Colorado Divorce Forms: What Each Form Is Used For

Colorado provides all divorce forms free through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. The problem isn't access — it's knowing which forms you need, in what order, and when each one gets filed. Here's every key form organized by the stage where you'll use it.

Stage 1: Opening Your Case

These forms initiate the dissolution proceeding at the district court:

• JDF 1000 (Case Information Sheet) — Administrative intake form listing both spouses' names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, plus details on any minor children. Filed with the petition.
• JDF 1011 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) — The core filing document. States that the marriage is irretrievably broken, lists residency details, and identifies issues like property, maintenance, and children. Both spouses can sign as Co-Petitioners for a joint filing.
• JDF 1012 (Summons) — Only needed when one spouse files alone. The court clerk signs and seals this document, which formally notifies the respondent that a case has been opened. Not used in joint filings.

The filing fee is $260. All three forms can be submitted through the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) system, except in Denver County Court cases (which use File & Serve Xpress).

Stage 2: Service of Process

If you didn't file jointly, you must serve your spouse and prove it to the court:

• JDF 1013 (Waiver and Acceptance of Service) — The respondent signs this form (notarized) to acknowledge they received the papers voluntarily. The simplest and cheapest service method.
• JDF 1014 (Return of Service) — Completed by the person who served the papers (sheriff, process server, or any uninvolved adult over 18). Filed with the court as proof of service.
• JDF 1015 (Response to Petition) — The respondent's formal reply. Must be filed within 21 days of service (35 days if served out of state or by publication). Filing fee: $146.
• JDF 1301 (Motion for Alternative Service) — Used when the respondent cannot be located after a diligent search. Asks the court for permission to serve by newspaper publication.
• JDF 1302 (Order About Alternate Service) — The court order granting service by publication, if approved.

Stage 3: Financial Disclosures

Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 16.2 requires full financial transparency from both spouses within 42 days:

• JDF 1111 (Sworn Financial Statement) — The most complex form in the process. Lists all monthly income, deductions, household expenses, assets, and debts. Signed under penalty of perjury. Both spouses must complete their own.
• JDF 1111SS (Supporting Schedules) — Supplemental schedules for investments, business holdings, or complex assets. Attach to JDF 1111 if applicable.
• JDF 1104 (Certificate of Compliance) — Certifies to the court that you've exchanged financial disclosures with your spouse. Filed with the court alongside your JDF 1111.

The backup documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) are exchanged between spouses only — they do not get filed with the court unless a judge orders it.

Stage 4: Agreements

These forms capture what you and your spouse have agreed on:

• JDF 1115 (Property and Financial Agreement) — Covers the division of all assets, debts, and any spousal maintenance arrangement. Both spouses sign.
• JDF 1113 (Parenting Plan) — Required when minor children are involved. Establishes decision-making authority, the parenting time schedule, and child support. Updated March 2026 to reflect HB 25-1159 changes.
• JDF 1821 (Support Worksheet) — The consolidated child support calculation form (replaced the old JDF 1820 and JDF 1822 as of March 1, 2026). The court recommends using the official online calculator to generate this worksheet.

Stage 5: Finalization

These close out the case:

• JDF 1018 (Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance) — Allows the judge to sign the final decree without requiring the parties to appear in court. Available in uncontested cases with no minor children, or where both parents have attorneys. Replaced the older JDF 1201 form in March 2024.
• JDF 1116 (Decree of Dissolution) — The final order that legally dissolves the marriage. Signed by the judge.
• JDF 1117 (Support Order) — Issued when child support or spousal maintenance is part of the decree.

Forms That Apply in Special Situations

• JDF 205 / JDF 206 (Fee Waiver Motion and Order) — For low-income filers who qualify under the 125% federal poverty guideline.
• JDF 1824 / JDF 1825 (Name Restoration Motion and Order) — Used post-decree if you didn't request a name change in your original petition or response.

Don't Just Download the Forms — Know the Sequence

Having the blank forms is the easy part. Knowing when each one gets filed, what deadlines you're working against, and which documents stay between spouses versus going to the court — that's what makes the difference between a smooth filing and costly delays. The Colorado Divorce Filing Process Guide organizes every form into a step-by-step timeline with worksheets to prepare your financial disclosures before touching JDF 1111.

See more Colorado guides →