Filing for divorce is never an easy decision, even when both spouses agree to part ways amicably. In Colorado, many couples think that because their separation is mutual and civil, they can handle the process themselves without involving attorneys. But even in the most cooperative situations, filing uncontested divorce papers without legal guidance can lead to unnecessary delays, costly mistakes, or agreements that don’t hold up in court.
While Colorado law allows you to file for divorce on your own, the reality is that navigating the legal system without professional help often adds stress and unnecessary tension to an already difficult time. We’re here to help you understand the divorce process in Colorado and the uncontested divorce papers required.
Filing for Divorce in Colorado
The first thing you need to understand about filing for divorce in Colorado is that you must meet a few basic legal requirements:
1. Residency Requirement
At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing the petition.
2. Grounds for Divorce
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, meaning the court does not require proof of wrongdoing. The only legal ground is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
3. Filing the Petition
To begin the process, either spouse can file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the appropriate district court. If both spouses agree on all terms, they may file a joint petition.
4. Serving the Papers
If only one spouse is filing, the other must be legally served with the divorce papers and has 21 days (or 35 days if they live out of state) to respond.
5. 91-Day Waiting Period
Once the petition is filed and served, there is a mandatory 91-day waiting period before the court can finalize the divorce—even if it is uncontested. This waiting period does not begin running until the spouse is successfully served.
6. Finalizing the Divorce
During or after the waiting period, both spouses must submit all required agreements and documents. If everything is in order and no court hearing is required, the judge can sign the final decree.
Which Uncontested Divorce Papers are Required in Colorado
Even in an uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on every detail there is a significant amount of paperwork required to legally dissolve the marriage. Missing or improperly filling out even one document can cause delays or rejections. Here are some of the uncontested divorce papers you’ll need:
1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
This form starts the divorce process. It may be filed individually or jointly.
2. Summons
If the divorce is not filed jointly, the filing spouse must serve the other party with this form to notify them of the legal proceedings.
3. Case Information Sheet
This document provides the court with basic identifying information about both spouses and the case.
4. Sworn Financial Statements
Both parties are required to disclose all financial information, including income, expenses, debts, and assets.
5. Separation Agreement
This outlines how all marital property, assets, and debts will be divided. It can also address spousal support if applicable.
6. Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
A Parenting Plan must outline parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, holiday schedules, and more. It must also include child support details calculated per Colorado guidelines.
7. Child Support Worksheet
This form calculates the appropriate amount of child support based on income, parenting time, and other relevant factors.
8. Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosures
This certifies that both parties have provided full financial disclosures to each other as required by law.
These are just the most common forms. Other documents may be required depending on your unique circumstances. This might sound manageable at first, but many individuals find the process overwhelming when they realize just how detailed and precise each document must be to hold up in Colorado courts.
Trust a Colorado Divorce Attorney with Uncontested Divorce Papers
If you’re filing for uncontested divorce papers in Colorado, it might seem tempting to do it yourself—after all, you and your spouse agree on everything, right? But legal paperwork is never “just paperwork.” Every form must meet court standards. Every number must be accurate. Every agreement must be written in an enforceable way. One wrong step could mean:
- The court rejects your filing.
- You unknowingly give up legal rights.
- Delays push your final decree out by weeks or months.
- A future dispute ensues due to unclear or unenforceable agreements.
Working with an experienced Colorado divorce attorney ensures you don’t run into these issues. At Colorado Legal Group, we help clients navigate uncontested divorces every day. We’ll:
- Prepare and file all required uncontested divorce papers
- Ensure your Separation Agreement and Parenting Plan comply with Colorado law
- Handle communication with the court and your spouse (if needed)
- Monitor your case timelines and keep the process moving forward
- Protect your financial and parental rights—even in a cooperative divorce
Divorce may be the end of one chapter, but it’s also the start of a new one. Don’t let a simple paperwork mistake create unnecessary hardship.
Let Colorado Legal Group guide you through your uncontested divorce the right way—efficiently, legally, and with your peace of mind intact. Schedule a free case evaluation today with one of our attorneys in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Grand Junction, and let’s take the first step toward your future.