Accessing Colorado divorce records involves navigating the state’s judicial system, understanding public record laws, and knowing which court handled the case. These records can be essential for legal proceedings, background checks, genealogy research, or verifying marital history. In Colorado, divorce records are managed by the Colorado Judicial Branch through various levels of courts, including district courts, county courts, and trial courts, depending on the case type.
What Are Colorado Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Colorado include all legal documents filed during a divorce case. This typically involves the petition for dissolution, financial affidavits, parenting plans, child support orders, final decree, and any court-issued rulings on property division, spousal maintenance, or child custody. These documents are part of the state court system's official record and may be available for public access unless sealed by judicial order.
There are three common types of records:
- Divorce Certificate: A brief document showing names, date of divorce, and court location, often used for legal name changes or remarriage.
- Divorce Decree: A more detailed court order that outlines all terms of the divorce.
- Full Case File: Contains pleadings, motions, evidence, financial disclosures, and court decisions.
Where to Get Colorado Divorce Records
Colorado divorce records are typically housed in the district court where the case was filed. Since divorce in Colorado is handled at the trial court level, each county court may maintain its own records. Here's how to request them:
1. Online via Colorado Judicial Branch
The Colorado Judicial Branch website (www.courts.state.co.us) provides public access to court dockets and information through its CoCourts and Public Access terminals. However, not all divorce case details are available online due to privacy regulations.
- Use the Colorado Court Docket Search to identify basic case information.
- For certified copies, you must contact the clerk of the district court directly.
2. In Person at the County or District Court
You can request divorce records by visiting the district court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. Bring a valid ID and be prepared to provide:
- Names of both parties
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number (if known)
Fees typically apply for copies and certification.
3. By Mail
Write to the clerk of court with your request, including all necessary case information, a return address, and a check or money order for the processing fee. Some counties have downloadable request forms on their official websites.
4. Third-Party Vendors
Commercial record retrieval platforms may offer access to divorce indexes or certificates, but they cannot provide certified copies or full case files. Always confirm the reliability and legal use of such records.
Are Colorado Divorce Records Public?
Yes, divorce records in Colorado are generally considered public under state law. However, certain details may be sealed to protect sensitive information, especially in cases involving:
- Domestic violence or protection orders
- Juvenile custody or abuse
- Financial disclosures involving trade secrets or proprietary business data
In such cases, only the parties or their legal counsel may access full records without a court order.
What If My Divorce Record Is Sealed?
If a Colorado state court has sealed your record, you must petition the court for access. This often requires showing a legitimate legal reason for unsealing, such as ongoing litigation or enforcement of court orders. Requests must be filed in the same trial court that issued the seal.
How Far Back Do Colorado Divorce Records Go?
Colorado began consistent civil court documentation in the early 1900s. Most county courts maintain divorce records dating back to the 1950s or earlier. Older records may be archived and require longer processing times. For genealogical inquiries or cases before the digital era, consult the Colorado State Archives.
Which Court Handles Divorce Records?
- District Courts: Handle all dissolution of marriage cases and retain the original divorce records.
- County Courts: May be involved in related matters such as small claims or temporary orders but do not maintain final divorce decrees.
- Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court: Only involved in appealed divorce cases.
If you're unsure which Colorado court handled your case, you can use the Judicial Branch Court Locator to find the appropriate jurisdiction. If you encounter complications, such as sealed records or complex legal needs, it’s recommended to consult a family law attorney or the clerk of court in the relevant district.