How long do I have to live in Colorado before I can file for divorce?

Either party must reside in Colorado for at least 90 days prior to the filing of the Petition. There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before the court can enter the divorce decree.

What is a "stipulated motion"?

A stipulated motion needs to be signed by all parties and is an agreement regarding the issues. It must have all signatures for the judge to rule on it.

Where do I file my divorce case?

Your case should be filed in the county where you or the Co-Petitioner/Respondent resides. Either party must reside in Colorado for at least 90 days prior to the filing of the Petition.

Use the courts locator to find the correct court location.

How do I get an annulment?

To obtain a declaration that your marriage is invalid, you need to prove one of the grounds described in §14-10-111, C.R.S. Declaration of Invalidity. Please review the statute and Invalidity of Marriage - Annulment to determine what grounds may apply to your circumstances.

How long do I have to live in Colorado before I can file for custody of my kids?

The children must reside in Colorado for a minimum of six months prior to the filing date, or since birth if under six months of age.

See Child Custody without a Marriage or Civil Union for more information.

How long do my children have to live in Colorado?

The children must reside in Colorado for a minimum of six months prior to the filing date, or since birth if under six months of age. If this time requirement is not met at the time of filing, issues regarding the children cannot be addressed as part of the dissolution/legal separation case.

How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?

You will need to contact the court where the decree was entered. Use the courts locator to find the correct court location.

I have filed the Petition to get a divorce, but I've changed my mind. How do I stop it?

If after the Petition is filed you change your mind about the dissolution of marriage or legal separation, you must notify the court immediately and file JDF 1305 Stipulated Motion to Dismiss. If all of your paperwork is filed, and you do not file for a dismissal, you may find yourself divorced or legally separated even though you and your spouse have reconciled.

What is an Initial Status Conference?

An Initial Status Conference is a meeting of the judge and the lawyers (or unrepresented parties) to determine how the case is progressing. At the status conference, the judge may ask whether and how the parties have tried to settle the case. Often, court rules require the parties to file paperwork before the conference to answer questions about the issues to be discussed at the conference.

For more information, view About Family Cases Forms.