The idea of an uncontested divorce sounds ideal: no drawn-out court battles, no fighting over who gets what, and no sky-high legal bills. In the best-case scenario, it’s a smooth, respectful process where both parties agree on everything from property division to spousal support.

But here’s the truth: even the most cooperative divorces can go sideways — fast.

If you’re considering or already pursuing an uncontested divorce in Colorado, it’s important to understand what could go wrong, and how to protect yourself while keeping things as simple and amicable as possible.

Uncontested Doesn’t Mean “Risk-Free”

Just because you and your spouse agree on most things today doesn’t mean you’ve covered everything — or that your agreement will hold up legally. Many couples enter an uncontested divorce assuming they’re on the same page, only to hit major roadblocks when the legal details come into focus.

Some of the most common issues that derail uncontested divorces include:

• Vague or incomplete agreements: If your divorce documents don’t clearly define the terms — especially regarding property, debt, or future support — the agreement may be unenforceable or spark disputes later.
• Unrealistic expectations: Sometimes, one spouse agrees to terms just to “get it over with,” only to realize later that they gave up too much or didn’t understand what they signed.
• Unequal access to legal advice: If one person uses a lawyer and the other doesn’t, there’s a real risk of an imbalanced agreement — which can lead to resentment or regret.
• Mistakes in paperwork: DIY divorce packets and online forms are easy to mishandle. If the documents aren’t completed correctly or filed according to Colorado court rules, your case may be delayed or dismissed altogether.

Don’t Confuse Simplicity With Oversight

An uncontested divorce should be simple, but that doesn’t mean you should skip critical steps or assume the legal system will catch mistakes. Colorado divorce laws have very specific requirements about how assets must be disclosed, how parenting time is determined, and how financial agreements are documented.

One common error is failing to fully disclose all assets and debts. In Colorado, both parties are legally required to provide a complete and honest financial disclosure — even in uncontested divorces. If one spouse hides income or undervalues an asset, the court can later reopen the case, even after the divorce is finalized.

Another issue arises with parenting plans. Many couples agree verbally on who will have the kids when, only to discover that the agreement is too vague to be enforceable — or worse, that it unintentionally gives one parent full control.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong Later?

The whole point of an uncontested divorce is to avoid future conflict. But if the agreement isn’t written correctly, vague terms or omissions can come back to haunt you — sometimes years down the road.

For example, if your agreement doesn’t clearly spell out how retirement accounts are divided (with proper language and a QDRO, if needed), you may have to go back to court later to fix it. If the parenting plan doesn’t address holidays or travel, that “mutual understanding” may turn into a major fight during Thanksgiving.

You’re not just creating a short-term agreement; you’re putting a legal structure in place for the next phase of your life. And if it’s built on shaky foundations, you may end up with more stress, more cost, and more courtroom time than if you had done it right the first time.

The Right Legal Help Simplifies an Uncontested Divorce

Here’s the good news: most of these issues are completely avoidable — if you get the right guidance early.

Working with an experienced divorce attorney doesn’t mean your case becomes “contested.” It means you’re being smart. A good attorney’s job in an uncontested divorce is to:

• Ensure all required financial and legal disclosures are made
• Draft clear, enforceable agreements that protect both parties
• Anticipate future problem areas and help you address them now
• Guide you through Colorado’s filing requirements to avoid delays or denials

In fact, flat-fee uncontested divorce services are becoming more common in Colorado — and often cost far less than trying to fix mistakes later. You don’t need to go to war. You just need to make sure the peace you’re creating is solid.

How to Keep It Simple — and Get It Right

If you and your spouse truly agree on the big stuff, that’s a great starting point. But don’t mistake cooperation for a shortcut. A well-executed uncontested divorce is fast, clean, and protective — not rushed and risky.

At Lester Law, we help couples in Colorado complete uncontested divorces with clarity, fairness, and peace of mind. Whether you’ve already started the process or you’re just beginning the conversation, we’re here to guide you through it — without unnecessary stress, drama, or cost.

Schedule a call with us today to protect your agreement, avoid court complications, and move forward with confidence.

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This website includes information about legal issues. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on your specific legal problems.