What Is an Initial Status Conference?

August 5, 2025

Divorce

Colorado courts serve constituents better by scheduling a preliminary review of a divorce case to grasp its dynamics and each partner’s understanding of the other’s position. Colorado divorce petitions do not always provide essential details about a divorce.

An initial status conference (ISC) provides an overview of a divorce case for the divorcing parties, their attorneys, and the court. Establishing additional objectives and setting future court dates may occur at this time.

What Actions Are Necessary Before the Initial Status Conference in Colorado?

Before an initial status conference, gathering and filing legal documents specified by the Colorado Judicial Branch should occur. A spouse pursuing a divorce as the petitioner must file proof of service of a divorce petition. The respondent should file a petition response and sign divorce papers.

When filing a divorce case, the court will issue a Case Management order explaining the court’s procedures, establishing deadlines, and addressing additional actions that parties in the divorce must complete.

As a petitioner or respondent in a Colorado divorce case, filing a sworn financial statement, supporting schedules, and a certificate of compliance are necessary. The order may require divorcing spouses to work towards resolutions for unresolved issues before going to court to settle a divorce.

What Happens at the Initial Status Conference?

The ISC is not a formal hearing. The court may address or schedule temporary orders hearings when relief is necessary. The court will ensure financial disclosures are complete and that the parenting class requirements are met. Temporary orders may address:

Determining future court dates will also occur. Your Broomfield divorce attorney may also submit status updates on contested issues. A clear representation of your positions on potential court orders is crucial during the ISC.

Why is an Initial Status Conference Significant in a Colorado Divorce?

You and your legal representative should clearly understand where your spouse stands on issues impacting a divorce decree. The hearing occurs quickly and requires preparation to address any issues in a divorce. Temporary orders remain in place until the divorce decree establishes permanent orders at a final hearing.

The ICS establishes essential guidelines that create a framework for the dissolution of marriage. What you need to know about a Colorado divorce is determined by the specifics of your case, which the ICS will address. The decisions made during the ICS impact your current situation and can create long-term financial effects after a divorce.

Preparing for an initial status conference with your Colorado divorce attorney can offer insight into the implications of immediate decisions on your future. The division of assets, retirement savings, requests for spousal support, and other financial outcomes in a divorce may have significant tax implications moving forward.

How Do I Prepare for a Colorado Initial Status Conference?

Meeting the financial disclosure requirements in C.R.C.P. 16.2 is mandatory during an ISC. Many divorcing couples’ disagreements encompass dividing assets and covering future expenses. In addition to submitting the court-ordered forms, some of the documents you will need to disclose to your spouse include:

  • Income and tax documentation
  • Bank statements
  • Personal debts
  • Retirement savings statements and investments
  • Insurance documentation
  • Childcare documents and a child’s expenses

Additional documentation may apply to your case. Divorcing in Colorado can be complex, but it does not have to be contentious. Preparing for an ISC is crucial in establishing the terms of a Colorado divorce and supporting your future.