Uncontested Divorce in Colorado: Step-by-Step Process

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on every issue — property division, debts, maintenance, and (if applicable) custody and child support. In Colorado, this is the fastest and cheapest way to dissolve a marriage. But "uncontested" has a precise legal meaning, and the process still has mandatory steps you can't skip.

What Qualifies as Uncontested

Both spouses must agree on all of the following:

• Division of every marital asset and debt
• Whether spousal maintenance will be paid, and if so, the amount and duration
• If children are involved: decision-making authority, the parenting time schedule, and child support

If you disagree on even one issue — a single bank account, one piece of furniture, or a holiday parenting schedule — the case is technically contested. That doesn't mean you need a trial, but it does mean you'll likely need mediation before the court will finalize things.

The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: File the Petition Jointly

Both spouses sign JDF 1011 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) as Co-Petitioners, along with JDF 1000 (Case Information Sheet). Filing jointly eliminates the need for formal service of process — saving time, money, and stress.

Filing fee: $260. If your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, apply for a fee waiver with JDF 205 and JDF 206.

Step 2: Exchange Financial Disclosures (42-Day Deadline)

Within 42 days of filing, both spouses must complete and exchange JDF 1111 (Sworn Financial Statement) plus backup documents — three years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, three months of bank statements, and retirement account statements.

File your JDF 1111 and JDF 1104 (Certificate of Compliance) with the court. The backup documents stay between you and your spouse.

This requirement cannot be waived, even if you completely trust each other. Colorado enforces it under Rule of Civil Procedure 16.2, and the court can reopen your property division for up to five years if assets were hidden or misrepresented.

Step 3: Complete the Parenting Class (If Children Are Involved)

Both parents must attend a court-approved parenting education class under C.R.S. § 14-10-123.7. Classes are typically four hours and cost $30–$75 per parent. You must file the Certificate of Completion with the court before the decree can be entered.

Check your judicial district's list of approved providers — taking an unapproved class means your certificate will be rejected.

Step 4: Draft Your Agreements

Prepare and sign:

• JDF 1115 (Property and Financial Agreement) — covers all assets, debts, and maintenance
• JDF 1113 (Parenting Plan) — required if you have minor children; covers decision-making, parenting time, and child support
• JDF 1821 (Support Worksheet) — the consolidated child support calculation form (updated March 2026)

Step 5: Wait 91 Days

Colorado's mandatory waiting period means no divorce can be finalized until at least 91 days after the court acquires jurisdiction. For joint filings, the clock starts on the filing date. This period cannot be shortened or waived — even if you've already agreed on everything and lived apart for years.

Step 6: Request the Final Decree

If you have no minor children (or both parents are represented by counsel), file JDF 1018 (Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance) to ask the judge to sign the decree without a hearing.

If you have children and either parent is self-represented, a brief hearing before a judge or magistrate is required — but it's typically a straightforward review of your agreements.

The judge signs JDF 1116 (Decree of Dissolution), and the marriage is legally over.

Uncontested vs. Contested: The Real Difference

An uncontested case can become contested at any point if negotiations break down. If you and your spouse agree on most things but hit a wall on one issue, consider state-sponsored mediation through the Office of Dispute Resolution ($75/hour per party) before escalating to a full contested track.

Get the Full Uncontested Filing Roadmap

The Colorado Divorce Filing Process Guide includes step-by-step instructions for both joint and solo filings, financial disclosure worksheets, and a timeline tracker that maps every deadline from filing day to final decree.

See more Colorado guides →