Updated May 2026 Colorado
Colorado Divorce Filing Fee (2026)
All court costs for filing divorce in Colorado — including filing fees, service costs, and optional surcharges.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$230
Base Filing Fee
$50
Sheriff Service
None
Children Surcharge
$285
Est. Total (with service)
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Estimated Total Court Cost
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Base Filing Fee
Children Surcharge
Service Fee
E-Filing Fee
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How to File → Divorce Court Costs in Colorado
Filing for divorce in Colorado requires paying a base filing fee of $230 to the court. This fee opens your case and is paid by the petitioner (the spouse filing first).
Colorado requires a parenting class when minor children are involved. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be completed before the divorce is finalized.
Service of Process in Colorado
After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers:
- Sheriff / constable: $50
- Private process server: $90
Colorado has a moderate statewide fee. Denver and other urban counties may add minor local surcharges.
Uncontested divorce saves thousands
If both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce avoids attorney fees entirely. Court costs are typically the only expense — often under $500 total.Fee waiver available
If you can't afford the $230 filing fee, ask the clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Most Colorado courts waive fees for filers below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Divorce
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Colorado?
Filing for divorce in Colorado costs $230 for the base court filing fee. Add $50 for sheriff service of process, bringing the estimated court total to $285. This is the court cost only — attorney fees are additional and vary widely.
What is the divorce filing fee in Colorado?
The Colorado divorce filing fee is $230. This is a one-time fee paid to the court clerk when the petitioner files the initial divorce petition. E-filing is available in Colorado for an additional $5. The fee must be paid before the court will process your case.
How can I get the divorce filing fee waived in Colorado?
To get the divorce filing fee waived in Colorado, file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application with the court at the same time as your divorce petition. You must demonstrate that your household income falls below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. If you receive public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you likely qualify automatically. A judge — not the clerk — must approve the waiver.
Does Colorado require a parenting class for divorce?
Yes — Colorado requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before the divorce is finalized. The class covers the impact of divorce on children and co-parenting strategies. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be paid directly to the approved provider.
How long does a divorce take in Colorado?
An uncontested divorce in Colorado where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 1–3 months, depending on the court's schedule and any mandatory waiting periods. A contested divorce — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — typically takes 6–18 months or longer. After filing, most states require a mandatory waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree.
Can I file for divorce online in Colorado?
Yes — Colorado courts accept electronic filing (e-filing) for divorce cases. An additional e-filing fee of $5 applies. For a fully online uncontested divorce, services like 3StepDivorce prepare all state-specific forms and guide you through the process.
Divorce Filing Fees by County in Colorado
All Colorado counties charge the same $230 statewide filing fee — click any county for court address and details.
Denver
$230
El Paso
$230
Jefferson
$230
Arapahoe
$230
Adams
$230
Larimer
$230
Douglas
$230
Boulder
$230
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