1.  Forms

Forms Kit

A packet with all the basic forms you need.

• PDF Fillable

Individual Forms

Filing Jointly - Skip Forms 3-5.

Filing Separately - Pick Form 4 or 5.

1. Case Information Sheet - JDF 1000
   • Gives the court basic info on your family.
2. Petition for Custody - JDF 1031
   • The core form that starts the case.
3. Summons for a Response - JDF 1032
   • Lets the other parent know they need to respond.
4. Return of Service - JDF 1034
   • Use if you will deliver the docs formally to the other parent.
5. Waiver of Service - JDF 1033
   • Use if the other parent waives formal delivery of docs.
6. Fee Waiver Request - JDF 205 and JDF 206 (Optional)

2.  Terms

Petitioner: The parent who starts the case.

Respondent: The parent who responds after a case is filed.

Filing Jointly: The parents agree to start the case together.  This can save time and money for all.

Personal Service: 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.

  Court Finder Tool

File What?

Filing Jointly?

• Case Information Sheet - JDF 1000
• Petition - JDF 1031

Filing Separately?

• Case Information Sheet - JDF 1000
• Petition - JDF 1031
• Summons - JDF 1032

What do I Pay?

To Start the Case

• $220.  Or,
• File a Motion to Waive Fees - JDF 205.
• 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 1033.

5.  File the Return of Service

Skip this step if you are filing jointly.

File What?

If Personally Served:

• Return of Service - JDF 1034 

If Respondent waives service:

• Waiver Form - JDF 1033

File How?

Give to the Court by:

• Mail
• Deliver In-Person
• E-File (where available)