Petition
The formal petition for dissolution of marriage sets out basic facts, relief requested, and the grounds for the divorce; it initiates the district court action and provides necessary case identifiers.
This packet organizes the court filing and mediation-ready materials necessary to open a divorce case, preserve statutory rights, and support efficient settlement. Accurate submission streamlines case management, meets Colorado district court mediation requirements, and helps avoid delays, additional fees, or contested hearings.
Completing the packet correctly reduces procedural rejections and supports enforceable settlement outcomes.
The formal petition for dissolution of marriage sets out basic facts, relief requested, and the grounds for the divorce; it initiates the district court action and provides necessary case identifiers.
A summons notifies the respondent of the filing and deadlines to answer; it includes return instructions for the county clerk and is required for proper service.
A full financial disclosure lists income, assets, debts, and expenses for both parties; the court uses it for support, asset division, and to evaluate settlement offers.
When children are involved, a parenting plan details custody, decision-making, time-sharing schedules, and dispute-resolution mechanisms required by Colorado statutes and local rules.
A mediation statement summarizes disputed issues, settlement positions, and suggested options; mediators use it to focus sessions and propose realistic trade-offs.
Certificates of service, affidavits, and any required domestic relations attachments document notice to the other party and fulfil court filing prerequisites.
| Field | Set required/optional fields and validation rules |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Specify petitioner first, respondent second or as directed by counsel |
| Authentication | Enable email, SMS code, or advanced ID checks when needed |
| File Naming | Use CaseNumber_LastName_Petition format for consistency |
| Notifications | Set reminders for signer deadlines and mediation dates |
Confirm the preferred submission route with the district court clerk and your mediator to prevent rejection or processing delays.
Serve respondent promptly; delays can affect temporary relief
Respondent typically has 21 to 28 days to answer depending on service method
Often set within weeks for urgent support or custody issues
Mediation typically occurs before trial; scheduling varies by court docket
Court may set pre-trial settlement or disclosure deadlines
Attach pay stubs, tax returns (Form 1040), bank statements, and deeds as exhibits to the financial affidavit to substantiate disclosures.
Include school records, healthcare schedules, and third-party evaluations as numbered exhibits referenced in the parenting plan.
Save completed packets as PDF/A for archival, retain editable copies in DOCX for counsel review, and produce certified PDF copies for court submission.
Preserve the signing audit trail and certificate of completion for any e-signed items to demonstrate intent and attribution.
| 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 trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |