Criteria to Register an Out-of-State Legal Separation

If you were legally separated in another state, and you move to Colorado, you can register your legal separation paperwork in Colorado. Once you register your legal separation paperwork in Colorado, you can ask a court in Colorado to enforce any orders having to do with the legal separation case from the other state.

Before you ask a Colorado court to register your out-of-state legal separation case, you will need to get exemplified copies of all written paperwork from the out-of-state case, including court orders, judgments, and decrees.

Note: Do not use this process for problems related to children, such as registering an out-of-state child custody or child support order. Refer to Register an Out-of-State Child Custody Order.

How to Start a Case

You should file your case with the district court in the county where you live or where your spouse/partner lives. Use the courts locator to find the correct district court.

You and your spouse/partner can file your case together, or you can file the case on your own. You decide if you want to file together or file on your own. The court cannot make this decision for you.

How to File Together with Your Spouse/Partner

You and your spouse/partner will have the same "identities" as you did in the original out-of-state case. For example, if you were the "Petitioner" in the original case, you will be the "Petitioner" when you file these forms.

Forms and Paperwork Required

Use the forms link above to download and complete the Register an Out-of-State Legal Separation forms. For detailed instructions, review JDF 1220 Instructions to File a Foreign Decree.

How to Submit Paperwork to the Court

1. Take your completed forms to the clerk at the counter in the courthouse. Give the forms to the clerk to file your case. Either you or your spouse/partner can drop off the forms at the court, and it is not necessary that you go together.
   • Note: Remember to give the exemplified copies of the paperwork from the out-of-state case to the clerk along with your completed forms.
2. Pay the filing fee. If you do not think you can afford the filing fee, fill out form JDF 205 Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit and JDF 206 Finding and Order Concerning Payment of Fees to request a waiver of the filing fee, or visit our File Without Payment section for complete information.
3. Complete any additional forms. The clerk might ask you to complete additional forms. Please follow the clerk's instructions.

How to File on Your Own

You and your spouse/partner will have the same "identities" as you did in the original out-of-state case. For example, if you were the "Petitioner" in the original case, you will be the "Petitioner" when you file these forms.

Forms and Paperwork Required

Use the forms link above to download and complete the Register an Out-of-State Legal Separation forms. For detailed instructions, review JDF 1220 Instructions to File a Foreign Decree.

How to Submit Paperwork to the Court

1. Take your completed forms to the clerk at the counter in the courthouse. Give the forms to the clerk to file your case.
   • Note: Remember to give the exemplified copies of the paperwork from the out-of-state case to the clerk along with your completed forms.
2. Pay the filing fee. If you do not think you can afford the filing fee, fill out form JDF 205 Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit and JDF 206 Finding and Order Concerning Payment of Fees to request a waiver of the filing fee, or visit our File Without Payment section for complete information.
3. Complete any additional forms. The clerk might ask you to complete additional forms. Please follow the clerk's instructions.

Arrange to Serve Your Spouse/Partner with the Paperwork

After you file your forms with the court, you must arrange to have JDF 1221 Petition to Register Foreign Decree and JDF 1222 Summons for Registration of Foreign Decree delivered to your spouse/partner. The process of having these forms delivered to your spouse/partner is known as personal service.

The clerk will provide you with a signed copy of JDF 1222 Summons for Registration of Foreign Decree to be served on your spouse/partner.

Self-Help Service of Process will help you understand how to arrange to personally serve your spouse/partner and how to return proof of service to the court.