A divorce, known as "dissolution of marriage" in Colorado, commences with the filing of a Summons and Petition in the District Court. The court will then issue a case management order setting out certain requirements for the conduct of the case and will set an Initial Status Conference.
Each party is required to provided mandatory disclosures to the other of various financial documents like tax returns and account statements. If there are disputes involving the children, child experts might be appointed to assist the parties and the Court in determining what is in the children's best interests. After the disclosure process is complete, assets requiring valuation have been addressed, and information gathering has concluded, the settlement process begins.
Settlement discussions can occur directly between the parties and their attorneys or by using a mediator. Parties who settle their divorce and meet certain requirements can submit their written agreement to the Court for consideration and approval.
If settlement efforts fail, the judge will conduct a trial and issue orders addressing the allocation of parental responsbilities (decision-making and parenting time), child support, the division of marital assets and debts, and spousal maintenance.
