Are these forms legally sufficient?

The forms provide required fields and standard language, but sufficiency depends on correct completion, required attachments, proper service, and court acceptance; some matters may still need attorney input.

Can I sign forms electronically?

Electronic signatures meet ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA requirements in most contexts, but court filings and final orders may have specific signature, notarization, or in-court requirements; verify with the clerk.

Do I need a notary or RON?

Notarization is sometimes required for sworn affidavits or verification pages; RON may be accepted depending on state and county rules—confirm local court policy before relying on remote notarization.

What if the other party cannot be served?

If personal service cannot be completed, request alternate service or publication per Colorado Rules and provide the court with affidavit of diligent effort as required.

How long until a final order?

Timing varies by case complexity, local court calendars, and whether matters are contested; uncontested dissolutions may proceed faster, but verify hearing availability with the court.

Where to get help with complex issues?

Consider limited-scope counsel, legal aid clinics, or the court’s self-help center for assistance with child custody, complex asset division, or substantial support disputes.

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Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Divorce Forms

Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Divorce Forms

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

INSTRUCTIONS TO CONVERT DECREE OF LEGAL SEPARATION TO DECREE OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE PURSUANT TO §14-10-120(3), C.R.S.

These standard instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice about your case. If you choose to represent yourself, you are bound by the same rules and procedures as an attorney.

GENERAL INFORMATION

◆ This information provides a guide to the process and forms necessary to convert a Legal Separation to a Dissolution of Marriage.

◆ Your motion should be filed in the District Court where the Decree for Legal Separation was issued.

◆ You must wait a minimum of six months from the date of the Decree of Legal Separation before you can file your motion to convert - JDF 1321.

◆ If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to access the courts, please contact your local ADA Coordinator. Contact information can be obtained from the following website: http://www.courts.state.co.us/Administration/HR/ADA/CoordinatorList.cfm

COMMON TERMS

☑ Petitioner: The person identified in the original Petition filed with the Court.

☑ Co-Petitioner/Respondent: The person identified in the original Petition filed with the Court.

☑ Decree: A final order of the Court.

☑ May: In legal terms, "may” is defined as "optional” or “can”.

☑ Shall: In legal terms, "shall” is defined as "required".

If you do not understand this information, please contact an attorney. You also may contact the Family Court Facilitator at your local courthouse, if one is available in your Judicial District.

FEES

A filing fee of $105.00 is required. If you are unable to pay, you must complete the Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205) and submit it to the Court. Once you submit the completed JDF 205 form and a blank Order (JDF 206), the Court will decide if you need to pay the filing fee.

Other fees that a party to the case may encounter are as follows:

Certification Fee $ 20.00

Copies of Documents (Documents on File) $.75 per page or $1.50 if double-sided

Copies of Documents (Documents not on File) $.25 per page or $.50 if double -sided

FORMS

To access a form online go to www.courts.state.co.us and click on the "Forms" tab. The packet/forms are available in PDF, WORD or EXCEL by selecting Domestic - Modifying Existing Order. You may complete a form online and print or you may print it and type or print legibly in black ink.

JDF 1116 Decree of Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation

JDF 1321 Motion to Convert Decree of Legal Separation to Decree of Dissolution

JDF 1322 Order to Convert Decree of Legal Separation to Decree of Dissolution

STEPS TO FILING YOUR CASE

Step 1: Complete Forms.

Selecting these instructions indicates that you are planning to convert a Legal Separation to a Dissolution of Marriage. You must identify yourself as the Petitioner or Co-Petitioner/Respondent depending on your role (Petitioner or Co-Petitioner/Respondent) in the original case. It is important to remember that your role in the case does not change based on who files the motion. The caption area below needs to be completed on all forms filed. Keep a copy of each form for your own records and make a copy to provide to the other party.

District Court

Court Address:

▲ COURT USE ONLY ▲

Case Number:

Division

Courtroom

In re the Marriage of:

Petitioner:

and

Co-Petitioner/Respondent:

Attorney or Party Without Attorney (Name and Address):

Phone Number:

E-mail:

FAX Number:

Atty. Reg. #:

NAME OF FORM

Motion to Convert Decree of Legal Separation to Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1321):

Please complete all sections of this form.

Provide a copy of this Motion to the other party. You can serve this Motion on the same day that you file it with the Court.

If one party desires to have a prior name restored, that person must indicate that fact on the Motion.

Complete the Certificate of Service on the bottom of the form.

Order to Convert Decree of Legal Separation to Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1322):

Complete the caption only on this form.

The Magistrate or Judge will complete the remaining sections of this Order and give you and the other party a signed copy.

