Timeline of a divorce case in Colorado.
What a conventional, court-driven divorce looks like from filing to final decree — the deadlines the court sets, and where you can still step off the path and settle.
Most families we work with never see most of it: mediation reaches the same decree, usually in three to six months, without a trial.
The court path, stage by stage
Set by the court, not by you.
Step 01
Petition — the 91-day clock starts
Filing and serving a Petition starts the 91-day waiting period before a court can issue a decree, and triggers an automatic temporary injunction: the financial picture is frozen, and neither of you may disturb the other’s peace or take a shared child out of Colorado without agreement.
Step 02
Disclosures — within 42 days of filing
Both spouses certify that they handed over specific documents about money and property, and each files a Sworn Financial Statement — monthly gross income and monthly expenses, under oath.
Step 03
Initial Status Conference — around day 42
Both parties usually attend in person at the courthouse. The court may set the final trial date, hearings on temporary financial or parenting issues, and deadlines — usually 14 to 30 days — to agree on expert witnesses like appraisers or custody evaluators.
Step 04
Discovery and witnesses — at least 91 days before trial
If the mandatory disclosures aren’t enough, either spouse can serve discovery requests — written questions or requests for documents. Both sides must also name potential witnesses by this date.
Step 05
Mediation — at least 21 days before trial
Colorado requires couples to try mediation before a divorce goes to trial — in many cases at least 21 days beforehand.
Step 06
Trial — usually 6 to 9 months from filing
Contested issues are argued in court and decided by the judge — over a few hours or several days, depending on their number and complexity.
Step 07
Settlement — available at any time
It is filed with the court and approved there. You may still appear briefly at a non-contested hearing so the judge can ask about it.
Step 08
Decree of dissolution
The judge issues the decree at or just after trial — or after approving your settlement, once the 91-day waiting period has passed.
Step 01
Petition — the 91-day clock starts
Filing and serving a Petition starts the 91-day waiting period before a court can issue a decree, and triggers an automatic temporary injunction: the financial picture is frozen, and neither of you may disturb the other’s peace or take a shared child out of Colorado without agreement.
Step 02
Disclosures — within 42 days of filing
Both spouses certify that they handed over specific documents about money and property, and each files a Sworn Financial Statement — monthly gross income and monthly expenses, under oath.
Step 03
Initial Status Conference — around day 42
Both parties usually attend in person at the courthouse. The court may set the final trial date, hearings on temporary financial or parenting issues, and deadlines — usually 14 to 30 days — to agree on expert witnesses like appraisers or custody evaluators.
Step 04
Discovery and witnesses — at least 91 days before trial
If the mandatory disclosures aren’t enough, either spouse can serve discovery requests — written questions or requests for documents. Both sides must also name potential witnesses by this date.
Step 05
Mediation — at least 21 days before trial
Colorado requires couples to try mediation before a divorce goes to trial — in many cases at least 21 days beforehand.
Step 06
Trial — usually 6 to 9 months from filing
Contested issues are argued in court and decided by the judge — over a few hours or several days, depending on their number and complexity.
Step 07
Settlement — available at any time
It is filed with the court and approved there. You may still appear briefly at a non-contested hearing so the judge can ask about it.
Step 08
Decree of dissolution
The judge issues the decree at or just after trial — or after approving your settlement, once the 91-day waiting period has passed.
Compare the Conscious Family mediation timeline.
The conventional court path.
There is a shorter way through.
A free intro call is the easiest first step.
