Divorce without children may seem like a cleaner break, but that doesn’t mean it’s painless—or simple. When a marriage ends, even without custody battles or parenting plans, there are still emotional landmines to sidestep and legal hurdles to clear. At Lewis & Matthews, P.C., we help Coloradans make smart, strategic decisions as they dissolve their marriages, no matter how straightforward the situation might appear on the surface.
Clarity Starts with the Law
Before you make any moves, you need to understand how Colorado law governs divorce. Fortunately, Colorado is a no-fault state, which means you don’t need to prove misconduct to file for divorce. Instead, you simply need to assert that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
To file, at least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days. That’s the bare minimum. From there, the process becomes more complex depending on the assets involved, whether spousal maintenance (alimony) is on the table, and how cooperative each party intends to be. For an overview of Colorado’s core divorce statutes, visit our post on Divorce Law in Colorado.
What If You’re Still Living Together?
Many couples separate emotionally long before they separate physically. Especially in a high-cost housing market, it’s not unusual for divorcing spouses to continue sharing a home during the process. If that’s you, don’t assume you’re alone—or that your case is compromised.
Our guide on Living Together During a Divorce walks you through strategies for maintaining boundaries, protecting your rights, and avoiding legal landmines while cohabiting during divorce proceedings.
Build Your Separation Agreement Thoughtfully
Without kids in the picture, most of your divorce negotiations will revolve around money and property. Who keeps the home? How will retirement assets be divided? Will one spouse owe the other maintenance? These aren’t just financial questions—they’re emotional ones, too.
That’s why a thorough Separation Agreement is essential. It sets the terms for asset division, debt responsibility, and any spousal maintenance. The more detailed and fair this agreement is, the more likely your divorce will be finalized without court battles.
For those seeking a smoother, more private alternative to courtroom litigation, we often recommend exploring mediation. It’s often faster, less expensive, and far more civil than airing grievances in front of a judge. For a deeper dive into this option, read our post on Mediation and Arbitration in Colorado Divorce.
Keep a Clear Head—and Your Priorities Straight
Just because there are no children involved doesn’t mean emotions won’t cloud judgment. Dividing a life—bank accounts, furniture, memories—can bring out the worst in even the most reasonable people.
Our post on How to Keep a Clear Head During Divorce Proceedings offers grounded advice on managing the psychological toll of divorce. You’ll find tips for handling stress, staying focused, and avoiding impulsive decisions that could have long-term consequences.
Understand Legal Separation vs. Divorce
Divorce isn’t your only option. Some couples opt for legal separation, which allows for the formal division of assets and debts while maintaining the legal marriage. This route might make sense for religious, financial, or health insurance reasons.
To better understand the distinctions and when a legal separation might be more appropriate, visit our guide: How is a Legal Separation Different from Divorce in Colorado?.
Finalizing the Divorce
Even if everything is amicable and uncontested, the process still takes time. Colorado imposes a 91-day waiting period from the date of filing (or service of papers) before the court can issue a final Decree of Dissolution. During that time, both parties must submit Sworn Financial Statements, disclose all assets and liabilities, and finalize a Separation Agreement if one hasn’t already been filed.
Once that’s complete, and assuming no hearings are required, the court can finalize the divorce. No drama, no courtroom showdown—just a clean legal break and a path forward.
We’re Here to Help
Divorcing without children doesn’t mean divorcing without consequences. The emotional, legal, and financial stakes are still high—and mishandling the process can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. At Lewis & Matthews, P.C., we guide clients through every phase of the divorce process with clarity, compassion, and strategy.If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with us. Let’s build your exit plan—intelligently, respectfully, and on your terms.
