You can get a parenting plan if you are:

• A parent
• A person other than a parent if the child is not in the physical custody of one of the parents
• Someone other than a parent who has physically cared for a child for at least 182 days. That person must start the case within 182 days after they stop that physical care of the child
• A party to a Dependency and Neglect case if:
  1. There is an existing Dependency and Neglect case, and
  2. No other case involving the child is pending anywhere else

Filing Jointly

It's easier and cheaper to file the case with the other parent.

• JDF 1000 – Case Information Sheet, and
• JDF 1031 – Petition.

Filing Separately

If the other parent doesn't agree to file with you, use forms:

• JDF 1000 – Case Information Sheet,
• JDF 1031 – Petition, and
• JDF 1032 – Court Summons.

File Online

Create an account and file your completed forms at:

• Colorado Courts Efiling(link is external).

 Of file in person at your local District Court. 

• Courts locator.

Pay the 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 the other parent about the case.  Then, file the appropriate form:

• JDF 1033 - Waiver of Service (if the other parent consents)
• JDF 1034 - Return of Service (after service is done)

Skip this step if you filed jointly.

Form & File

• Use form: JDF 1035 – Response to the Petition.
• Create an account and file the completed form online:
  • Colorado Courts Efiling(link is external).
• 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.

1. Read the Case Management Order the Court will give you.
2. Visit the Initial Status Conference page.  It will outline which forms to prepare.
3. At that conference, you will be informed about the next steps in the process.