Arapahoe County, CO Divorce Guide
If you live in Arapahoe County, Colorado your divorce is handled through the local district court system. This guide explains how the process works, where to file, what it costs, and what to expect before you take the next step.
How Divorce Works in Arapahoe County
Divorces in Arapahoe County are handled by the District Court.
Court: Arapahoe County District Court
Location: Littleton & Centennial, Colorado
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not need to prove wrongdoing. The only requirement is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Residency Requirement
At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing.
Where and How to Filing
Divorce cases are filed with the Arapahoe County District Court (18th Judicial District).
Basic Steps
- File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Serve the other party (if filing individually)
- Exchange financial disclosures
- Negotiate or proceed to court if needed
- Finalize the divorce through decree
Timeline
Minimum waiting period: 91 days
Most cases take:
2–4 months (uncontested cases)
4–12+ months (contested cases)
The biggest delays usually come from:
- disagreements on property division
- custody and parenting disputes
- incomplete paperwork or missed deadlines
- court scheduling and availability
Costs in Arapahoe County
Filing Fees
Approximately $230–$250 to file
Additional Costs
Attorney fees (if used)
Mediation (if required)
Financial or custody evaluations (case-dependent)
Many people underestimate total costs because they enter the process without a clear plan.
What do people struggle with?
Most divorce issues in Arapahoe County fall into three areas:
1. Property Division
Colorado is an equitable distribution state.
This does not mean 50/50, it means “fair,” based on circumstances.
2. Custody (Parental Responsibility)
Courts prioritize:
- the child’s best interests
- stability
- involvement of both parents
This includes:
- income differences
- spousal maintenance (alimony)
- future budgeting after divorce
Our divorce workshop helps you to navigate it all.
Divorce Workshop for Arapahoe County Residents
This workshop covers:
- How divorce works in Colorado
- What happens to your finances
- Custody and parenting considerations
- What to expect before, during, and after filing
You hear directly from professionals who deal with these cases every day.
View upcoming workshop dates and register:
FAQs
Where do I file for divorce in Arapahoe County?
You file with the Arapahoe County District Court in Centennial or Littleton, Colorado.
How long a divorce take in Arapahoe County?
There is a mandatory 91-day waiting period in Colorado. Most cases take several months, depending on complexity and agreement between parties.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce?
No. You can file on your own. However, many people seek legal or financial guidance depending on their situation.
What if we agree on everything?
If both parties agree, the process is faster and less expensive. This is called an uncontested divorce.
What happens to the house?
The court will divide property based on what is considered fair, not automatically equal.
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