As a Colorado family law paralegal and legal template specialist with over 12 years drafting separation agreements for attorneys and pro se litigants, I’ve helped hundreds of couples create fair, enforceable Colorado divorce separation agreements and Colorado legal separation agreements. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you my battle-tested, attorney-vetted template (updated for 2025 Colorado law) absolutely free, explain every section line-by-line, and show you exactly how to customize it for your situation.
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique issues (military benefits, complex retirement plans, domestic violence, etc.). Always have your final agreement reviewed by a licensed Colorado attorney or use the court’s free family court facilitator program before filing.
Download Free Colorado Separation Agreement Template (Word .docx)In Colorado, a legal separation is nearly identical to divorce except the marriage is not dissolved (C.R.S. § 14-10-106). Many couples choose legal separation for religious reasons, to keep health insurance benefits, or to preserve military or Social Security advantages. A Colorado legal separation agreement (also called a marital settlement agreement) is the written contract that resolves:
The same document can be titled “Separation and Property Settlement Agreement” for divorce (dissolution of marriage) or legal separation – only the caption on the court forms changes.
Below is the exact template I provide to my Colorado clients. Every section is numbered exactly as Colorado courts expect.
This Agreement is made between ________________________ (“Husband/Wife/Spouse 1”) and ________________________ (“Wife/Husband/Spouse 2”), collectively “the Parties,” who were married on ________________ in ________________, Colorado.
The Parties intend to live separate and apart and desire to settle all rights and claims arising from the marriage. This Agreement is effective ________________ (date).
The Parties agree this document shall be incorporated into a Decree of Legal Separation OR Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (circle one).
Each party has fully disclosed all assets and liabilities on the attached Sworn Financial Statements (JDF 1111) and asset spreadsheets (attached as Exhibit A and B). Source: Colorado Courts – JDF Forms.
| Asset | Awarded To | Value / Equity |
|---|---|---|
| Marital Residence (123 Main St, Denver, CO) | Wife | $425,000 equity |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | Husband | $28,000 (lien $18,000) |
| Colorado PERA pension (Husband) | 50/50 via QDRO | Marital portion only |
| Wells Fargo 401(k) | Wife retains | $187,000 |
Husband shall pay the Chase Visa ending 4321 ($8,400) and hold Wife harmless. Wife shall pay the Discover card ending 9876 ($4,200) and hold Husband harmless.
[ ] No maintenance is awarded (recommended if both waive), OR
Husband shall pay Wife $2,000 per month for 60 months beginning the 1st of the month after decree. Maintenance is contractual and non-modifiable.
For 2025 tax year, Parties shall file [ ] Married Filing Jointly [ ] Married Filing Separately. Dependency exemptions: odd years Mother, even years Father.
Husband shall maintain health insurance for the minor children through his employer. Wife shall cooperate with COBRA if needed.
Each party pays their own attorney fees and costs.
Each party forever waives any claim to the separate property of the other and acknowledges this is a full, fair, and equitable division.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Agreement on the dates below:
______________________________ ______________________________
Spouse 1 Signature & Date Spouse 2 Signature & Date
Notary blocks for both parties (required in most Colorado counties for real estate transfers)
Source: Colorado Judicial Branch – Divorce & Family Forms
Is legal separation cheaper than divorce in Colorado?
No – same filing fee and process.
Can I convert legal separation to divorce later?
Yes, anytime after 6 months with a simple motion (C.R.S. § 14-10-120).
Do I need an attorney if we agree on everything?
Not required, but highly recommended for anything involving children, real estate, or retirement accounts.
Where can I get the official 2025 Colorado child support calculator?
Official Colorado Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
I update this template every January to reflect new statutes and guideline changes. Click below for the latest Word version you can edit today:
FREE DOWNLOAD – Colorado Separation Agreement (DOCX)Remember: This is a starting point. Your family deserves a rock-solid agreement. Schedule a consultation with a Colorado family law attorney or visit your county’s free Family Court Facilitator for personalized help.
Need the template in PDF instead? Click here for PDF version.
```