Divorce in Colorado: Laws, Requirements, and Process
A complete guide to getting a divorce in Colorado. Covers grounds, residency requirements, property division, alimony, child custody, and what to expect from the process.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Property division: Equitable distribution.
- Residency requirement: 91 days in the state.
- Waiting period: 91 days from service of petition or filing of co-petition.
- Filing fee: $230 - $280.
Grounds for Divorce
Colorado allows no-fault divorce. The no-fault ground is: Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Colorado is a pure no-fault state. No fault-based grounds are available.
Residency Requirements
91 days in the state.
Property Division
Colorado is an equitable distribution state. Colorado follows equitable distribution. Marital property is divided fairly based on factors including each spouse's contribution to the acquisition of property, the value of each party's separate property, the economic circumstances of each spouse, and any changes in value of separate property during the marriage.
Alimony / Spousal Support
Colorado courts may award maintenance (alimony) based on a statutory formula for marriages of 3 to 20 years. Courts consider the gross income of both parties, the length of the marriage, the financial resources of each spouse, and the lifestyle established during the marriage.
Child Custody
Colorado uses the term 'allocation of parental responsibilities' rather than custody. Courts determine arrangements based on the best interest of the child, considering the wishes of the child and parents, the child's relationships with parents and siblings, and the mental and physical health of all parties.
Child Support
Colorado uses the income shares model. Child support is calculated from both parents' combined adjusted gross incomes, the number of overnight stays with each parent, and additional costs like health insurance and extraordinary expenses.
Filing Fee
The filing fee for divorce in Colorado is $230 - $280. Fee waivers may be available for those who cannot afford to pay.
Colorado court divorce resources
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the grounds for divorce in Colorado?
Colorado is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only ground for dissolution of marriage is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Neither party needs to prove fault or wrongdoing by the other spouse.
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How long do you have to live in Colorado to file for divorce?
At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing the petition for dissolution of marriage.
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How is property divided in a Colorado divorce?
Colorado uses equitable distribution. The court divides marital property fairly, considering each spouse's contributions, the economic circumstances of each party, and whether separate property increased in value during the marriage.
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How long does a divorce take in Colorado?
Colorado has a 91-day waiting period from the date of service or co-petition filing. Uncontested divorces typically take approximately 3 to 6 months. Contested cases can take significantly longer.