Divorce in Colorado
State-specific overview · Family Law
Colorado requires a 91-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized.
How Colorado treats Divorce
Colorado law imposes a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date of service or acceptance of service before a divorce decree can be entered, even if both spouses agree. This waiting period applies to all divorces unless a court waives it for good cause. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state where either spouse can cite irreconcilable differences as grounds. Property division follows equitable distribution principles, not community property rules.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.