How long does a divorce take if contested?

This is normally a straightforward procedure: it takes about six months to go through, depending on how busy the court is and how quickly the couple submits the relevant paperwork. It does not usually involve making an appearance in court.

How much does a contested divorce cost in Colorado?

In cases with one dispute that couples settle without a trial, average costs are $5,100-$6,200; two or more disputes (but no trial) bring the average total to $8,800-$10,600. At the high end of the scale, average costs are $16,400-$19,900 when couples go to trial on two or more issues.

Why does a contested divorce take so long?

The procedure for a contested divorce, on the other hand, can take up to two years and beyond to finalize simply because of the filing of motions and counter motions, discovery (interrogatives, fact finding, and depositions), court ordered mediation, or multiple hearings and a backlog of court cases.

How can I speed up my contested divorce?

To speed up the process, there are some things that can be done.

1. Waive Mandatory Waiting Period. In some states, couples may petition the court to have the waiting period waived.
2. Act Early. Preparation is a key way to speeding up the divorce process.
3. Cooperate.
4. Pursue Mediation.

How long does it take to file for divorce in Colorado?

You have 20 days from the initial filing to submit financial disclosures to the court, both parties are required to do this. This time frame will be extended to 40 days if there is no response within the first 20 days. There are also temporary orders that could be given at this time.

What to do if your spouse won’t get a divorce in Colorado?

In Colorado, any person over the age of 18, the County Sheriff’s Department or a private party who specializes in this work can serve your spouse. If your spouse isn’t agreeing to the divorce, he might dodge the serving process. In this case, you can request more time from the courts, or file again after 120 days have passed.

How old do you have to be to get a divorce in Colorado?

In Colorado, any person over the age of 18, the County Sheriff’s Department or a private party who specializes in this work can serve your spouse. If your spouse isn’t agreeing to the divorce, he might dodge the serving process.

How long does a spouse have to respond to a divorce petition?

A spouse will then have a limited amount of time to respond to the petition. This varies from state to state, but is generally 21 to 30 days. If a spouse does not file a response, as the plaintiff, you can seek a default judgment meaning that the court will approve the divorce on your terms.