The divorce or legal separation process in Colorado can often feel overwhelming in the beginning. But dividing your case into three stages helps to simplify the process and make you feel more prepared as you go forward. The stages are the same for both a dissolution of marriage and a legal separation, but at the end of a legal separation you remain legally married.
The three stages of a divorce or legal separation in Colorado at a glance are:
- Completing, filing, and serving the initial paperwork
- Attending the Initial Status Conference and exchanging financial disclosures
- Working out and finalizing the terms of your divorce or legal separation
Phase One: Completing, Filing, and Serving the Initial Paperwork
First, to start the process of divorce or legal separation, you need to complete and file the initial paperwork.
The specific paperwork can vary from case to case, but the two main documents you need to file are:
- A Domestic Relations Case Information Sheet
- A Petition or a Co-Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Civil Union, or Legal Separation
The cost of filing this petition is currently $260.00 (circa Fall 2026). Before you file, either you or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days. You file the petition in the county where either of you lives. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides the standard forms and instructions, if needed, but your attorney will assist you with this process, too.
Two Ways to File
There are two ways to file this Petition:
- As a Co-Petition: You and your spouse complete the paperwork together and file it jointly.
- On your own: You file the petition without your spouse.
Serving Your Spouse
If you file the Petition on your own, you also need to prepare a Summons for the Court Clerk to sign. Then, you serve your spouse with the initial paperwork. This informs your spouse of the legal proceedings and allows them to respond to your petition for a divorce or legal separation.
Phase Two: Initial Status Conference and Financial Disclosures
The Initial Status Conference
Next, your case will be scheduled for an Initial Status Conference with the Court. This court date is typically scheduled within 42 days of filing your petition. This Initial Status Conference is not a formal hearing.
Rather, it is an opportunity for the Court to:
- Meet with the parties
- Learn more about the issues in dispute
- Explain the next stages in the divorce process
If you have children, the Court will typically require both parties to complete a parenting class as well.
Financial Disclosures
In addition, the divorce or legal separation process requires both parties to disclose information about their finances. At the Initial Status Conference, the Court will provide additional information about how to prepare and file your financial disclosures.
You and your spouse are required to provide each other with information regarding your:
- Income
- Expenses
- Debts
- Assets
You will provide each other with this information by completing a sworn financial statement. You and your spouse are also required to exchange certain specified financial documents with each other. These disclosures are generally due within 42 days after your spouse is served, so it helps to start gathering your records early. Many divorce cases can become complicated at this phase, which is why it is important to work with an attorney early on in your divorce or separation.
Phase Three: Working Out and Finalizing the Terms of Your Divorce
After the Initial Status Conference, the Court will ask you and your spouse to collaborate and discuss the terms of your divorce or legal separation.
Mediation
If you are unable to come to an agreement your own, the Court will require you to work with a mediator. Mediation is a legal process in which a neutral third party helps you and your spouse to reach an agreement. The process of mediation will allow you both to evaluate your options and potentially resolve all or at least some of the issues in the case. Just like litigation, you can hire a lawyer to represent you during mediation.
The Permanent Orders Hearing
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement through mediation, the Court will require the parties to schedule a Permanent Orders Hearing.
At this hearing, the Court will evaluate the positions of both parties and issue a decision on:
- Division of property
- Maintenance or alimony
- Child custody, if applicable
- Child support, if applicable
Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, Colorado requires a waiting period of at least 91 days after your spouse is served, or after a Co-Petition is filed, before the Court can enter a final decree.
Simplify the Process by Turning to Our Team
Although the process of divorce or legal separation can often feel difficult at first, our attorneys can help simplify the process. We will work with you to understand and respect your goals.. The people of Colorado know that they can trust the divorce lawyers of The Harris Law Firm for all the help they need. We have helped clients through each phase of the process for more than 30 years, and we would be honored to help you, too.
Contact us today at (303) 622-5502 or schedule a consultation to speak with one of our attorneys.
About the Author 
Maggie McDermott is a family law attorney at The Harris Law Firm who brings 14 years of legal experience to her practice. Her background in immigration law, including family-based applications, removal defense, asylum, VAWA, and U visa cases, informs her compassionate approach to helping clients navigate complex legal matters.
