COLORADO DIVORCE PAPERS WITH EXPLANATIONS

The documents listed below are the primary documents for a Colorado uncontested divorce. You will notice that some of the documents apply with children. If you do not have minor children, these divorce papers in Colorado are typically not required.

Understanding the Colorado Divorce Papers:

• Domestic Relations Case Information Sheet: JDF 1000. The case information sheet identifies the parties and sets forth the basics of the action, including whether the parties are filing pro se or with a lawyer.
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: JDF 1101. This notarized form identifies the parties and their children, states that "[t]he Marriage is irretrievably broken", and triggers an automatic temporary injunction shall be in effect against both parties until the Final Decree is entered.
• UCCJEA Information Sheet: This declaration certifies that the parties comply with the UCCJEA and establishes the place of residence of minor children involved in the action.
• Summons for Dissolution of Marriage: JDF 1102. This court order informs the respondent of the suit and gives him or her 21or 35 days (depending on whether he or she is in Colorado or not) to file an appearance or face the possibility of a default judgment.
• Waiver of Service: The defendant uses this form to waive service of the divorce papers and enters an appearance and waives notice of the final hearing and agrees to let the case proceed.
• Notice of Hearing: JDF 1124. This form puts the parties on notice that the final hearing on the action is scheduled.
• Notice to Set Non-contested Hearing: JDJ 1123. This form is a request to schedule a hearing for an Uncontested or Default Final Orders Hearing (Pro Se). No hearing can be scheduled unless the parties file the following divorce papers: Sworn Financial Statements (JDF 1111; one from each party), Settlement Agreement, Parenting Plan and the Child Support Worksheet (JDF 1801).
• Parenting Plan: The parents must submit to a written Parenting Plan addressing all of the child related issues relevant to the case. The Parenting Plan must contain provisions for the allocation of parental responsibilities including decision-making and parenting time. Parents may use form JDF 1113 as a model to submit to the Court. This standard form does not include every possible issue that may be relevant to the particular couples. Without an agreement, the Court must enter its own plan. Whether the Court approves your plan or enters its own, the Parenting Plan becomes a Court Order when approved.
• Support Order: JDF 1117. The support order, which is signed by the judge, details the frequency and amount of child support and/or spousal maintenance.
• Child Support Worksheet Procedures: JDF 1822(a). These are the instructions for completing the Child Support Worksheets. The Colorado Child Support Guideline is based on an Income Shares Model.
• Child Support Worksheet (Shared Parental Responsibilities): JDF 1821E or 1821M. Worksheet B is used when each parent exercises extensive physical care, that is, spends at least 93 overnights per year. The Guideline provides that a child support obligation be computed for each parent by multiplying that parent's child support obligation by the percentage of time the child spends with the other parent. The respective child support obligations are then offset, with the parent owing more child support paying the difference between the two amounts.
• Child Support Worksheet (Sole Parental Responsibilities): JDF 1820E or 1820M. Worksheet A is used to compute child support when one parent exercises sole parental responsibilities for 273 or more overnights per year.
• Affidavit with Respect to Financial Affairs (Petitioner): JDF 1111. The petitioner must file a notarized and sworn affidavit detailing his or her income, expenses, deductions, assets and debts.
• Affidavit with Respect to Financial Affairs (Respondent): JDF 1111. The respondent must file a notarized and sworn affidavit detailing his or her income, expenses, deductions, assets and debts.
• Marital Settlement Agreement: JDF 1115. This notarized agreement entered into between a husband and a wife establishing the terms and conditions of their divorce and resolving such matters as property division, debts, child custody, child support, visitation, debt, alimony, insurance, tax, and settlement of any property issues when they end their marriage to each other. Signed by both parties, the MSA is approved by a judge.
• Certificate of Service (for Petitioner): JDF 1313. This coversheet is used when the petitioner sends divorce documents to respondent.
• Certificate of Service (for Respondent): JDF 1313. This coversheet is used when the respondent sends divorce documents to the petitioner.
• Decree of Dissolution of Marriage: JDF 1116. This court order ends the marriage and incorporates the terms set forth in the Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan.