INSTRUCTIONS: COLORADO PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE OR LEGAL SEPARATION (Form JDF 1101)

To begin the divorce process in Colorado, one spouse must file a Petition for Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation. This form is numbered JDF 1101 and must be submitted in conjunction with a JDF 1100, which provides a one-page summary of the information explained in detail in this petition. This form can be filed by one spouse against another or jointly. The document can be obtained from the website of the Colorado State Judicial Branch.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 1: At the top of the page, list the names of both parties and provide the name and contact information for your attorney, if any.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 2: On line one, indicate whether you seek divorce or a legal separation.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 3: On lines three and four, list the name, address, contact information and length of Colorado residency for both parties.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 4: On line five, list the date and location where the marriage was performed. On line six, list the date you and your spouse separated.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 5: On line seven, indicate whether the wife is pregnant. Under sections eight and nine, list all minor children.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 6: Sections 13 and 14 require you to list related court cases. List any other adults with custody of children in section 15.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 7: List any government benefits being received in section 16. Sections 17 through 19 are for you to list any government intervention in your marriage.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 8: In section 19, list issues you wish the court to rule on. In section 20, list the name you wish to have after the divorce is finalized.

Colorado Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Legal Separation JDF 1101 Step 9: Sign and date the last page in the presence of a notary public or court clerk.