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A Denver divorce lawyer at Modern Family Law helps you end your marriage under Colorado law, from the first filing to the final decree. Most Denver divorces are filed and heard at Denver District Court in the City and County Building downtown, and your first consultation is free. Facing a divorce can quickly feel overwhelming. How do I file? How will our property be divided? What happens with the kids? You don't have to answer those questions alone.
Our Denver family law attorneys guide you through the process, help you understand your options and build a plan for the future. We'll keep you informed about every part of your case so you can make confident decisions along the way.
The more you understand the divorce process, the better prepared you'll be for what's ahead. We'll listen to the details of your case, set realistic expectations and help you prepare for life after divorce.
Schedule a Free ConsultationColorado is a no-fault divorce state. The only legal ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" (C.R.S. § 14-10-106). You don't have to prove cheating, cruelty or anything else, and your spouse can't stop the divorce by refusing to sign. Fault also usually doesn't change how property is divided or whether maintenance is awarded.
When you first decide it's time to divorce, there's a lot to think about. Plan ahead: gather tax returns, pay stubs and account statements, and think about your goals for your kids, your home and your finances. If your spouse controls the money, you still have options. Colorado courts can order temporary support and can order one spouse to help with the other's attorney fees when incomes are uneven.
The most common way a divorce becomes a financial burden is unmanaged conflict. Most high-conflict cases start early, with something said in anger or a decision made out of fear. That's why we work with clients from day one to steer away from a high-conflict case, often through mediation or collaborative divorce.
Our Attorneys Are Ready to Listen. Our Denver 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 complete and file the paperwork for you. Our Denver divorce attorneys can take some of the stress off by making sure everything is completed and filed correctly. If you'd rather handle it yourself, here are the basic steps. Keep in mind it gets complicated quickly, especially if you need orders for parenting time, support or property.
At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. If you have children, they generally must have lived in Colorado for 182 days, or since birth if they're under six months old, before a Colorado court can make parenting orders.
You'll 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. Be accurate and complete, especially if you expect to disagree with your spouse. If you and your spouse file together as co-petitioners, you won't need a summons.
File your forms with Denver District Court at the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202, and pay the filing fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver. The court assigns a case number and returns stamped copies. Attorneys file electronically, and many documents can be filed online.
If you file alone, your spouse must be formally served with the petition and summons, or they can sign a waiver of service. Once served, they have a limited time to file a response. Co-petitioners skip this step entirely.
Within 42 days, each spouse files a JDF 1111 Sworn Financial Statement and a JDF 1104 Certificate of Compliance, and exchanges required documents like tax returns, pay stubs and account statements. The court also usually holds a short Initial Status Conference within about 42 days of filing.
Colorado requires at least 91 days before a judge can enter your decree. The clock starts when you file together, when your spouse is served or when they sign a waiver. If you reach a full agreement and your paperwork is complete, your decree can often be entered soon after, sometimes without a court appearance.
Our Denver 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, and it's often underestimated at the start. Complex assets, like a business or stock compensation, also add cost. An uncontested divorce usually costs far less than a contested case with hearings. 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. At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. For a Colorado court to make parenting orders, your children generally must have lived in Colorado for 182 days, or since birth if they're under six months old.
Yes. Colorado requires at least 91 days from the date you file together, your spouse is served or your spouse signs a waiver. Many divorces take longer, depending on how quickly you resolve parenting, support and property issues.
If you or your spouse live in the City and County of Denver, you'll usually file with Denver District Court at the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202. If you live in a nearby suburb, like Aurora or Lakewood, the right court may be in a different county.
Yes. Colorado lets spouses file as co-petitioners when they're both ready to move forward. Filing together means neither spouse has to be served, which saves time and cost and often keeps the tone cooperative. You'll still each complete financial disclosures.
Colorado divides marital property "equitably," which means fairly, not always 50/50. Property each spouse owned before marriage, plus gifts and inheritances, usually stays separate, though any increase in value during the marriage can be divided. Debts are divided too.
Our Denver divorce lawyers understand the emotional, overwhelming situations our clients face. 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 so you can reach 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 along the way. Most Denver divorces settle, and when a fair agreement isn't possible, our attorneys are ready to present your case at Denver District Court.
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. Ask about both during your free consultation.
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 Denver. Then focus on yourself: get back into a routine and start fresh.
Nicholas Tootalian
Managing Partner Denver, CO Meet Nicholas
Taylor Jordan
Associate Practice Manager Denver, CO Meet Taylor
Liz Milewski
Senior Attorney Denver, CO Meet Liz
Stephen Carbonneau
Senior Attorney Denver, CO Meet Stephen
Jasmine Johnson
Associate Attorney Denver, CO Meet Jasmine
Arantxa Prince
Associate Attorney Denver, CO Meet Arantxa
Sophia Duax
Associate Attorney Denver, CO Meet Sophia
Zack Quaratella
Associate Attorney Denver, CO Meet Zack
Jereme Reyes
Associate Attorney Denver, CO Meet Jereme
Jordan Rogers
Associate Attorney Denver, CO Meet Jordan
Kaelyn Bourgeois
Associate Attorney Denver, CO Meet Kaelyn
Cheri Kaser
Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Denver, CO Meet Cheri
Jayla Berzoza
Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Denver, CO Meet JaylaDivorce 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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