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A divorce lawyer in Colorado Springs at Modern Family Law guides you through ending your marriage under Colorado law, including military divorces for families at Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base and the Air Force Academy. Most local cases are heard at the El Paso Combined Court downtown, and your first consultation is free. You may be ready to file, or you may have just been served. Either way, you don't have to face it alone.
Our Colorado Springs family law attorneys help you understand your options, protect what matters most and build a plan for the future, even when a deployment or PCS move complicates the timing. We'll keep you informed about every part of your case so you can make confident decisions.
The more you understand the divorce process, the better prepared you'll be. We'll listen to the details of your case, set realistic expectations and help you prepare for life after divorce.
Schedule a Free ConsultationIn Colorado, you don't need to prove anyone did something wrong. It's a no-fault state, and the only ground for divorce is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" (C.R.S. § 14-10-106). If one spouse disagrees, the judge can consider the circumstances or allow a short delay for reconciliation, but a divorce can't simply be blocked. An affair or other misconduct generally doesn't affect property division or maintenance.
Planning early saves time and money. Before you file, gather tax returns, pay statements (including LES statements for service members), bank and retirement records and a list of debts, and avoid draining joint accounts. If you want a divorce but don't have money for a lawyer, you can ask the court for temporary support, and in some cases the higher earner can be ordered to help with attorney fees.
Unmanaged conflict is what drives up the cost of divorce. Most high-conflict cases are created early, by a heated word or a fearful decision. We work with clients from day one to steer toward cooperative options like mediation whenever possible.
Our Attorneys Are Ready to Listen. Our Colorado Springs divorce attorneys have the knowledge, resources and dedication to prepare your case, protect your interests and work toward a good outcome.
Schedule a ConsultationWe're not fans of surprises, and we suspect you aren't either. We built these calculators so you know what to expect every step of the way.
You can file for divorce yourself, or a divorce attorney can handle the paperwork for you. Our Colorado Springs divorce attorneys can take some of the stress off by making sure everything is filed correctly. If you'd rather file yourself, here are the basic steps. It gets complicated quickly, especially when you need orders for parenting time, support, property or military benefits.
You or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing. For parenting orders, children generally must have lived here for 182 days. Being stationed in Colorado under military orders doesn't, by itself, make you a Colorado resident for divorce.
You'll typically complete the JDF 1000 Case Information Sheet, the JDF 1101 Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the JDF 1102 Summons, plus any other forms your case needs. Couples filing together as co-petitioners don't need a summons.
File your forms with the El Paso Combined Court at 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, and pay the filing fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver. Many documents can be filed electronically.
If you file alone, your spouse must be personally served with the petition and summons, or they can sign a waiver accepting service. If your spouse is deployed or stationed elsewhere, start planning for service early.
Within 42 days of filing or being served, each spouse files a JDF 1111 Sworn Financial Statement and a JDF 1104 Certificate of Compliance, including LES statements and retirement information for service members.
Colorado has a 91-day waiting period before a judge can finalize your divorce. The clock starts when you file jointly or when your spouse is served or signs a waiver.
Military divorce follows Colorado law plus federal rules. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act lets Colorado courts divide military retired pay, and DFAS can pay a former spouse directly when the marriage overlapped at least 10 years of service. TSP accounts need a special order, Survivor Benefit Plan coverage has strict deadlines, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act can pause a case during active duty.
Our Colorado Springs divorce attorneys understand how overwhelming the process can be. We'll listen to the specifics of your case, pay close attention to your concerns and goals, and give you clear, practical guidance to help you through this difficult time and start your life renewed.
Frequently asked questions
The biggest factor is the level of conflict, which is often underestimated at the start. Military retirement, business valuations and contested hearings add work. Uncontested cases usually cost far less. We can't quote a final total up front, but we'll explain how each factor affects cost, and SimpleStart may lower your starting retainer.
Yes. One spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing, and children generally must have lived here for 182 days for parenting orders. Service members stationed here should confirm that they or their spouse meet Colorado's residency rules before filing.
Yes. Every Colorado divorce takes at least 91 days, counted from joint filing, service or a signed waiver. Many take longer, depending on how quickly you resolve the issues and, for military families, on deployments and duty schedules.
If you or your spouse live in El Paso County, you'll usually file with the El Paso Combined Court at 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. If your spouse lives in another county or state, you may have more than one option.
Yes. Colorado spouses can file jointly as co-petitioners. Filing together means no one has to be served, which saves time and money and often keeps the process more cooperative. You'll still each complete financial disclosures.
Colorado divides marital property fairly, which isn't always 50/50. A wife or husband is generally entitled to an equitable share of property and debts acquired during the marriage. Property owned before marriage, gifts and inheritances usually stay separate. Military retirement earned during the marriage can be divided too.
Our Colorado Springs divorce lawyers understand the emotional, overwhelming situations our clients face, and many of our clients are service members, veterans and military spouses. Every case is unique, and you deserve the time it takes to listen to every detail of yours. Once we understand your case, we can give you clear guidance toward a good outcome for you and your family.
The best way through a divorce is to be prepared. Knowing the process helps you make better decisions and lessens surprises. We also understand the financial burden divorce can bring. Our SimpleStart™ program gives qualified clients a way to reduce the money needed to start their case, and we explain our transparent fees up front.
Divorce is a life-changing event, and it can take time and energy to move on. Start by learning as much as you can about the divorce process in El Paso County. Then focus on yourself: get back into a routine and start fresh.
Christine A. Salamon
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Grace Fischer
Associate Attorney Colorado Springs, CO Meet Grace
Lauren Steiger
Associate Attorney Colorado Springs, CO Meet Lauren
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Associate Attorney Colorado Springs, CO Meet Marissa
Kris Freeman
Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Colorado Springs, CO Meet Kris
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Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Colorado Springs, CO Meet Jennifer
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Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Colorado Springs, CO Meet Ashlyn
Caitlin Carey
Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Colorado Springs, CO Meet Caitlin
Sharon Nagata
Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Colorado Springs, CO Meet SharonDivorce has many parts, and no two cases are the same. You don't need to understand every detail, but the more you know, the easier the process will be.
Our Calculators
We’re not fans of surprises and we suspect you aren’t either. We built these divorce calculators just for you, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
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