Not every marriage works out as planned, and some relationships end sooner than expected.
For couples in the Centennial State who are contemplating divorce soon after marriage, they may wonder how quickly they can proceed with the legal dissolution of their union. Colorado’s divorce laws provide clear guidelines for couples, even those who have been married for a short period.
Waiting period for divorce
While there is no minimum duration for couples to be married before filing for divorce, the state has an obligatory waiting duration before couples can receive their final divorce decree. The court requires that at least 91 days pass between when a couple files for divorce and when the court can grant a final decree.
The mandatory waiting period allows couples to reflect on their decision to help ensure that divorce is truly what they want. During this time, couples may choose to explore counseling or other reconciliation methods if they think there’s a chance of saving the marriage.
Residency and venue
Before a couple can file for divorce, one of the spouses must have been a resident in the state for at least 91 days. This residency requirement helps ensure that state courts have jurisdiction over the case. If neither spouse meets the residency requirement, the couple needs to wait until one of them has lived in the state for 91 days before filing. Couples who have recently moved to the Centennial State and do not yet meet this residency requirement would need to wait until the 91-day period is satisfied before initiating the divorce process.
Newly married couples in Colorado thinking about dissolving their union might wonder how long they should wait for the final divorce decree. With proper legal guidance, they can meet the state’s requirements and expedite the divorce proceedings.