How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Colorado Springs — Step by Step

1. Meet Colorado’s Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Colorado Springs, you or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least:

• 91 days before filing

Once this requirement is met, you can file your case in the El Paso County District Court.

2. Gather the Required Colorado Divorce Forms

Colorado has statewide standardized forms plus El Paso County–specific cover sheets.

Common Colorado Statewide Forms

• JDF 1101 — Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

• JDF 1102 — Summons

• JDF 1000 — Case Information Sheet

• JDF 1111 — Sworn Financial Statement

• JDF 1111SS — Supporting Schedules

• JDF 1113 — Parenting Plan (if applicable)

• JDF 1115 — Separation Agreement

• JDF 1201 — Decree of Dissolution

El Paso County Requirements

El Paso County generally follows statewide forms but may have:

• Local instructions

• Courtroom assignments

• Updated filing guidance

Divorce.com automatically generates the correct statewide forms and guides you through any county-specific requirements.

3. File Your Divorce Forms With the El Paso County District Court

All Colorado Springs divorce cases are filed through:

El Paso County District Court
El Paso County Combined Courts
270 S. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Filing Fee

• Typically $230–$250, depending on the filing type

• Additional fees for copies or sheriff service

Fee waivers may be available if you cannot afford the filing fee.

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless Filing Together)

If only one spouse filed the Petition, you must legally serve the other spouse using:

• Sheriff’s Office

• Private process server

• Waiver and Acceptance of Service (if spouse agrees to sign)

If you file jointly, this step is skipped.

5. Complete Financial Disclosures

Colorado requires both spouses to exchange:

• Sworn Financial Statements

• Supporting Schedules

• Income documentation

• Debt and asset information

• Retirement and investment disclosures

This step is mandatory — and failure to complete it can delay or jeopardize your divorce.

6. Create a Separation Agreement

For an uncontested divorce, your agreement should cover:

• Division of marital property

• Allocation of debts

• Parenting plan (if you have children)

• Child support

• Spousal maintenance (alimony)

Colorado courts provide a template, but services like Divorce.com can help you build a more complete, court-ready agreement.

7. Attend Your Initial Status Conference (ISC)

In most Colorado Springs cases, the court will schedule an Initial Status Conference within 42 days of filing.

You must attend unless exempt. This consultation ensures both spouses understand the process; it is usually brief and administrative.

8. Complete Colorado’s Mandatory 91-Day Waiting Period

Colorado requires a minimum 91-day waiting period from the date:

• The Respondent is served, or

• Both spouses file a joint petition

Even if all paperwork is complete, your divorce cannot be finalized earlier.

9. Finalize Your Divorce

After the waiting period and completion of all required steps, your final packet may include:

• Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1201)

• Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance (if eligible)

• Separation Agreement

• Parenting Plan

• Support worksheets

If your case is straightforward and uncontested, Colorado often allows the divorce to be finalized without a court hearing.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Colorado Springs?

Most DIY divorces take:

• 3 to 6 months

• 91 days minimum (state law)

• Longer if forms are incomplete or if disputes arise

Cases with minor children generally take slightly longer but remain manageable without a lawyer if both spouses cooperate.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Colorado Springs?

Typical costs:

• $230–$250 filing fee

• $0–$100 to serve spouse

• $0 if preparing forms yourself

• $299–$999 using Divorce.com for guided forms + agreements

By comparison, attorney-led divorces in Colorado Springs commonly cost $10,000–$20,000+.

When You Should Still Consider Hiring a Lawyer

Although many couples complete their divorce without an attorney, legal help may be needed if:

• Your spouse is hiding assets

• Domestic violence is present

• You own complex property (business, multiple homes, large investments)

• Custody or decision-making is high-conflict

• One spouse refuses to cooperate

You can still complete most steps yourself while consulting an attorney only for specific issues.

Why Colorado Springs Couples Use Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps El Paso County residents by:

• Generating all required Colorado forms

• Providing clear, step-by-step filing guidance

• Creating a court-ready separation agreement

• Reducing mistakes that lead to delays

• Offering optional attorney support

It’s the easiest and most affordable way to complete a Colorado Springs divorce without a lawyer.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Colorado Springs is completely doable — and often the fastest, most cost-effective path for couples who agree on the major issues. With the right forms and guided support, you can complete your divorce accurately and affordably.

Divorce.com can walk you through each step and provide everything you need to finalize your divorce in El Paso County.