How Long Does a Divorce Take in Colorado?

The absolute minimum is 91 days — Colorado law prohibits any court from finalizing a divorce before that. In practice, an uncontested case typically takes four to six months, and a contested case can stretch to 12–18 months or longer.

The 91-Day Mandatory Waiting Period

Under C.R.S. § 14-10-106(1)(a)(III), Colorado requires at least 91 days to pass between the date the court acquires jurisdiction over the responding spouse and the date the final decree can be entered.

The clock starts on:

• The filing date if both spouses sign the petition together (Co-Petitioners)
• The date of service or the date the respondent signs a waiver of service, if one spouse files alone

There is no exception. A judge cannot shorten or waive this period, even if both spouses have been separated for years and agree on every issue. The earliest possible decree date is the 92nd day.

Realistic Timelines by Case Type

Uncontested (Both Spouses Agree on Everything)

Typical range: 4–6 months

The 91-day waiting period is just one piece. During those 91 days, you also need to exchange financial disclosures within 42 days, complete the mandatory parenting class if children are involved, and draft signed agreements for property (JDF 1115) and parenting (JDF 1113).

If everything is filed on time and the judge reviews your paperwork promptly, finalization can happen shortly after the 91-day mark. Court review times vary by county — some judicial districts process uncontested paperwork within a week; others may take 30 days or more.

Contested (Disagreement on One or More Issues)

Typical range: 6–18 months

A case becomes contested when spouses can't agree on property division, maintenance, custody, or any other issue. The timeline expands because the court must schedule:

• An Initial Status Conference within 42 days of filing
• Mandatory mediation (if ordered — most contested cases are referred)
• A temporary orders hearing (if either party needs interim custody, support, or exclusive use of the home)
• A permanent orders hearing (the trial) — court dockets in metro counties like Denver, Arapahoe, and El Paso are often backed up by months

High-Conflict or Complex Cases

Typical range: 12–24+ months

Cases involving business valuations, multiple properties, military or government retirement accounts (requiring QDROs), child and family investigator (CFI) appointments, or parental responsibility evaluations can take much longer. Each additional expert or evaluation adds its own timeline.

Common Causes of Delay

Incomplete financial disclosures. If either spouse misses the 42-day deadline for exchanging the Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and backup documents, the other party can file a motion to compel — adding weeks or months.

Service of process problems. If your spouse avoids service, you'll need to file for alternative service (publication), which requires five consecutive weeks of newspaper publication plus court approval.

Court backlogs. District courts in high-population counties like Denver, Jefferson, and El Paso can take weeks to schedule hearings. Rural counties often move faster.

Parenting class delays. Both parents must file a Certificate of Completion from a court-approved parenting class before the decree can be entered. If you wait until the last minute to register, you may push past your expected finalization date.

Post-decree motions. If either party files a motion to modify within 60 days of the decree, the finalization is effectively extended while the court considers the modification.

How to Move as Fast as Possible

File jointly as Co-Petitioners to eliminate the service requirement. Exchange financial disclosures immediately — don't wait for the 42-day deadline. Complete the parenting class in the first month. Have your separation agreement and parenting plan ready before the 91st day.

The Colorado Divorce Filing Process Guide includes a timeline tracker that maps every deadline from your specific filing date, so nothing falls through the cracks.

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