Private
Public
Filing a Case
You will learn:
1. Which forms you use.
2. How to file.
3. How to give notice.
1. Forms
- Forms Kit
A packet with all the basic forms you need.
- Individual Forms
Filing Jointly - Skip Forms 3-5.
Filing Separately - Pick Form 4 or 5.
1. Case Information Sheet - JDF 1000
- Sample | PDF Fillable | WORD
- Gives the court basic info on your family.
2. Petition for Separation - JDF 1101
- Sample | PDF Fillable | WORD
- The core form that starts the case.
3. Summons for a Response - JDF 1102
- Sample | PDF Fillable | WORD
- Lets the other parent know they need to respond.
4. Return of Service - JDF 1102(b)
- Sample | PDF Fillable | WORD
- Use if you will deliver the docs formally to the other parent.
5. Waiver of Service - JDF 1102(a)
- Sample | PDF Fillable | WORD
- Use if the other parent waives formal delivery of docs.
6. Fee Waiver Request - JDF 205 & 206 (Optional)
2. Terms
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Petitioner
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The person who starts the case.
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Respondent
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The person who responds after a case is filed.
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Filing Jointly
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The parties agree to start the case together. This can save time and money for all.
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Personal Service
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Someone, not connected to the case, will formally deliver the starting paperwork on the Respondent.
3. File the Paperwork
- File Where?
File in the District Court.
- There is a District Court in each Colorado county.
File in the county where:
- Your child has lived for the last 182 days.
- File What?
Filing Jointly?
Filing Separately?
- What do I Pay?
To Start the Case
- $230. Or,
- File a Motion to Waive Fees - JDF 205. Also file - JDF 206.
- Note - Fees cannot be waived if E-Filing.
Per-Filing Fee
- For electronic filings only.
- $12 Convenience Fee.
- $7.50+ Service Fee.
- How do I File?
By Mail
- Pay by check.
At the Courthouse
- Pay with cash, check, or card.
- Check your Court for card types accepted.
By E-Filing
- Set up an account.
- Only available in some counties.
- Pay by card.
- You cannot waive fees if filing electronically.
4. Serve the Other Parent
Skip this step if you are filing jointly.
You must formally deliver the paperwork to the other parent.
- Give the paperwork by Personal Service. Or,
- The other parent can waive service.
- They would fill out JDF 1102(a).
5. File the Return of Service
Skip this step if you are filing jointly.
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File What?
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If Personally Served:
- Return of Service - JDF 1102(b).
If Respondent waives service:
- Waiver Form - JDF 1102(a).
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File How?
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Give to the Court by:
- Deliver In-Person
- E-File (where available)