Colorado · Uncontested divorce · Updated Oct 2026

Uncontested divorce in Colorado

An agreed (uncontested) divorce in Colorado, from official sources: who can use the process for agreed cases, the residency rule, the waiting period, the official forms, the filing fee, the fee waiver, e-filing, how your spouse can sign instead of being served and mediation.

Quick answer

When both spouses agree, this is the route in Colorado. Decree upon affidavit (JDF 1018, Affidavit for Decree without Appearance): if there are no minor children (or both of you have lawyers or paraprofessionals), no disputed facts, and property is divided by agreement, the judge can enter the decree without a hearing after the 91 days.

Who can file (residency)
91 days
Waiting period
91 days after service
Filing fee
$230
E-filing
Yes

Who can use the process for agreed cases in Colorado

  • Decree upon affidavit (JDF 1018, Affidavit for Decree without Appearance): if there are no minor children (or both of you have lawyers or paraprofessionals), no disputed facts, and property is divided by agreement, the judge can enter the decree without a hearing after the 91 days.
  • You can also file as co-petitioners.

Before you file in Colorado

Who can file (residency)
You or your spouse must have lived (been domiciled) in Colorado for 91 days before you file.
Waiting period
The decree can't be entered until 91 days after the petition is filed and your spouse is served (or signs a waiver of service or joins as co-petitioner). This applies even if you agree on everything.
Law
C.R.S. 14-10-106(1)(a)(I) · C.R.S. 14-10-106(1)(a)(III); Colorado Judicial Branch JDF 1010

Forms, fees and filing in Colorado

Official forms
Divorce forms (Colorado courts)
Court self-help
Divorce self-help (Colorado courts)
Filing fee
$230 to file the petition; $116 for your spouse to file a response (C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(a)-(b)).
If you can't afford the fee
File JDF 205, Motion to File Without Payment, and JDF 206 order (with the financial affidavit) with your petition.
E-filing
Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through the Colorado Courts E-Filing system: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/e-filing-non-attorneys

If your spouse agrees to 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).

If you agree on only some issues

Common. If parents can't agree on a parenting plan, the court may order mediation; many districts require mediation before a contested hearing. Ask your family court facilitator: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/trial-court-district/family-court-facilitator-contacts

An uncontested divorce in Colorado, step by step

  1. Check that you can file in Colorado

    You or your spouse must have lived (been domiciled) in Colorado for 91 days before you file.

  2. See if you qualify for the simpler process

    Decree upon affidavit (JDF 1018, Affidavit for Decree without Appearance): if there are no minor children (or both of you have lawyers or paraprofessionals), no disputed facts, and property is divided by agreement, the judge can enter the decree without a hearing after the 91 days.

  3. Fill in the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Colorado courts)

  4. File, and pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $230 to file the petition; $116 for your spouse to file a response (C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(a)-(b)). Can't afford it? File JDF 205, Motion to File Without Payment, and JDF 206 order (with the financial affidavit) with your petition. Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through the Colorado Courts E-Filing system: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/e-filing-non-attorneys.

  5. Have your spouse sign or be served

    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).

  6. Wait out the waiting period

    The decree can't be entered until 91 days after the petition is filed and your spouse is served (or signs a waiver of service or joins as co-petitioner).

  7. Get the final decree

    The judge signs the final decree (judgment), which ends the marriage. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about uncontested divorce in Colorado

Is there a simplified divorce for agreed cases in Colorado?

Decree upon affidavit (JDF 1018, Affidavit for Decree without Appearance): if there are no minor children (or both of you have lawyers or paraprofessionals), no disputed facts, and property is divided by agreement, the judge can enter the decree without a hearing after the 91 days. You can also file as co-petitioners.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Colorado?

The decree can't be entered until 91 days after the petition is filed and your spouse is served (or signs a waiver of service or joins as co-petitioner). This applies even if you agree on everything.

Who can file for an uncontested divorce in Colorado?

You or your spouse must have lived (been domiciled) in Colorado for 91 days before you file.

Does my spouse have to be served if we agree 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).

Can we file for divorce online in Colorado?

Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through the Colorado Courts E-Filing system: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/e-filing-non-attorneys

How much does it cost to file an uncontested divorce in Colorado?

$230 to file the petition; $116 for your spouse to file a response (C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(a)-(b)).

Is mediation required in Colorado?

Common. If parents can't agree on a parenting plan, the court may order mediation; many districts require mediation before a contested hearing. Ask your family court facilitator: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/trial-court-district/family-court-facilitator-contacts

More about divorce in Colorado

Uncontested divorce in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.