One of the first questions people ask when they decide to file for divorce is how long it will take. At Baker Law Group, PLLC, we hear this every day from clients in Denver and across the Front Range. The honest answer is that it depends, but concrete milestones and deadlines shape every case, and knowing them gives you a real advantage. This guide walks you through how long a divorce takes in Denver, what drives the timeline, and how you can avoid the delays that stretch cases out longer than they need to be.
The Colorado Divorce Waiting Period
The single biggest factor in how long a Denver divorce takes is the mandatory 91-day waiting period. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-106, the court cannot enter a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage until at least 91 days have passed. Colorado imposes this mandatory waiting period before finalizing any divorce, and the clock starts based on how the case proceeds. In a single-party filing, the 91 days run from the date the petitioner serves the respondent. In a joint filing, they run from the date both spouses file together as co-petitioners.
Courts sometimes call this the cooling-off period, though Colorado law does not require either spouse to attempt reconciliation. You simply wait out the time while the rest of the process moves forward in parallel. The 91-day mark is the earliest a divorce can be final. In practice, most Denver divorces take longer.
How Long Does a Divorce Actually Take in Denver: Uncontested vs. Contested
The 91-day waiting period sets the floor, but whether your divorce is contested or uncontested determines the ceiling.
An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, spousal maintenance, parenting time, and child support.When both spouses reach full agreement and file paperwork correctly, an uncontested divorce in Denver typically finalizes in three to six months. This is also the scenario where some couples consider whether they need an attorney at all — though that decision comes with its own set of risks worth understanding before moving forward. The 91-day clock, combined with the time both parties need to prepare and submit all required documents, usually accounts for most of that window.
A contested divorce is a different situation entirely. When spouses disagree on one or more issues, the court must step in to resolve them. That means hearings, often mediation, and sometimes trial. Contested divorces in Denver commonly take nine months to over a year to finalize, depending on the complexity of the issues and general court scheduling. Cases involving business ownership, significant assets, or difficult custody disputes can take longer still.
If you are going through a contested divorce in the Denver area, a Denver divorce lawyer who knows the local court’s scheduling practices can help you avoid unnecessary delays from the start.
Step-by-Step: The Denver Divorce Timeline
Understanding the key deadlines helps you see exactly where time goes in a Denver divorce.
Day 1 — Filing the Petition
The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Denver District Court, located at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse at 520 West Colfax Avenue. After filing, the petitioner arranges to serve the other spouse with the divorce papers.
Within 21 Days — Respondent’s Response
Once the petitioner serves the respondent, the respondent has 21 days to file a response if they are in Colorado, or 35 days if the petitioner served them out of state. If the respondent files no response, the petitioner may eventually request a default judgment, though courts typically allow additional time before granting one.
Within 42 Days — Financial Disclosures
Both spouses must exchange Sworn Financial Statements and supporting documents within 42 days of service. These documents cover income, expenses, assets, and debts. C.R.C.P. 16.2 makes this deadline mandatory, and neither spouse can skip it. Incomplete or delayed disclosures are one of the most common reasons cases get stuck.
Early in the Case — Initial Status Conference
In Denver, the court usually sets an Initial Status Conference early in the case, depending on the calendar and case type. A family court facilitator or judge runs this short, informal hearing, reviews what issues the parties dispute, and sets deadlines for mediation and future hearings. Denver court practice drives this timing, and it may vary based on the case and the court’s docket at the time of filing.
Months 2–6 — Mediation or Negotiation
If the spouses cannot agree on all issues, mediation is a common next step in contested Denver divorces, and some cases or districts require it before trial. A neutral third party facilitates mediation, giving both sides a chance to reach agreement. When it works, mediation can cut months off the process. When it does not, the case moves toward a hearing or trial.
Months 6–12+ — Trial (if needed)
If mediation fails, the court schedules a permanent orders hearing or trial. Court availability sets the trial date, and waiting for an open date can add weeks or months to the process. After trial, the judge issues a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, and the divorce is final.
What Slows a Denver Divorce Down
Knowing what causes delays lets you plan around them. These are the most common reasons Denver divorces run longer than expected:
- One spouse ignores filings and misses deadlines
- One or both spouses submit incomplete, hidden, or disputed financial documents
- Contested custody arrangements require a Child and Family Investigator
- The case involves a business valuation or complex assets
- Court scheduling backlogs affect hearing availability
- One spouse deliberately uses delays as a legal tactic
If your spouse is deliberately dragging the process out, your Denver attorney can file motions to compel compliance and ask the court to enforce deadlines. Courts take non-compliance seriously, especially when it affects parenting arrangements.
How to Keep Your Denver Divorce on Track
There are real steps you can take to avoid adding time to your case. Respond to every deadline promptly. Gather your financial documents early, including tax returns, pay stubs, retirement statements, bank records, and any property documents. Tell your attorney everything from the beginning so nothing surfaces late in the case and forces more discovery.
If your case involves children, complete the parenting education class as early as possible. Denver District Court commonly requires both parents to complete a court-approved parenting education class in dissolution cases involving minor children, and delays in completing it can hold up the final decree.
Finally, avoid direct conflict with your spouse wherever possible. Contested issues take the most time. Every issue you resolve by agreement saves time and money.
Talk to a Denver Divorce Lawyer Today
Understanding how long a divorce takes in Denver is one thing. Managing the process under pressure, especially when a spouse is uncooperative, is another. At Baker Law Group, PLLC, we work with clients throughout the Denver metro area to keep cases on track, protect their rights at every stage, and push for resolution without unnecessary delay. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Denver divorce lawyer and get a clear picture of what your timeline looks like.
