Colorado Divorce Checklist: What to Prepare Before You File

Knowing what to gather before your divorce starts is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself — both financially and emotionally. Colorado requires both spouses to exchange full financial disclosures within 42 days of filing, and the courts don’t grant extensions just because someone wasn’t prepared. This checklist walks you through every document and step you’ll need — whether you’re just thinking about divorce or ready to file next week.

Start Here: What to Gather Before You File

Divorce in Colorado is a process that moves fast once it starts. Under Colorado law, both spouses must provide a Sworn Financial Statement and exchange supporting documents within 42 days of filing — and judges do not grant extensions simply because one party wasn’t organized. The more prepared you are before you file, the stronger your position from day one.

This checklist is designed for Colorado residents at every stage — whether you’re still thinking through your options or ready to retain an attorney this week. Work through each section and check off what you already have. Anything missing should be gathered as quickly as possible.

If you have questions about working with a Colorado divorce attorney, our team at Divorce Matters serves clients across 40+ cities throughout the state.

Section 1: Financial Documents You Must Have

Colorado courts require both spouses to fully disclose their financial situation. Gather all of the following before or immediately after filing:

Last 3 years of federal and state tax returns (personal and business if applicable)
Last 6 months of bank statements — all accounts (checking, savings, money market)
Last 3 months of pay stubs or most recent proof of income
Retirement account statements: 401(k), IRA, pension, 403(b)
Investment and brokerage account statements
Social Security benefit statements (if applicable)
Records of any trusts, inheritances, or gifts received during the marriage
Any business ownership documents, profit/loss statements, or K-1 forms
Documentation of any rental income or side income

Colorado uses an “equitable distribution” model. That does not mean a 50/50 split — it means the court divides marital property fairly based on several factors. Your Divorce Matters attorney will help you understand what qualifies as marital versus separate property.

Section 2: Property and Asset Documentation

Property division is one of the most contested parts of any Colorado divorce. The more documentation you have, the better protected you are. Gather:

Mortgage statement and most recent property appraisal or tax assessment
Deed(s) for any real estate owned jointly or separately
Vehicle titles and current loan statements
Loan and credit card statements for all marital debt
Documentation of any property owned before marriage (separate property)
Receipts or records of significant purchases made during the marriage
Appraisals for jewelry, artwork, antiques, or collectibles
Business valuation documents if a business is involved
Life insurance policies with cash value
Safe deposit box contents and location

If your spouse controls access to financial accounts, now is the time to begin quietly gathering these records. Our Fort Collins divorce attorneys and teams across Colorado can advise you on what to prioritize.

Section 3: Documents Related to Your Children

If children are involved, the Colorado court’s primary concern is their best interests. Child custody (called “parental responsibilities” in Colorado) and child support are decided separately from property division. Having the right documentation strengthens your position significantly.

Birth certificates for all minor children
School records, enrollment information, and report cards
Medical records and insurance information for each child
Documentation of the children’s current living and schooling arrangements
Records of childcare expenses (receipts, invoices, payment history)
Any prior court orders involving the children (from previous relationships)
Records of any special needs, therapy, or medical treatment
Documentation of your involvement in school, activities, and medical appointments
Evidence of any parenting agreements already in place (text messages, emails)

Colorado calculates child support using the Income Shares Model, factoring in both parents’ incomes, custody time, and childcare costs. Your Colorado Springs divorce attorney or any of our statewide attorneys can walk you through this calculation and what to expect.

Section 4: Colorado-Specific Court Forms You'll Need

Colorado has standardized Judicial District Forms (JDF) that must be filed with the court. While your attorney handles the filing, understanding these forms helps you know what to expect:

JDF 1101 — Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation. This is the primary document that officially initiates the divorce process in Colorado.
JDF 1104 — Summons for Dissolution of Marriage. This form is served to your spouse to formally notify them of the proceedings.
JDF 1111 — Sworn Financial Statement. Both spouses are required to complete this form disclosing income, expenses, assets, and debts. This is the form that triggers the 42-day disclosure deadline.
JDF 1113 — Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Financial Disclosures
JDF 1133 — Separation Agreement (if filing uncontested)
JDF 1116 / 1117 — Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet (if children are involved)

All Colorado JDF forms are available through the Colorado Judicial Branch. An attorney at Divorce Matters can ensure these are completed correctly and filed on time — errors on court forms are one of the most common causes of delays.

Section 5: Practical Steps to Take Before Filing

These practical steps can protect your financial future and reduce complications once the divorce process begins:

Open a personal bank account in your name only at a different bank than your joint accounts. This ensures you have access to funds after filing.
Establish or improve your individual credit — apply for a credit card in your name only if you don’t already have one.
Document separate property — take photos, gather receipts, and collect any records showing what you owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance.
Change passwords on personal email, financial accounts, and social media. Keep your communications private.
Create a budget based on a single income. Understanding your post-divorce financial picture early helps you negotiate with clarity.
Make copies of all important documents before your spouse has the opportunity to move or conceal them.
Note current account balances for all joint and individual accounts — screenshot or print statements dated before you file.
Consult with a financial advisor familiar with divorce if you have significant assets, retirement funds, or business interests.

Our Greeley Colorado divorce attorneys and teams across the state can advise you on what to prioritize in your specific situation.

Section 6: What NOT to Do Before or During Your Divorce

Some of the most damaging mistakes in a divorce happen before an attorney is even retained. Avoid the following:

Do not drain joint accounts — removing large sums from shared accounts without a court order can be treated as dissipation of marital assets and seriously damage your case.
Do not hide assets — Colorado requires full financial disclosure under oath. Concealment is a form of perjury and courts take it extremely seriously.
Do not make major purchases or take on new debt without legal guidance. New debt acquired before the divorce is final may be treated as marital debt.
Do not post on social media — anything you post during your divorce can be used as evidence. A photo, a comment, or even a check-in can be weaponized in court.
Do not violate temporary orders — once automatic temporary injunctions (ATIs) go into effect at filing, both parties are restricted from certain financial actions. Violating these is contempt of court.
Do not discuss your case publicly — conversations with friends, family, or on social platforms are not protected. Only communications with your attorney are privileged.
Do not use children as messengers or leverage — courts pay close attention to how parents communicate and behave. Any attempt to alienate a child from the other parent will reflect poorly on your case.

Next Steps: What to Do After You've Gathered Everything

Once you’ve worked through this checklist, the next step is a conversation with a qualified Colorado divorce attorney. Having your documents organized before your first consultation means your attorney can give you accurate, specific advice — not general information.

At Divorce Matters, our attorneys serve clients across more than 40 Colorado cities. We take the time to understand your full situation before recommending a path forward. Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves complex assets, business interests, or contested custody, we have the experience and the team to guide you through it.

We have offices in Denver (Greenwood Village), Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Greeley.

We're here to help.

Our Colorado divorce attorneys are available at four convenient locations. Call or book now to speak with someone who understands what you’re going through.