Arvada Divorce Decrees
Arvada divorce decree records are filed at either the Jefferson County Combined Courts or the Adams County Combined Courts, depending on where the parties live within the city. Arvada spans two counties and two judicial districts. Most of Arvada is in Jefferson County in the 1st Judicial District. A smaller section on the northeast side is in Adams County in the 17th Judicial District. When you file for divorce in Arvada, you must determine which county has jurisdiction based on your home address. Each county maintains its own divorce decrees. You cannot get an Arvada divorce decree from a single office since the city crosses county lines.
Arvada Quick Facts
Which County Handles Your Arvada Divorce
Arvada is split between Jefferson County and Adams County. Most of the city is in Jefferson County. A smaller section on the northeast side is in Adams County. If you live in Arvada and want to file for divorce, you need to know which county you live in. Your home address determines which court has jurisdiction over your case.
You can check which county you are in by looking at your voter registration card, property tax bill, or driver license. The county name appears on these documents. If you are still not sure, you can call the Jefferson County clerk at (303) 271-6215 or the Adams County clerk at (303) 654-6000 to ask. They can tell you which county serves your address in Arvada.
For most Arvada residents, Jefferson County is the correct court. The Jefferson County courthouse is in Golden at 100 Jefferson County Parkway. This is about 10 miles south of Arvada. All divorce decrees for Jefferson County residents are kept at this courthouse. The court is part of the 1st Judicial District.
If you live in the Adams County part of Arvada, you file at the Adams County Justice Center at 1100 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton. This is in the 17th Judicial District. The courthouse is about 20 miles northeast of central Arvada. All divorce decrees for Adams County residents are kept at this courthouse.
Jefferson County Court for Arvada Residents
Most Arvada residents file for divorce at the Jefferson County Combined Courts in Golden. This courthouse is close to Arvada and serves most of the city. The clerk office handles all records requests for divorce decrees and other court documents.
| Court | Jefferson County Combined Courts (1st Judicial District) |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Jefferson County Parkway Golden, CO 80401 |
| Phone | (303) 271-6215 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/jefferson-county |
The courthouse is easy to reach from Arvada. Take 6th Avenue west to Golden or use Highway 470. RTD bus routes serve Golden from Arvada and other Denver metro areas. The courthouse has parking for visitors. Bring a valid photo ID to get through security when you visit in person.
Adams County Court for Arvada Residents
Arvada residents in Adams County file for divorce at the Adams County Combined Courts in Brighton. This courthouse is part of the 17th Judicial District and serves all of Adams County. The clerk office processes records requests and provides copies of divorce decrees.
| Court | Adams County Combined Courts (17th Judicial District) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601 |
| Phone | (303) 654-6000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/adams-county |
The courthouse is in Brighton, about 20 miles from central Arvada. Take Interstate 25 north to Highway 7, then east to Brighton. RTD bus routes serve Brighton from the Denver metro area. The courthouse has parking for visitors.
Search Arvada Divorce Records Online
CoCourts.com is the best way to search for divorce records in Arvada. This database covers both Jefferson County and Adams County. You can search by name or case number to find a dissolution of marriage case. Searches cost $10 or less and return the Register of Action showing case history.
The Register of Action does not include actual documents. You see dates and filings but not the decree itself. To get a copy of the divorce decree, you must contact the county court where the case was filed. CoCourts.com helps you identify which county has your case so you know where to send your records request.
Visit cocourts.com to start searching. Enter a name and select Jefferson County or Adams County. If you are not sure which county, try both. The search results will show you where the case was filed in Arvada. You can then use the contact information above to request a copy of the divorce decree from the correct courthouse.
You can also submit an online records request through the Colorado Judicial Branch at coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form. Select the county and case type, then provide names or a case number. The court will contact you with fee information and processing time. Most requests are processed within three business days.
How to File for Divorce in Arvada
Arvada residents must meet the residency requirement under C.R.S. § 14-10-106 before filing for divorce. Either spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing the petition. You do not have to live in Arvada the whole time. Living anywhere in the state for 91 days is enough.