Decree of Dissolution or Legal Separation (JDF 1116):

Complete/mark all sections on this form consistent with your Decree for Legal Separation.

If you or the Co-Petitioner/Respondent are requesting to have a name changed/restored, please identify the restored name you or the Co-Petitioner/Respondent are requesting.

Provide the Court with the number of copies you would like. If you want any of the copies to be certified, you will need to provide the Court with $20.00 per certified copy.

Step 2: You are Ready to File the Motion and Order with the Court.

Pay the filing fee of $105.00.

If your address has changed since you originally filed your case, please provide your current address to the Court in writing.

Provide the Court with a self-addressed stamped envelope for each party to receive a copy of the Decree.

If a Court is mandatory e-file, self-addressed stamped envelopes may not be required.

COURT REVIEW

The Judge or Magistrate will review the Motion filed, and upon review, will sign the Order to Convert the Decree of Legal Separation to a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage and the Decree for Dissolution.

About the Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Divorce Forms

The Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Divorce Forms are standardized court templates and instructions provided by Colorado courts to help self-represented parties prepare documents needed for dissolution of marriage, parenting time, and related orders. These materials include pleadings, financial affidavits, parenting plans, and certificate and proof-of-service forms intended to match Colorado court requirements and local court rules. They are a preparatory aid; completed self-help forms must meet court filing procedures, service rules, and signature requirements before a judge will enter an order.

Why these self-help divorce forms matter

Using Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Divorce Forms reduces drafting errors, clarifies required attachments, and helps align submissions with local court formatting and content expectations.

Who typically uses these Colorado divorce self-help forms

These materials are aimed at people representing themselves in Colorado family court who need clear forms and instructions.

Self-represented litigants preparing an uncontested or contested dissolution who need official form templates and filing checklists.
Clerks, paralegals, and legal-aid volunteers helping clients assemble exhibits, certificate of service, and financial disclosures.
Attorneys conducting limited-scope (unbundled) work who prepare or review court-approved self-help forms for clients.

Even with forms, parties should verify county local rules and consider limited counsel for complex issues like custody, support, or substantial asset division.

Filling Colorado self-help divorce forms: step-by-step

Follow these basic steps to prepare forms before filing or e-filing with the court.

01

Gather documents: Collect marriage certificate, financial records, and custody-related documents.
02

Complete forms: Fill each form legibly; use MM/DD/YYYY for dates and full legal names.
03

Attach exhibits: Add affidavits, paystubs, and property schedules required by each form.
04

File and serve: File with the court and arrange service per Colorado rules before hearing dates.

Digital workflow setup for completing the forms

If you complete forms online, configure a reliable workflow to preserve signatures, evidence, and filing copies.

Field	Configuration
Document format	Use PDF/A or flattened PDF to preserve format for court printing
Signatures	Add signature and date fields; capture signer intent and timestamp
Authentication	Use email+SMS or stronger ID verification when possible
Retention	Save signed copies and audit trail for required retention period

Typical process from form completion to court action

This sequence outlines the common path a self-help divorce filing follows in Colorado courts.

Prepare forms: Complete templates and attach required exhibits
File paperwork: File in person or via court e-filing system if accepted
Serve other party: Provide notice per Colorado service rules and file proof
Attend hearing: Appear or submit paperwork for uncontested matters as ordered by the court

What the Colorado Judicial Branch self-help divorce packet typically contains

The packet groups standardized forms and instructions to address common family law filing needs and to help non-attorneys follow procedural steps.

Complaint/Support Pleading

Core pleading to begin dissolution; includes statutory statements required by Colorado family law and basic jurisdiction facts.

Parenting Plan

Template for parenting time and decision-making allocations, with spaces for schedules, exchanges, and dispute-resolution methods.

Financial Affidavit

Form capturing income, expenses, assets, and debts to support child support and maintenance calculations.

Certificate of Service

Signed statement documenting how and when the other party was served consistent with court rules.

Decree/Order Templates

Draft order formats judges commonly sign; using the correct template reduces clerical edits at entry of judgment.

Filing Checklist

County-specific checklist summarizing attachments, fees, and any local rule deviations to confirm before submission.

Common supporting documents to include with self-help divorce forms

Supporting documents substantiate financial and parenting claims and are commonly required with Colorado filings.

Pay Records

Recent paystubs or employer statements showing gross/net pay and pay frequency; needed for child support calculations and maintenance claims.

Bank Statements

Recent statements for all accounts to document assets, transfers, or monthly balances the court will consider.

Tax Returns

Most recent federal and state returns provide authoritative income data and are often required by judges.

Property Records

Deeds, mortgage statements, and vehicle titles to support asset division and secured debt schedules.

