Real numbers for Colorado — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
The paperwork and terminology differ from state to state, but a Colorado divorce generally moves through the same five stages:
This is a general roadmap, not legal advice specific to your case — your county's self-help center or a licensed Colorado family law attorney can walk you through the exact forms you'll need.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My Colorado Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Colorado ranges from roughly $3,300 for a simple uncontested case to $35,200 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Colorado has a mandatory 91-day waiting period from date of service.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $230 | $1,055 | $5,500 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,300 | $5,500 | $8,250 |
| Contested, no trial | $12,100 | $22,000 | $35,200 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $35,200 | $41,800 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $16,500 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Colorado is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $230 statewide uniform fee
| Denver | $230 |
| El Paso (Colorado Springs) | $230 |
| Arapahoe | $230 |
| Jefferson | $230 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Colorado average $320 per hour.
A Denver couple with no children and modest shared savings going uncontested would spend $230 in filing fees and roughly $1,500–$3,000 in attorney costs — total around $1,800–$3,200. If custody is contested in El Paso County, add $8,000–$20,000+ per party.
How much does a divorce cost in Colorado?
An uncontested divorce in Colorado typically costs $5,500–$8,250 including the $230 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $22,000–$35,200 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is Colorado's divorce waiting period?
Colorado requires a minimum 91-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served before a divorce can be finalized.
Is Colorado a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Colorado is a pure no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' Fault is not considered in property division or alimony.
How is property divided in Colorado?
Colorado follows equitable distribution — property is divided fairly, which often approaches 50/50 for long marriages but can vary based on each spouse's circumstances.
How much does a contested divorce cost in Colorado?
Contested divorces in Colorado typically cost $15,000–$30,000+ per spouse, depending on how many issues are disputed and the length of litigation.
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Open Colorado Calculator →Filing fees based on Colorado court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.