When a couple finally makes the difficult decision to file for divorce, they typically want their divorce to be finalized as quickly as possible. However, you may have heard horror stories about divorces taking years to finalize. This may make you wonder whether it is possible to get a quick divorce in Colorado.

In Colorado, there is a mandatory 91-day waiting period to get a divorce. In theory, this means that you could be divorced within about 3 months of filing a petition for dissolution. However, it is not easy. If you want a speedy divorce, then you will need to be able to work cooperatively with your soon-to-be ex to come to an agreement in writing on all major issues. This is what is needed for an uncontested divorce. 

At Ascent Legal Group, we provide strategic legal advice and representation to clients in Colorado family law matters. We listen carefully to our clients’ wants and needs before helping them develop a plan to achieve their goals, whether that be a quick divorce or full custody. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Colorado Springs divorce attorney. 

Fast Track Divorces in Colorado 

In Colorado, a judge cannot finalize a divorce until at least 91 days after the divorce petition is filed. This mandatory waiting period is meant to give a couple the chance to “cool off” and consider whether they truly want to get divorced. It also gives the couple time to work out the details of their divorce.

The clock on this waiting period either starts when the petition is filed if the parties file jointly, or when the non-filing spouse is served with copies of the divorce paperwork. The process of serving the other party can be a significant factor in lengthening or shortening the duration of a divorce.

Filing An Uncontested Divorce

Of course, getting divorced in just 3 months is not possible in all cases. Generally, quick divorces happen in uncontested divorce cases. An uncontested divorce is when the parties agree about all of the issues in their divorce: property division, alimony, and/or child custody and support. If you disagree about any aspect of your divorce, then you will file a contested divorce.

Filing A Petition For An Uncontested Divorce

To file for an uncontested divorce, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirement (having lived in the state for more than 91 days prior to filing). If you and your spouse agree on all of the major terms that will be issues in your divorce (for example, whether or not there will be spousal maintenance), you can fill out the divorce petition together and file it in the courthouse where you reside. Alternatively, you can file the paperwork yourself and serve it on your spouse. You will also have to fill out and exchange mandatory financial disclosures.

Completing A Separation Agreement

You will then need to complete a separation agreement that addresses the division of assets and debts. It should also address alimony/spousal support, if applicable. If you have children together, you will also have to complete a parenting plan and a child support worksheet. These documents will all be filed with the court, along with a proposed degree of dissolution. 

Decree of Dissolution

If everything is in order, the Court will issue a decree of dissolution. If you share minor children, you will have to attend a brief hearing. While a divorce decree may be issued in as little as 91 days, it might take slightly longer due to court schedules.

Working With a LLP or Divorce Lawyer To Earn The Best Possible Outcome

It may be possible to handle your own divorce proceedings if you have a simple, straightforward case. If you and your spouse don’t share children and don’t have significant assets or debts, then you may not need legal counsel to help you with your divorce. However, if your case is complex, or you simply want the peace of mind knowing the process is completed correctly, you might choose to work with one of our Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs). At Ascent, we have highly skilled LLPs that can assist you with the paperwork and offer you advice on your divorce case.

If there are contested issues, such as the value of a house, or other complications, it may be time to bring in a Colorado Springs divorce lawyer. Family law can be an incredibly complex subject, and often involves complicated issues – such as tax implications for property division or child custody. Even if you are planning an uncontested divorce, having a lawyer to advise you can help to protect your legal rights.

A Colorado divorce attorney may also be able to help you complete your divorce more quickly, even if you don’t initially agree on all of the issues. In many cases, a lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement that you might not be able to achieve on your own due to hard feelings or an inability to work together. They can also represent you in mediation, a process where a neutral third party (mediator) helps you work through the issues in your divorce and come to an agreement.

It is possible to get divorced in Colorado in 6 months or less, particularly in cases where there aren’t any complex issues and/or where you and your spouse get along. Our law offices can help you with the process, offering strategic legal advice and guidance to help you come to an agreement and move forward with your life by getting divorced quickly.

Factors That Affect The Amount of Time It Takes to Get Divorced in Colorado 

It isn’t always easy to know how long a divorce will take. There are certain factors that can impact the length of time it takes to get divorced. Some of these items are outside of your control, while others are things that you can work on to help your divorce proceed more efficiently.

Factors that can impact the length of time that it takes to get divorced include:

• Whether you share minor children: Custody and visitation matters are often the most contentious and heavily-litigated aspects of a Colorado divorce;
• How organized you are: In both contested and uncontested divorces, the parties are required to complete financial disclosures. This requires a thorough accounting of your finances. If you need to spend time searching for information to complete these forms, it can add time to your divorce proceedings.
• Your ability to cooperate with your spouse: Uncontested divorces are the fastest option for Colorado divorces. That being said, they are only possible if you and your spouse can come to an agreement. If you simply can’t get along and work out a deal, your divorce will likely take longer.
• If you respond promptly to legal requests: Even an uncontested divorce is a legal process that requires you to pay attention to court notices and deadlines. If you delay in responding to legal requests, then it will delay the final resolution of your case.
• Having an experienced lawyer: For both contested and uncontested divorces, working with a seasoned attorney or LLP can help make the process go more smoothly. They will have a better understanding of the process and your rights, and can often help you come to an agreement with your spouse. 

While you cannot get divorced before the 91-day waiting period has elapsed, working on issues that you can control – like being organized and responding promptly to requests – can help you get divorced more quickly, if that is your goal.

Is a Quick Divorce the Right Option for Me?

There is something attractive about getting divorced in just a few months. After all, if you know that your marriage is over, is there really any point in dragging out the legal process?

However, there are circumstances in which it makes more sense to take your time with a divorce. If you have a relatively straightforward case, then a fast divorce might be in your best interests. For example, if you and your spouse don’t own a house, have minimal assets, and don’t share children, then a speedy uncontested divorce might be a possibility. 

However, there are situations where it makes a lot more sense to take your time and make sure that your rights are protected in a divorce. If you share children or have a more complex financial situation, then rushing to get divorced quickly probably isn’t the optimal decision. In your haste, you might make a decision or give up a legal right that could affect you and your children for decades to come. For example, you might agree to no spousal support, despite being entitled to it, and then struggle financially in the future as a result.

There is also an emotional component to divorce that should be considered. Even if you are absolutely certain that your marriage is over, it is still a big deal to dissolve your marriage. You want to make sure that you are emotionally ready before your divorce is finalized. Giving it a bit of time can help you make sure that you are making the right decision.

If you have kids, you should also consider how a divorce will affect them. While drawn-out legal battles aren’t great for children, their best interests should be paramount. Working with an experienced Colorado divorce lawyer can help ensure that you come to an agreement on custody, visitation, and child support that protects both you and your kids. 

Talk to a Colorado Divorce Attorney at No Cost

When you have made the decision to get divorced, you will likely want to move forward with the legal process sooner rather than later. Our law firm can help you evaluate your options and work with you towards achieving your goals. If you want to get divorced quickly, we can advise you on the best way to do so.
With offices in Colorado Springs, Centennial, and Castle Rock, Ascent Legal Group offers high-quality legal representation to clients in divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, and related matters. We will stand by your side and help you through the legal process, safeguarding your interests each step of the way. Call our law offices today at 719-256-0067 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with an experienced Colorado divorce lawyer.