Security, privacy, and legal compliance considerations

ESIGN & UETA: Electronic signatures are generally valid under 15 U.S.C. §7001 and UETA; court filings remain subject to court rules and ESIGN exceptions.

Family Law Exception: Some family law orders and court-issued decrees may require in-court signatures or judge approval rather than a simple e-signature.

HIPAA Considerations: Health records included with filings must meet HIPAA protections if handling PHI; applicable BAAs may be required.

Retention: Keep signed records and audit trails for prescribed retention periods per IRS, HIPAA, or court guidelines.

Encryption: Use TLS 1.2/1.3 for transmission and AES-256 for storage when sending sensitive documents electronically.

Audit Trail: Maintain IP, timestamp, and signer attribution evidence to support authenticity and intent in electronic transactions.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the forms

Incomplete exhibits attached to financial affidavits, causing clerk requests for supplemental documentation.
Incorrect service method or missing proof-of-service, which can nullify initial filings or delay hearings.
Inconsistent names or dates across forms, leading to clerical rejection or case confusion.
Failing to follow county-specific formatting or fee rules, prompting refiling or extra court fees.

Risks and procedural consequences of incorrect filings

Filing Rejection: Court may reject or strike filings that do not meet local rules or contain incomplete required statements.

Delay of Resolution: Missing service or incorrect notice can delay hearings and prolong temporary order timelines.

Default Judgment Risk: Improper service or failure to respond may expose a party to default orders adverse to their interests.

Sanctions: Courts can impose sanctions for filings intended to harass, mislead, or needlessly multiply proceedings.

Confidentiality Breach: Improperly redacted sensitive information may violate orders or privacy protections and complicate appeals.

Financial Consequences: Errors in financial disclosure can affect child support, spousal maintenance, and property division outcomes.

Representative eSignature vendor pricing and capability comparison

Basic pricing and feature availability for common eSignature providers. Confirm current plan details with vendors before purchasing.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Digital signing and submission considerations for court documents

Electronic completion and signing should preserve intent, attribution, and reproduceability for court review.

Formats: PDF, PDF/A, or flattened PDFs preferred for court printing
Integrations: Connectors to cloud storage and court e-filing portals ease submission
Authentication: Use email+SMS or stronger ID verification for signer attribution

Confirm with the receiving court whether electronically signed documents and audit trails meet local filing rules before relying solely on e-signatures.

Practical tips for accurate, efficient completion

Follow these practices to reduce procedural objections and speed processing.

Use official forms

Start with the Colorado Judicial Branch templates and any county-specific supplements to ensure required sections are present.

Consistent data

Ensure names, dates, and addresses match across all documents, supporting exhibits, and any prior filings.

Proofread and verify

Double-check numeric entries (support calculations, balances) and verify attached evidence is current and legible.

Check local rules

Review county clerk or family court local rules for formatting, margin, and filing method expectations before submission.

How people use Colorado self-help divorce forms in real situations

These scenarios illustrate typical uses of the self-help packet by different filers.

Uncontested Divorce

A couple agrees on terms and uses the packet to complete pleadings and a parenting plan.

The forms organize schedules and disclosure fields.
The streamlined package helps the court review stipulated orders quickly, reducing the chance of clerical rejections when completed accurately.

Limited-scope Assistance

An individual hires counsel for specific matters and uses self-help forms for other parts of the case.

Attorney reviews the financial affidavit and parenting plan.
Limited assistance lowers hourly costs while ensuring legally sensitive sections receive professional review.

Frequently asked questions about Colorado Judicial Branch self-help divorce forms

Answers to common practical and procedural questions encountered by self-represented parties preparing Colorado divorce forms.

Need help? Contact support

Are these forms legally sufficient?
The forms provide required fields and standard language, but sufficiency depends on correct completion, required attachments, proper service, and court acceptance; some matters may still need attorney input.
Can I sign forms electronically?
Electronic signatures meet ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA requirements in most contexts, but court filings and final orders may have specific signature, notarization, or in-court requirements; verify with the clerk.
Do I need a notary or RON?
Notarization is sometimes required for sworn affidavits or verification pages; RON may be accepted depending on state and county rules—confirm local court policy before relying on remote notarization.
What if the other party cannot be served?
If personal service cannot be completed, request alternate service or publication per Colorado Rules and provide the court with affidavit of diligent effort as required.
How long until a final order?
Timing varies by case complexity, local court calendars, and whether matters are contested; uncontested dissolutions may proceed faster, but verify hearing availability with the court.
Where to get help with complex issues?
Consider limited-scope counsel, legal aid clinics, or the court’s self-help center for assistance with child custody, complex asset division, or substantial support disputes.

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