how to get a divorce in colorado without a lawyer

The most common scenarios for that are:

• Do It Yourself (pro-se). You can obtain the necessary documents from the courthouse, fill out the paperwork and handle your own divorce. ...
• Uncontested Divorce. An uncontested divorce is when you and your spouse essentially reach agreement on all issues, but one of you has an attorney draw up the paperwork and negotiate ...
• Mediated Divorce. ...

Full Answer

How to do your own divorce without a lawyer?

Mar 12, 2019 · Ensure your residency requirements. Colorado law requires that you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 91 days before you can file for divorce. If you have minor children and you’re looking to pursue child custody, your children must have lived in CO for at least 182 days. Complete the paperwork.

How do you file for divorce without an attorney?

Jul 07, 2021 · Filing for divorce in Colorado without using a lawyer According to Colorado family law, you have the option of filing for a dissolution of marriage on your own without using a lawyer. This works best when you and your spouse agree on all …

Can I file my own divorce without a lawyer?

Feb 25, 2022 · A divorce proceeding in Colorado begins with the submission of a completed Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation to a county clerk. You must also provide the following documents: Make at least two copies of all submitted documents. You must file the Petition with the Clerk’s Office of the county court in the county of residence.

How to file for divorce without an attorney?

Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, and, as a result, you are able to petition for divorce whenever you want to, and you are not required to provide a reason for doing so. You may prefer to complete the divorce proceedings without the help of a divorce attorney.

Can you divorce without a lawyer in Colorado?

You don't need to hire a lawyer to get an uncontested divorce in Colorado, and you can represent yourself during the process. ... Even though there's no court battle in an uncontested divorce, one or both spouses can hire attorneys to help them through the uncontested divorce.

How much does a divorce cost in Colorado without a lawyer?

The cost of filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in Colorado is $230.00. The cost of filing a petition for allocation of parental rights (custody case when the parties are not married) is $225.00. It then costs $116.00 to file an answer to the petition.

What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Colorado?

The quickest way to getting getting a divorce in Colorado is when you and your spouse can reach acceptable agreements relating to your legal issues without going to court....The most common scenarios for that are:Do It Yourself (pro-se). ... Uncontested Divorce. ... Mediated Divorce.

How quickly can you get an uncontested divorce in Colorado?

At a minimum, it takes at least 90 days for an uncontested divorce in Colorado. This assumes one party files the divorce paperwork, and the paperwork is served, which starts the 20-day response time frame, and there are no minor children in the marriage to trigger a two-month waiting period.Dec 11, 2021

Can You Do Your Own divorce in Colorado?

Can you do your own divorce in Colorado? Yes - every year, people who are willing to spend the time to educate themselves, and fill out the forms properly, can, and do, successfully obtain their own divorce without the assistance of counsel.

Is Colorado a 50/50 State divorce?

Colorado Is an Equitable Division State Colorado law requires that division of property in divorce be “equitable and fair,” which means that it doesn't necessarily have to be a 50/50 split. By contrast, community property states hold that all property accrued during a marriage is subject to a 50/50 distribution.Sep 13, 2021

Who should pay for divorce costs?

the petitionerThe simple fact is that the petitioner always pays the divorce fees. The person filing for the divorce (known as the Petitioner) will always pay the divorce filing fee.

Does Colorado require separation before divorce?

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Colorado? In this state, the legally separated party is required to wait six months before they can pursue a divorce. This means the waiting period begins when the separation decree is put in place and at the end of that six months the spouse may request a divorce.

How do I start the divorce process?

To start the divorce you will need to the following: File a document, called a Petition, to the Court to initiate the divorce process. Only one spouse can file for a divorce (the Petitioner). The other party is known as the Respondent. ... Apply for a Decree Nisi. Apply for a Decree Absolute.

Can a spouse kick you out of the house in Colorado?

Can a Spouse Kick You Out of the House in Colorado? Until the court issues an order regarding who can stay in the marital home, neither spouse has any legal right to force the other to leave. The only exception to this is a spouse can be forced out via a Protection Order.Feb 22, 2021

Can you get a divorce online in Colorado?

For those seeking an inexpensive divorce in the state of Colorado, online divorce is an easy, affordable and fast solution. Online divorce may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested case. The step-by-step process of preparing divorce documents at Onlinedivorce.com makes it easy for you.

How do you get legally separated in Colorado?

The process for legal separation in Colorado is the same as divorce. First, the couple must file a petition (request) for legal separation with the court. At least one spouse must meet the state's residency requirement, which means living in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing for separation.

How do I expedite a divorce in Colorado?

Factors That May Delay A Colorado Divorce An uncontested divorce may be expedited in Colorado, with some courts requiring only an affidavit from the couple, eliminating the need for a hearing. Mediation also speeds up a contested divorce.Jul 23, 2019

How long after divorce can you remarry in Colorado?

