Online Divorce in Colorado
For those seeking an inexpensive divorce in the state of Colorado, online divorce is an easy, affordable and fast solution. Online divorce may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested case. The step-by-step process of preparing divorce documents at Onlinedivorce.com makes it easy on you. We help prepare all of the necessary divorce forms and provide detailed written instructions on how to file your divorce in Colorado.
Our divorce documents preparation service can be a perfect solution for those who want to have their divorce papers completed quickly and stress-free. Even though Colorado has unique divorce forms and filing requirements, our online system can provide you with exactly what you need and provide instructions on how to file. We have helped thousands of people prepare their divorce documents for filing.
If you and your spouse agree on the terms of the divorce and want an amicable dissolution to your marriage, why should the process get drawn out and why should you spend money on lawyers? Online divorce is often cheaper, quicker and easier.
Online divorce can be a perfect option if you want to save money or if you hope to have your divorce quickly finalized so you can get on with your life. Preparing documents for divorce online in Colorado is quickly becoming very popular because you can complete the documents in the comfort of your home. Even if you think your case is too complex because you have children, own your own home or have other assets, you may still be able to prepare your documents online. Just start with our simple questionnaire, and we’ll provide you instructions for each step of the way.
Finally, you don’t have to worry - our process is 100% secure. We protect your information and nothing is filed until you submit the divorce papers to the courthouse yourself. Filing for divorce in Colorado with the Onlinedivorce.com system can be a simple solution to a difficult situation.
Filing:
When you use OnlineDivorce.com, we help you fill out your divorce paperwork using a simple online questionnaire. You can fill it out alone or with the assistance of your spouse. Then, you will need to get a signature from your spouse and you can file the divorce forms with your local court. In Colorado, you will typically file with the courthouse in the county in which you currently reside. If a petitioner is not currently a resident, but a defendant is, divorce is typically filed in the county where the defendant resides.
The actual filing process is explained in our detailed court-filing instructions that we provide along with your completed divorce forms. You can also obtain assistance from your local courthouse by calling or stopping by.
After the initial filing, you may need to follow up if there are any issues with your documents. When you use OnlineDivorce.com, we allow you to make small adjustments to your forms as requested by the court at no additional charge. Our goal is to help you obtain your divorce with as little hassle and stress as possible using our online divorce documents preparation service.
Residency:
Every state has specific requirements where divorcing couples must establish residency within the state they are divorcing. Colorado is no exception.
To file for divorce in Colorado at least one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for at least 90 days before filing for dissolution of marriage. The divorce may be filed in:
- The county where the responding party lives or
- The county where the petitioning party lives, but only if the respondent would be served in the same county or is not a resident of the state. [Colorado Revised Statutes; Article 10, Section 14-10-106 and Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 98].
There are many ways to prove that residency has been established. The easiest way is if one or both spouses have a valid and in-date Colorado driver’s license, ID card or voter’s registration card which was issued at least six months before filing for divorce. If this is not the case, it may be possible to establish residency, by having someone who knows you or your spouse testify that you have lived in the state for at least six months. Additionally, it may be possible to use an Affidavit of Corroborating Witness form, and it should serve as proof you’ve lived in the state a minimum of six months.
Valid grounds to get divorce in Colorado
Grounds for an online divorce using OnlineDivorce.com are the same as they would be for any divorce within the State of Colorado. Grounds are merely the reason for divorce, and the state must approve them.
The only acceptable grounds for a divorce in the state of Colorado is what is called an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This reason for divorce can be used for nearly any reason that a couple may have for dissolving their marriage--be it something that would normally be ‘fault based’ or not.
Custody of the child in Colorado
Joint or sole custody can be determined in regard to what would be in the best interests of the child or children, without any regard to the gender of the parent, and after considering each of these factors:
- The preference of the child if of sufficient age and maturity;
- The desire of and ability of both parents to allow for an open and loving relationship between the children and the other parent;
- The desires of the parents;
- The child’s ability to adjust to and happiness with his or her home, school, and community;
- The overall health of all individuals involved;
- The relationship that the children have with parents, siblings, and other family members;
- Any domestic abuse by either parent;
- Whether a parent’s prior involvement with the family shows a system of values, time commitment, and ongoing support;
- The geographic proximity of the parties to each other; and
- The ability of the spouses to put the needs of the child before his or her own needs.
Visitation may be restricted if there is deemed to be a danger to the child.
