Colorado · Serving papers · Updated Oct 2026

Serving divorce papers in Colorado

Service of divorce papers in Colorado, from official sources: who can deliver the papers, how your spouse can accept or waive service, the deadline to respond, what happens without a response and the law.

Quick answer

Your spouse must be personally served with the petition and summons by someone 18+ who is not a party, or can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013). Your spouse then has this long to respond: 21 days after service; 35 days if served outside Colorado or by publication (Summons, JDF 1012).

Accept or waive service
Yes
Law
C.R.C.P. 4; JDF 1012

How papers are served in Colorado

  • Your spouse must be personally served with the petition and summons by someone 18+ who is not a party, or can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013).
  • If you file together as co-petitioners, no service is needed.

Law: C.R.C.P. 4; JDF 1012

Deadline to respond and default

21 days after service; 35 days if served outside Colorado or by publication (Summons, JDF 1012).

If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Serving your spouse in Colorado, step by step

  1. File your papers first

    File with the District Court in the county where you or your spouse live. Service comes after filing.

  2. Serve the papers

    If you file together as co-petitioners, no service is needed.

  3. Or have your spouse sign

    Your spouse must be personally served with the petition and summons by someone 18+ who is not a party, or can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013).

  4. File proof of service

    File the proof of service with the court.

  5. Watch the deadline

    21 days after service; 35 days if served outside Colorado or by publication (Summons, JDF 1012).

  6. If there is no response

    If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Questions about serving divorce papers in Colorado

How do you serve divorce papers in Colorado?

Your spouse must be personally served with the petition and summons by someone 18+ who is not a party, or can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013). If you file together as co-petitioners, no service is needed.

Can my spouse accept or waive service in Colorado?

Your spouse must be personally served with the petition and summons by someone 18+ who is not a party, or can sign a Waiver of Service (JDF 1013).

How long does my spouse have to respond in Colorado?

21 days after service; 35 days if served outside Colorado or by publication (Summons, JDF 1012).

More about divorce in Colorado

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.