Minimum: 91 days (state-mandated waiting period)
Typical: 2-4 months from filing to final decree
Best case: 6-10 weeks with all paperwork perfect

Contested Divorce (Disputes to Resolve):

Minor disagreements: 4-8 months
Significant disputes: 8-14 months
Trial required: 12-24 months

Timelines depend on court calendar availability in Routt County, case complexity, and how quickly both parties respond to requests.

Routt County District Court

Routt County's divorce cases are handled by the District Court. The court manages all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, support, and property division.

Court Functions:

Process divorce petitions
Conduct hearings and trials
Issue temporary orders
Approve settlement agreements
Enter final divorce decrees

Court Staff:
The Clerk of Courts office handles all filing, fee collection, and record keeping for Routt County divorce cases.

Colorado Divorce Court Locator

Routt County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

Routt Combined Court

Court Address:

1955 Shield Drive

Steamboat Springs,

80477

Phone:

970-879-5020

Clerk Hours:

8am-5pm

Website:

http://www.co.routt.co.us/

Colorado Divorce Court Locator

Routt County Family and Divorce Courts

Court Name:

Routt Combined Court

Court Address:

1955 Shield Drive

Steamboat Springs,

80477

Phone:

970-879-5020

Clerk Hours:

8am-5pm

Website:

http://www.co.routt.co.us/

Free and Low-Cost Resources in Routt County

Legal Aid Services

Colorado has legal aid organizations that provide free legal help to low-income residents. Contact your local legal aid office to check eligibility for services in Routt County.

Typical Eligibility: Income at or below 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines

Court Self-Help Resources

Many Colorado courts offer self-help centers with:

Divorce form packets
Filing instructions
Procedural information
Referrals to resources

Contact the Routt County District Court to ask about available self-help services.

Pro Bono Legal Services

Local bar associations in Colorado may offer:

Free legal consultations
Reduced-fee attorney referrals
Pro bono representation for qualified cases

Mediation Services

Routt County may offer court-connected mediation at reduced rates, typically much less expensive than private mediation.

Affordable Online Divorce Services for Routt County

Online divorce services provide an affordable alternative to hiring an attorney for uncontested cases in Routt County.

Benefits of Online Services:

Routt County-specific forms and filing instructions
Professional document preparation
Significant cost savings vs. attorney fees
Convenient online process
Support throughout your case

Best For:

Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree
Cases without complex assets or custody disputes
Couples able to cooperate on terms
People seeking affordable professional help

Typical Cost Range: $500-$2,000 plus court filing fees

Online services work well in Routt County for straightforward cases while providing guidance and form preparation assistance.

Divorce with Children in Routt County

Routt County courts prioritize children's best interests in custody and support decisions.

Child Custody in Colorado

Colorado courts consider multiple factors when determining custody:

Each parent's ability to care for children
Children's relationship with each parent
Stability of proposed living arrangements
Children's adjustment to home, school, community
Parents' willingness to cooperate
Any history of abuse or neglect

Parenting Time

Routt County courts encourage meaningful relationships with both parents unless safety concerns exist. Parenting time schedules are customized to each family's situation.

Child Support

Colorado uses guidelines based on:

Both parents' incomes
Number of children
Parenting time allocation
Healthcare and childcare costs

Mandatory Requirements

Colorado may require parents in Routt County to:

Complete parenting education classes
Attend mediation for custody disputes
Submit detailed parenting plans
Provide financial disclosure

Common Mistakes in Routt County Divorces

1. Incomplete Financial Disclosure

Colorado requires full financial disclosure in divorce cases. Incomplete or inaccurate information causes delays and can result in court sanctions.

2. Missing Deadlines

Routt County District Court imposes deadlines for responses, discovery, and other filings. Missing deadlines can result in default judgments or case dismissal.

3. Incorrect Forms or Formatting

Each Colorado county has specific form requirements. Using outdated forms or incorrect formats results in rejected filings.

4. Poor Service of Process

Improperly serving your spouse invalidates the entire case. Follow Colorado's service requirements exactly.

5. Not Following Court Orders

Violating temporary orders issued by Routt County court can result in contempt charges and negatively impact your case.

6. Failing to Update Information

Changes in income, residence, or circumstances must be reported to Routt County court promptly.

7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases

While self-representation is allowed in Routt County, complex cases involving businesses, substantial assets, or high-conflict custody benefit from attorney representation.

Routt County Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get divorced in Routt County?

Uncontested divorces in Routt County typically take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Colorado requires 91 days waiting period. Contested cases take 8-18 months or longer depending on complexity.

How much does divorce cost in Routt County?

Filing fees vary by Colorado county. Uncontested divorces using online services cost $500-$2,000 plus filing fees. Attorney-handled divorces range from $2,000-$6,000 for uncontested cases to $10,000-$50,000+ for contested cases.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Routt County?

No, but whether you should hire one depends on your situation. Attorney representation is recommended for cases involving significant assets, business ownership, contested custody, or domestic violence. Simple uncontested divorces often work well with online service assistance.

Can I file for divorce in Routt County if my spouse lives elsewhere?

Yes, as long as you meet Colorado's residency requirement (91 days), you can file in Routt County even if your spouse lives in another county or state.

What if my spouse doesn't respond to divorce papers?

If your spouse doesn't respond within the required timeframe in Colorado, you can request a default judgment from Routt County court.

How is property divided in Routt County?

Colorado follows equitable distribution rules. The court divides marital property fairly based on various factors, not necessarily equally.

Does Routt County require separation before divorce?

Colorado's laws determine separation requirements. 91 days waiting period applies after filing. Formal separation is not required before filing.

Can I change my name back in my divorce?

Yes, you can request to resume your maiden name or previous name as part of your Routt County divorce decree.

What if I can't afford the filing fee?

Routt County court may waive filing fees if you qualify based on low income or receipt of public assistance. File a fee waiver application with your petition.

Are divorce records public in Routt County?

Yes, divorce records filed with Routt County District Court are generally public records, though you can request certain sensitive information be sealed.

Next Steps: Start Your Routt County Divorce

Step 1: Verify you meet Colorado's residency requirement (91 days)
Step 2: Gather all required financial and personal documents
Step 3: Decide between self-filing, online service, or attorney
Step 4: Complete Routt County-specific divorce forms
Step 5: File petition with Routt County Clerk of Courts
Step 6: Serve your spouse with divorce papers
Step 7: Complete any mandatory requirements
Step 8: Finalize your divorce through settlement or hearing

About This Routt County Divorce Guide

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about filing for divorce in Routt County, Colorado. Information covers local procedures, filing requirements, costs, and resources specific to Routt County's District Court.

Last Updated: February 2026

Note: Laws and procedures change. Always verify current requirements with Routt County Clerk of Courts or consult with a qualified Colorado family law attorney.

RETAINER FEE  
PETITION    

COURT FILING FEE  SUMMONS  
AFFIDAVIT
  MOTIONS  
ARGUMENTS  
TEMPORARY ORDERS  HEARINGS  
SUBPOENAS
  DEPOSITIONS
  SETTLEMENT  CONFERENCES  JUDGEMENT

    TRIAL  
APPEALS

Why Divorce.com

Mission

Services

Resources

Online Divorce

Divorce Guides

States

Get Started

We offer a simple divorce online for uncontested or lightly contested divorces.