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

• Sample   |   PDF Fillable   |   WORD
• Gives the court basic info on your family.

 

2.  Petition for Custody - JDF 1413 & 1422

• Sample   |   PDF Fillable: 1413 - 1422  |   WORD: 1413 - 1422
• The core form that starts the case.

 

3.  Summons for a Response - JDF 1414

• Sample   |   PDF Fillable   |   WORD
• Lets the other parent know they need to respond.

 

4.  Return of Service - JDF 1414(b)

• Sample   |   PDF Fillable   |   WORD
• Use if you will deliver the docs formally to the other parent.

 

5.  Waiver of Service - JDF 1414(a)

• PDF  |   WORD
• Use if the other parent waives formal delivery of docs.

 

6.  Fee Waiver Request - JDF 205 & 206   (Optional)

• Sample   |   PDF Fillable   |   WORD: 205 - 206

 

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 1413

 

Filing Separately?

• Case Information Sheet - JDF 1000
• Petition - JDF 1413
• Summons - JDF 1414

 

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 1414(a).

5.  File the Return of Service

Skip this step if you are filing jointly.

File What?

 

If Personally Served:

• Return of Service - JDF 1414(b). 

 

If Respondent waives service:

• Waiver Form - JDF 1414(a). 

 

File How?

 

Give to the Court by:

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