Colorado's Residency Requirements

Either the spouse must have been a Colorado resident for 90 days or more before filing for divorce.

Colorado's Grounds for Divorce

Colorado residents may file for divorce under only one grounds for divorce.

Colorado's no-fault grounds is:

• irretrievable breakdown of the marriage

Colorado's Child Custody Guidelines

Divorcing parents are allowed to collaborate on a child custody arrangement. If the parents cannot reach a decision, a Colorado court will make a ruling.

Colorado courts consider factors such as:

• he wishes of the child, if of sufficient age and mental capacity
• whether the custodial parent would allow the noncustodial parent and the child to maintain a meaningful relationship
• any evidence or history of abuse
• each parent's ability to put the needs of the child above their own

Colorado's Child Support Guidelines

If the parents cannot agree on the amount of child support and the paying parent, child support will be decided by state-specific calculations and guidelines.

Colorado courts consider factors such as:

• each parent's financial situation
• the standard of living experienced by the child during the marriage
• the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the child

Colorado's Spousal Support Guidelines

Spousal support can be paid in one lump sum, in installments, or periodically. The spouses may determine the spousal support amount and payment schedule, or the courts may award spousal support.

Colorado courts will consider factors such as:

• duration of the marriage
• the standard of living experienced during the marriage
• each spouse's ability to support themselves
• each spouse's circumstances

Colorado's Property Division Guidelines

Colorado has adopted equitable distribution guidelines, which means all property (including gifts and inheritances) will be divided as fairly and equally as possible. Spouses may collaborate on the property distribution, but if they are unable to agree the courts will make a ruling.

Colorado courts will consider factors such as:

• each spouse's contribution to the property, including acquisition and upkeep of property
• the value of each spouse's personal property
• custodial arrangements

Colorado's Venue Guidelines

The petitioner may file the divorce forms in their Colorado county of residence, or in the respondent's Colorado county of residence.