Colorado Dissolution Costs and Filing Fees (2026)
Colorado has one of the more affordable filing fees of any western state. JDF forms are free. For a simple agreed co-petition with no real estate or retirement, total out-of-pocket cost is modest.
Core Filing Costs
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| District Court filing fee | $230 |
| JDF forms | Free — courts.state.co.us |
| Certified copies of Decree | $10–$20 per copy |
Confirm the current filing fee with your county's District Court Clerk.
Service Costs (Individual Petition)
| Service Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse signs) | Free |
| Process server | $50–$100 |
| Sheriff | $30–$60 |
| Service by publication (if needed) | $150–$400 |
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO (employer retirement plan division) | $400–$1,500 per plan |
| Real estate deed preparation | $300–$600 |
| Deed recording at county Clerk and Recorder | $13–$30 per document |
| Property appraisal (if needed) | $400–$800 |
| Business valuation (if needed) | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Mediator (if property or parenting disputes) | $200–$400/hour |
| Attorney for limited document review | $300–$800 |
Fee Waiver
Colorado courts offer fee waivers for qualifying low-income petitioners.
How to apply:
- Complete the Motion to File Without Payment (available at courts.state.co.us or the self-help center)
- Attach the Financial Affidavit
- File with the Petition
- Court rules on the waiver request
Eligibility: Generally income at 125% of federal poverty level or below, or active public assistance recipient.
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Co-petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement | $230–$350 |
| Individual petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement | $300–$500 |
| With real estate deed transfer | $500–$1,200 |
| With QDRO for retirement account | $700–$2,000 |
| With children (agreed parenting plan) | $300–$550 |
| Partially contested (mediation) | $2,500–$8,000 |
| Fully contested through trial | $15,000–$50,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Confirm filing fee with your county District Court Clerk | JDF forms free at courts.state.co.us
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.