How Long Does a Divorce Take in Colorado vs. Minnesota?
When people start thinking about divorce, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How long will this take?” The answer depends on where you file and how complex your situation is, but understanding the basic timelines can help you set realistic expectations and plan your next steps.
At Rogers Family Law Collective, we regularly guide clients through divorces in both Colorado and Minnesota. While the laws and procedures in each state share many similarities, there are a few key differences that can affect how long your case takes from start to finish.
Divorce Timelines in Colorado
In Colorado, every divorce (legally called a “dissolution of marriage”) starts with one simple rule: there’s a mandatory 91-day waiting period. The clock begins once the petition for dissolution is served on the other spouse or filed jointly. Even in the most amicable, uncontested cases, a judge can’t finalize the divorce before that waiting period expires.
Beyond that, the overall timeline depends on how much you and your spouse agree on. For most couples, that means one of two paths:
Uncontested divorce: When both spouses agree on all major issues (property division, spousal support, etc.) the process can often be completed soon after the 91 days pass. A typical range is 4-6 months.
Contested divorce: If you and your spouse disagree on key issues, your case may require formal discovery and potentially a trial. These cases usually take 8-12 months or longer, depending on the court’s schedule and how complex the issues are.
Ways to Keep Your Colorado Divorce Moving
Be prompt with disclosures. Colorado requires each party to exchange financial information early in the case; delays here are one of the biggest time-killers.
Take mediation seriously. Most courts require mediation, and early settlement can save months of litigation.
Stay organized. Respond quickly to your attorney’s document requests; it keeps your case on track and your costs down.
Divorce Timelines in Minnesota
Minnesota’s process is similar in spirit but operates under slightly different rules. There’s no fixed waiting period, but the responding spouse has 30 days to answer after being served, and overall timing varies by county. As in Colorado, the key factor is whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, with a typical range of 3-5 months for uncontested divorces and 6-10 months for contested divorces.
Ways to Keep Your Minnesota Divorce Moving
File complete, accurate paperwork. Courts will reject incomplete forms, restarting the clock.
Engage in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) early. Minnesota emphasizes mediation and early neutral evaluations (ENE) to promote settlement.
Communicate with your attorney. Staying responsive helps prevent unnecessary delays or missed deadlines.
Why Divorce Timelines Vary and How to Plan Ahead
No two divorces are alike, and the speed of your case will depend on several factors:
How quickly you and your spouse exchange information
The level of conflict and communication between you and your spouse
Court scheduling and availability
Whether you and your spouse have children or complex assets to divide
Even if you’re hoping for a fast resolution, it’s worth taking the time to do things right. A well-crafted settlement agreement can save you future conflict and expenses.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t control every aspect of timing, you can control how prepared and proactive you are. Understanding your state’s process and working with an experienced attorney can help you avoid delays and make informed choices along the way.
If you’re considering divorce in Colorado or Minnesota, we can help you navigate every step of the process with clear communication, practical direction, and genuine care.