When people talk about how common divorce is, they often cite a statistic that 50% of all marriages end in divorce. This stat is actually false – and has never been the reality in the United States. Instead, it was based on a projection from the 1970s that the divorce rate could eventually get that high.

Here in Colorado, the divorce rate is higher than the national average – but the marriage rate is higher than average as well. From 2022 through 2024, approximately 23,000 Coloradoans filed for divorce – which is a fairly small number in a state with almost 6 million residents. However, because Colorado has relatively favorable divorce laws – including no-fault divorce, a 91-day waiting period, equitable division of assets and no requirement to separate – getting divorced here is often simpler and less expensive than in many other states.

Ascent Legal Group helps clients navigate a range of family law matters, including divorce. We understand that no one takes the decision to get a divorce lightly and are committed to helping our clients get the best possible outcome for their case.  Reach out to our law firm today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with a seasoned Colorado divorce lawyer.

Colorado Divorce By the Numbers

Colorado Divorce Rates

There are approximately 6 million people living in Colorado. Of these residents, a sizable percentage are married. Approximately 52% of all Coloradans over the age of 18 are married. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Colorado has a relatively high marriage rate of 7.5 marriages per 1,000 people.

Yet Colorado also has a comparatively high divorce rate. 13% of all women and 9% of all men in Colorado are divorced. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, Colorado’s divorce rate is 8.5 – which is higher than the national average of 1.4 per 1,000 women. In fact, Colorado ties with Louisiana as the state with the 13th highest divorce rate in the country. You can see where Colorado sits in comparison to the rest of the US with divorce rates by state in the table below. 

Divorce Filings By Judicial District

Divorce filings – referred to as petitions for dissolution – remained fairly stable in 2024 according to data from the Colorado Judicial Branch. Below is the number of divorce petitions by judicial district. 

Colorado Divorce Trends

While the divorce rate is comparatively high, it has decreased. In 2012, the divorce rate in Colorado was 12 per 1,000 women. This drop represents a significant change for the state.

In total, 23,291 divorce petitions were filed across the state of Colorado in 2024. This represents 75% of all domestic relations cases filed in Colorado District Courts in 2024.

By comparison, there were 23,074 petitions for dissolution of marriage filed in Colorado in 2023 – representing 74% of all domestic relations cases. In 2022, there were 22,972 divorce filings across the state. These numbers show a relatively stable rate of divorce in the state.

Why Does Colorado Have a High Divorce Rate?

Colorado does rank in the top 25% of states when it comes to divorce rates. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As anyone who has been in a bad relationship knows, there are times when the best option is to end things. The same is true when it comes to divorce: there are situations when it is simply the right choice for everyone (including the children).

There are a few reasons why Colorado has a higher divorce rate than many states. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means that neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing in order to get a divorce. In fact, the only grounds necessary for divorce in the state are that the marriage is irretrievably broken. When you don’t have to prove that your spouse did something wrong in order to get divorced, it is easier to get divorced – and that is often a good thing.

For much of this country’s history, it was difficult – or even impossible – to get divorced due to the requirement that one party prove fault. The result of these laws was that many people were trapped in abusive or simply unhappy marriages.  In the 1970s, Colorado adopted the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, which introduced the no-fault option. 

This law removed a significant barrier to getting divorced and also reduced the time and cost associated with a divorce. In fact, it is possible to get divorced in as little as 92 days in Colorado if you and your soon-to-be-ex agree on all of the issues (such as property division, spousal support and child custody) in your divorce. An uncontested divorce is a fairly straightforward process that allows spouses to move forward with their lives relatively quickly after making the decision to end their marriage.

Colorado also does not have a requirement to separate before filing for divorce, unlike some states. In fact, you can file for divorce while still living with your ex. This aspect of Colorado law means that you don’t have to jump through this legal hoop when you have already decided to get divorced. Couples can get legally separated, which allows them to divide their assets and develop a parenting plan without getting divorced – which might be preferable in certain situations.

Colorado’s property division laws are also more favorable than those of many other states. In Colorado, assets and liabilities are divided equitably – not equally. A court will take a variety of factors into consideration, such as each spouse’s earning power and contributions to the marriage, when deciding how to divide assets. By comparison, in a community property state, all assets are divided 50-50. Colorado’s more flexible approach means that property division is more likely to be fair to both parties.

Ultimately, while no one goes into a marriage with the expectation that they will get divorced, there are times when divorce is appropriate for any number of reasons – from infidelity to abuse to simply not getting along anymore. Whatever the reason, if you are contemplating divorce, our Colorado divorce attorneys can help you weigh your options. If you decide to move forward with a divorce, we will advocate for you and protect your interests throughout the process.

Considering Divorce In Colorado? Call Ascent Legal Group Today

Few people want to get divorced. The process can be stressful, expensive, and even embarrassing. If you do make the decision to end your marriage, it is important to know that there is life after divorce – and you might ultimately be happier and more fulfilled in your new life.

At Ascent Legal Group, we represent individuals and families in family law matters throughout Colorado. We offer free consultations for all prospective clients. If you decide to hire our law firm, we will work collaboratively with you to help you understand your rights and develop a smart strategy to deliver the best possible outcome for your case. To learn more or to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with a Colorado Springs divorce lawyer, give us a call at 719-256-0067 or fill out our online contact form.