What’s Wrong With A DIY Divorce?
Yes, many people file for divorce without hiring an attorney. This is often called representing yourself, or filing pro se. In 2025, 67% of divorce cases in Colorado were filed pro se. Colorado courts provide self-help information and forms for people who are handling their own cases. But that does not mean the process is always simple.
The real question is not only whether you can do it yourself. The better question is whether you understand the paperwork, deadlines, and decisions well enough to move forward with confidence.
What it means to represent yourself
When you represent yourself, you are responsible for your own case. You are the person who reads the instructions, fills out the paperwork, files documents with the court, keeps track of deadlines, and follows court orders. The court may provide general information, but court staff cannot act as your lawyer.
Family cases include many steps, including filing, mediation, providing documents to the other party, and sometimes hearings. That is one reason people often feel overwhelmed even when the forms are publicly available.
When a DIY divorce may make sense
A DIY divorce may be a reasonable option when the case is fairly straightforward. For example, the parties may agree that the marriage is ending, understand what property and debt they have, and be able to communicate well enough to complete the paperwork.
A divorce without minor children may be simpler than a divorce with children, but it still includes financial disclosures, agreements, and final court paperwork. A divorce with children involves more issues, such as parenting time, decision-making, and child support.
When you should be more cautious
Some cases are not good candidates for a simple DIY approach. Be careful if there is domestic violence, threats, hiding money, major conflict about children, a business, retirement accounts, real estate, immigration concerns, or pressure to sign something you do not understand.
Also be careful if the other person has an attorney and you do not. That does not automatically mean you need one, but it does mean you should think carefully before signing agreements or filing documents you do not fully understand.
The forms are public, but the process can still be confusing
One of the most common frustrations is this: the forms may be available online, but the instructions do not always feel simple. People often ask, “Which page applies to me?” or “What does this sentence mean?” or “Am I supposed to file this now or later?”
That is where step-by-step guidance can help. It is not just about getting a form. It is about understanding why the form matters and how it fits into the bigger picture.
What to watch for
- Using outdated forms
- Missing signatures or dates
- Filing in the wrong place
- Not keeping copies
- Misunderstanding financial disclosures
- Assuming an agreement is complete when it is not
- Ignoring deadlines or court notices
Colorado forms and procedures can change
Colorado court forms and procedures can change. That is why it is important to use current information from the Colorado Judicial website and to pay attention to any instructions from your local court.
Need help understanding the paperwork?
If you want step-by-step video guidance without hiring an attorney for the entire case, visit Colorado DIY Divorce Course. The course is designed to help people understand the Colorado divorce paperwork process in plain English.
If your case involves children, start with the DIY Divorce With Children course. If your case does not involve minor children, start with the DIY Divorce Without Children course.
Important note: This post is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Colorado court forms, procedures, and local court expectations can change.
Learn more about One Accord Legal, LLC and the Colorado DIY Divorce Course.