If you’re still deciding whether to end your marriage, make sure it’s really what you want. Divorce is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it can affect you emotionally, financially and even in terms of legal matters. But if you’ve decided on getting a divorce, it’s essential to understand how to start the process.
This knowledge can help you start off on the right foot, even during such an emotional time.
Start with filing the divorce petition
The divorce process in Colorado begins with submitting a formal request for dissolution of marriage to your local county court. In your formal request for dissolution of marriage, you need to include specific details about:
- Your marriage: Include the date and location of your marriage. Attach copies of the marriage certificate if available.
- Grounds for divorce: In Colorado, the only ground for divorce is the ‘irretrievable breakdown’ of the marriage.
- Division of property and debts: List all the relevant property and debts that should be part of the divorce.
- Alimony (spousal support): If applicable, list the requested amount and duration of the support you need.
- Child-related matters: Include child custody and support requests if you have children.
It’s important to file the divorce petition with these necessary details. Any omissions could lead to complications down the line or even impact the court’s decisions.
Address the legalities of ending a marriage
When you’re ready to file for divorce, you have two options: file jointly or separately. Filing jointly is a route that many couples find simpler and less costly, as it allows you to share the cost of a single filing instead of each of you paying for separate filings. However, if you choose to file separately, you must serve the divorce papers to your spouse. This process includes delivering a copy of the petition and other required documents to them. This can be more complex and time-consuming than filing jointly and often involves processing fees, possible court visits and additional paperwork.
Starting the divorce process on your own can certainly be overwhelming. So, consider seeking a legal professional. They can help you navigate the legal process and guide your divorce toward compliance with state laws and regulations.