• You or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before you can file a divorce case in Colorado.
• Children must have lived in Colorado for at least 182 days (or since birth).

or

• If you are ending a Civil Union, then neither party has to live in Colorado if you got your Civil Union License in Colorado.

File in the county where you or your spouse lives.

Filing Jointly

It's easier and cheaper to file a case with your spouse.

• JDF 1011 - Petition, and
• JDF 1000 - Case Information Sheet.

Filing Separately

Otherwise, file

• JDF 1011 - Petition,
• JDF 1012 - Summons (caption only), and
• JDF 1000 - Case Information Sheet.

File Online

Create an account and file your completed forms at:

• Colorado Courts Efiling

Of file in person at your local District Court.

• Courts locator

Pay Filing Fee

• Or, see Information on Fee Waivers

Skip this step if you filed jointly.

Personal Service

Review the Instructions (JDF 1099) about formally notifying your spouse about the case.  The file the appropriate form:

• JDF 1013 - Waiver of Service (if your spouse agrees)
• JDF 1014 - Return of Service (after service is done)

Skip this step if you filed jointly.

Form & File

• Use form: JDF 1015 - Response to the Petition.
• Create an account and file the completed form online:
  • Colorado Courts Efiling.
• Or, file in person at the clerk's office.  The address is at the top of the summons.
  • Then mail a copy to your spouse.

Pay the Filing Fee

• Or, see Information on Fee Waivers.

• Read and follow the instructions in the Case Management Order.
• Review the steps and forms needed for the Initial Status Conference.
• At that conference, you will be informed about the next steps in the process.