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Contested Divorce in Colorado

What to expect from a contested divorce in Colorado. Timeline, costs, and strategies. Colorado follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$230

Median Cost

$10,000–$42,000

Annual Divorces

22,000+

Understanding Contested Divorce in Colorado

To file for divorce in Colorado, you must meet Colorado’s residency requirement of 90 days. The filing fee is $230. There is a mandatory waiting period of 90 days before the divorce can be finalized.

Colorado only allows no-fault divorce. You file on the grounds of irreconcilable differences or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

An uncontested divorce in Colorado typically costs $10,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $42,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is C.R.S. §14-10-106.

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Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Colorado to file for divorce?
Colorado requires 90 days of residency before you can file for divorce. C.R.S. §14-10-106 governs the filing requirements.
Is Colorado a community property or equitable distribution state?
Colorado follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Colorado?
Filing fees in Colorado range from $230. The median total cost is approximately $10,000 for uncontested divorces and $42,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Colorado?
Colorado has a mandatory waiting period of 90 days. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Colorado?
Colorado uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about contested divorce in Colorado and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with C.R.S. §14-10-106 or consult a licensed Colorado attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.