Joint legal or physical custody can be awarded on the agreement of both parents if they submit a plan for custody. The plan submitted to the court for joint custody should be certain to include the following issues:
- Information regarding location of each parent;
- The time during which each parent will have physical custody of the child;
- The known legal residence of the child;
- Information regarding the child’s education;
- A plan for the child’s religious upbringing, if any;
- Information regarding the child’s health care;
- Financial planning to provide for the child’s needs;
- A plan for holidays and vacations; and
- Notations regarding other factors that affect the physical or emotional health or well-being of the child.
The joint custody award will be based on all of the factors involved in a standard custody decision and on these following additional factors:
- The ability of the parents work together;
- Whether the prior pattern of involvement of the parents with the child reflects a system of values and mutual support indicative the parent’s ability to act as joint custodians and provide a positive and nourishing relationship with the child; and
- Whether an award of joint custody would promote more frequent or continuing contact between the child and each of the parents. [Colorado Revised Statutes; Article 10, Sections 14-10-123, 14-10-124, and 14-10-129].
Rules for child support in Colorado
Colorado has put into place specific state-mandated child support guidelines which apply in virtually every case, barring exceptional circumstances. With this, both parties’ gross incomes and certain child related expenses are considered. In the majority of child support cases, payments continue until the child reaches eighteen years of age, and they may extend until the completion of the child or children’s secondary education.
The court may order reasonable and necessary child support to be paid by either or both parents, without regard to marital fault, after considering the following factors:
- The financial resources of the child;
- The financial resources of the custodial parents;
- The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the marriage had survived;
- The physical and emotional conditions and educational needs of the child; and
- The financial resources, needs, and obligations of both the noncustodial and the custodial parent.
Provisions for medical insurance and care for the children may be required to be provided. There are child support guidelines specified in the statute. In addition, standardized child support guideline forms are available from the Clerk of any District Court. Child support payments may be ordered to be paid through the Clerk of the Court. Child support must continue through high school graduation, unless certain factors are met. [Colorado Revised Statutes; Article 10, Sections 14-10-115 and 14-10-117].
Rules for spousal support in Colorado
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is sometimes ordered by the court to help one spouse live in a manner established during marriage after the divorce.
Either spouse may be awarded support for a just period of time, without regard to any marital fault. If the spouses’ combined income is over $75,000.00, the monthly temporary maintenance to the lower-earning spouse will be 40% of the higher-earning spouse’s income less 50% of the lower-earning spouse’s income. If the spouses’ combined income is over $75,000.00, maintenance is only allowed if the spouse seeking maintenance:
- Lacks sufficient property, including his or her share of any marital property, to provide for his or her needs and
- Is unable to support himself or herself through appropriate employment, or has custody of a child and the circumstances are such that the spouse should not be required to seek employment outside the home.
For couples with over $75,000.00 joint income, the award of maintenance is based upon the following factors:
- The time which would be necessary to acquire sufficient education and training to enable the spouse to find employment and that spouse’s future earning capacity;
- The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage;
- The length of the marriage;
- The ability of the spouse from that would pay support to meet his or her needs while meeting those of the spouse seeking support;
- The financial resources of the spouse who seeks maintenance, including marital property apportioned to such spouse and such spouse’s ability to meet his or her needs independently;
- The age of the spouses;
- The physical and emotional health of the spouses; and
- Any custodial and/or child support responsibilities.
Maintenance payments may be ordered to be paid directly to the court for distribution to the spouse. [Colorado Revised Statutes; Article 10, Sections 14-10-114 and 14-10-117].
Mediation support in Colorado
The Colorado court may refer the divorcing spouses to attend mediation in any proceeding where the issues of child custody, parental responsibility, primary home, visitation, or child support are contested. Divorce mediation can also be obtained by any couple who wishes to resolve certain disagreements in a controlled and peaceful setting allowing for the divorce to become uncontested.
For those seeking to prepare their divorce papers using OnlineDivorce.com, utilizing divorce mediation can be a great tool to smooth out disagreements and prevent the case from going to court. This can be the simplest way to assure a fast, easy and affordable online divorce.
Filing fees for divorce in Colorado
When you file your divorce papers, the court will charge filing fees that may vary by county. These costs are in addition to the cost of using OnlineDivorce.com. Please check with your local courthouse to determine the exact amount.
How long it will take
The use of the OnlineDivorce.com service usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours or more depending on the complexity of your case. You’ll start filling out the questionnaire immediately and can either complete it in one sitting, or you can save your progress and complete it at a later date if that is more convenient for you.
Once you’ve gotten the documents complete, you will need to file them and get your spouse’s signature. You’ll have more information regarding the finalization of your divorce case once you complete your paperwork and submit it with the clerk of courts.