91 daysColorado only has a waiting period for divorce, which is 91 days after the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage. There is no limit on when you can get married after you are officially divorced.

What forms do I need to file for divorce in Colorado?

The basic initial forms you need will be the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage of Legal Separation (JDF 1101) and the Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000). When you're filing for uncontested divorce, you may complete and file the petition jointly (as "petitioner" and "co-petitioner").

How can I get a divorce for free?

Legal Aid Divorce Help Call your city or state bar association to ask for contact information or do an internet search to find them. These organizations provide no-cost (and also low-cost) legal assistance. If you are indigent, they may represent you at no cost and will file all fee waiver papers on your behalf.

How long do you have to live in Colorado to get divorced?

1. Determine if you have lived in Colorado long enough to get a divorce in the state. You or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before you can file for divorce in this state. 2. Identify where to file your divorce case.

How long do you have to wait to file for divorce?

Determine when you can submit your paperwork. You must wait at least 182 days from the date your legal separation was finalized by the court (when the Decree of Legal Separation was entered) before you can file paperwork to change the legal separation to a divorce. 2. Identify where you should file your paperwork.

How to get a copy of divorce decree in Colorado?

To obtain an original copy of a divorce decree in Colorado, contact the county district court that issued the document.

What to include in a divorce affidavit?

Make a list of all the assets and liabilities that you’re aware of. Include any memberships, reward points, and other perks that may be considered as assets. If you’re in the dark about your finances, that’s okay. You and your spouse will be required to fill in financial affidavits as part of the divorce process.

Can you get an annulment in Colorado?

Annulment. If you can prove your marriage is fraudulent or invalid in Colorado, you may be able to seek an annulment. When a couple is granted an annulment, their marriage is considered null and void. Basically, this means that both people can move forward with their lives as if their marriage never happened.

Is Colorado a no fault state?

Colorado is a no-fault state, meaning that no proof is required to prove one spouse or the other was at fault. Divorce is permanent and straightforward and assuming all requirements are met, the couple will divide assets, resolve child custody and support issues, and other related concerns.

What is legal separation?

Legal separation means that couples are able to reach an agreement on a division of assets, child custody, child support, alimony and other important issues, without having to go through a divorce. It is a legal process that must be taken care of through a court process.

How to get financial information for divorce?

Before you jump in to collecting financial information, take the following steps: Open a new checking and savings account in your name alone. Open a credit card in your name alone.

Who is Jason Crowley?

Jason Crowley is a divorce financial strategist, personal finance expert, and entrepreneur. Jason is the managing partner of Divorce Capital Planning, co-founder of Divorce Mortgage Advisors, and founder of Survive Divorce.

How long does it take to get divorced in Colorado?

The minimum amount of time necessary to complete a divorce in Colorado is 91 days, but most divorces take longer than 91 days between initial filing of the petition and the final hearing.

What to do if you cannot agree to a divorce?

If you and your spouse cannot agree on the major issues in how your marriage should be dissolved, you will probably need to hire an attorney to represent you in this complex divorce proceeding.

What happens if my spouse doesn't respond to my divorce petition?

If your spouse does not provide any response to the divorce petition, then the judge will assume that the Respondent has abdicated any right to participate in the case. The judge will probably grant many, if not all of the requests by the petitioner regarding child custody, support and property distribution in the original petition. However, some Colorado judges demand a filed response before allowing the petitioner to submit evidence.

What are the main points of contention in divorce?

Almost always, the major points of contention in most divorces involve issues of property division, child custody or spousal support. If you and your spouse fail to come to an agreement on these issues, you should know how Colorado courts often rule.

Is there a 50/50 division in Colorado?

Colorado courts favor a 50/50 division when it comes to marital property, but they may use many methods for the actual distribution. Indivisible assets may be provided to one spouse, while another asset of equivalent value is assigned to the other spouse; or they may be sold with profits divided accordingly.

What is the Colorado custody law?

As in most states, Colorado determines “parental responsibilities” based on the best interests of the child, and usually awards joint custody to both parents. The judge will consider many factors including:

How long does it take to respond to a divorce petition?

Once your spouse has been served, they will have 20 days to respond to the Petition. These responses are classified as.

What does divorce mean?

A divorce can mean a significant change in lifestyle or the need to make difficult decisions, things that are not easy at the best of times. Add to that increased stress, heartache, and even depression, and things start to look and feel even worse.

Why is family counseling important?

Family counseling or therapy can benefit those that are struggling emotionally, combatting stress, anxiety, and a general sense of dysfunction . It is helpful for families struggling through changes including divorce. This type of therapy helps families move past their struggles and learn individual and group skills for coping with inner and outer stressors.