Colorado Dissolution Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Use this checklist to track every stage of your Colorado dissolution. The 91-day minimum runs while you complete your paperwork.

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation

• Confirm 91-day residency requirement is met by at least one spouse
• Decide: co-petition or individual petition
• Identify the District Court in your county (courts.state.co.us for locations)
• Gather financial documents:
  • Bank and investment account statements
  • Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
  • Mortgage statement
  • Vehicle loan statements
  • Credit card statements
  • Pay stubs and income documentation
  • Last 2 years of federal tax returns
  • Property valuations

Phase 2 — Download and Complete JDF Forms

• Go to courts.state.co.us → Self Help → Divorce
• Download the appropriate packet:
  • Co-petition (no children): JDF 1000, JDF 1115, JDF 1100, JDF 1100A
  • Co-petition (with children): add JDF 1113, JDF 1820, JDF 1111
  • Individual petition (no children): JDF 1001, JDF 1002, JDF 1115, JDF 1100
  • Individual petition (with children): add JDF 1113, JDF 1820, JDF 1111
• Complete all required forms
• Both spouses sign co-petition forms and Separation Agreement before a notary

Phase 3 — File at District Court

• Make 3 copies of all documents
• File at the District Court Clerk in your county
• Pay $230 filing fee (confirm current fee with clerk)
• Get case number and filed-stamped copies
• Note filing date — 91-day clock starts here (co-petition) or on service date (individual)

Phase 4 — Service (Individual Petition Only)

• Serve the Respondent with Petition and Summons (JDF 1002)
• Service options: process server, sheriff, acceptance of service
• File Proof of Service with the court
• Note service date — 91-day clock starts here

Phase 5 — Initial Status Conference

• Note your ISC date on your calendar (court will mail notice)
• Option A — Waive the ISC:
  • Complete all paperwork within 91 days
  • Both spouses submit ISC Waiver (JDF 1100A or court's local form)
  • Court reviews and cancels ISC
• Option B — Attend the ISC:
  • Brief hearing (15–30 minutes) with magistrate or judge
  • Confirms what is agreed vs. disputed

Phase 6 — Finalize the Separation Agreement

During the 91-day period:

• Complete the Separation Agreement (JDF 1115) covering:
  • All real property (address, legal description, division method)
  • Bank and investment accounts
  • Retirement accounts
  • Vehicles
  • All debts (allocation and indemnification)
  • Maintenance (amount, duration, termination events — or explicit mutual waiver)
  • Personal property
• Both spouses sign before a notary
• If children: complete Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) and Child Support Worksheet (JDF 1820)

Phase 7 — Submit Final Papers (After 91 Days)

• Confirm 91 days have passed from filing date (co-petition) or service date (individual)
• Submit:
  • Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1100)
  • Separation Agreement (JDF 1115)
  • ISC Waiver (JDF 1100A) if applicable
  • If children: Parenting Plan (JDF 1113), Child Support Order (JDF 1111), Worksheet (JDF 1820)
• Magistrate or judge reviews and signs Decree (no hearing usually needed for agreed cases)

Phase 8 — Post-Dissolution

• Request 3–5 certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution
• Name restoration: SSA → Colorado DMV → bank accounts
• Real estate deed: New deed → county Clerk and Recorder's office
• Vehicle titles: Colorado DMV
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs
• Beneficiary designations: Update all accounts immediately
• Health insurance: New coverage within 60 days

Colorado Quick Reference

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Colorado 91-day period (not 90) | JDF forms at courts.state.co.us

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.