You file in the county where you live. If you live in the Jefferson County part of Arvada, you file in Jefferson County. If you live in the Adams County part, you file in Adams County. If you and your spouse live in different parts of Arvada, you can file in either county. Most people file where they currently live.
The filing fee for a divorce petition is $230 statewide. This includes the displaced homemaker fee required by C.R.S. § 14-10-120.5. A response to a petition costs $116. These fees apply in both Jefferson County and Adams County. You pay when you file the papers at the clerk office.
Colorado is a no-fault state. The court only needs to find that the marriage is irretrievably broken. After filing, there is a mandatory 91-day waiting period before the court can enter a final decree. This waiting period is required by C.R.S. § 14-10-106 and applies to all Colorado divorces, including those in Arvada.
Starting a Divorce Case in Arvada
Divorce proceedings are commenced by filing a petition under C.R.S. § 14-10-107. The petition states the grounds for divorce and asks the court to dissolve the marriage. When you file the petition, an automatic temporary injunction goes into effect. This prevents both spouses from certain actions like transferring property or changing insurance beneficiaries without court approval.
The automatic injunction lasts until the final decree is entered or the court orders otherwise. Both parties are bound by the injunction, even if they do not know about it. Violating the injunction can result in contempt of court. The injunction helps protect both parties during the divorce process in Arvada.
After filing, you must serve the other spouse with the summons and petition. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Use a process server, sheriff, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service must be filed with the court to show the other spouse was properly notified of the case.
Divorce Forms for Arvada Cases
All Colorado divorce forms are available at coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms at no cost. These are the same forms used statewide. Arvada residents use the same forms whether they file in Jefferson County or Adams County.
The main forms needed to file for divorce in Arvada are:
- JDF 1010: How to File for Divorce
- JDF 1011: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- JDF 1102: Summons for Dissolution of Marriage
- JDF 1099: Instructions for Service
- JDF 1015: Response to Petition
- JDF 1019: Final Decree
If both spouses agree on all terms, you can file for a decree without appearing in court using JDF 1018 (Affidavit for Decree Without Appearance). This is common in uncontested cases where there are no minor children or where both parties have lawyers and a written agreement.
Divorce Decree Copy Fees in Arvada
Copy fees for divorce decrees follow the state fee schedule. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $20 per document. These fees apply in both Jefferson County and Adams County. Call the clerk office in the county where your case was filed to confirm current fees before you order copies.
Other fees that may apply include:
- Name search fee: $5.00
- Transcript of judgment: $25.00
- Research and redaction: $30 per hour after the first hour
These extra fees apply when the clerk must research files or redact confidential information from copies. Most simple requests for a divorce decree do not require these fees. If you know the case number and just need a copy of the final decree, you only pay the copy or certification fee.
Legal Help for Arvada Residents
Colorado Legal Services has offices that serve both Jefferson County and Adams County. They provide free legal help to people who qualify based on income. They assist with divorce, custody, and support cases for low-income residents in Arvada. Call (303) 837-1313 to see if you qualify or visit coloradolegalservices.org for more information.
The Metro Volunteer Lawyers program offers free legal clinics in the Denver metro area, including Arvada. Volunteer lawyers answer questions about divorce and family law at no charge. Check their website at denbar.org/mvl for clinic times and locations in Arvada.
You can also call the Colorado Bar Association lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660 for help finding a family law attorney in Arvada. The referral service connects you with local lawyers who handle divorce cases in both Jefferson County and Adams County.
Self-help centers are available at both the Jefferson County courthouse in Golden and the Adams County courthouse in Brighton. Staff can guide you through the forms and explain court procedures. They do not provide legal advice, but they can help you locate the right forms and answer questions about filing.
Note: Self-help centers have computers, printers, and all the forms you need to file for divorce without a lawyer in Arvada.
Divorce Verification vs Decree Copies
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment can verify that a divorce occurred but does not provide copies of divorce decrees. Verification shows basic facts like names, date, and county. The decree shows all terms including custody, property division, and support.
If you need the full divorce decree from an Arvada case, contact the county clerk office where the case was filed. If you only need verification, you can order it from CDPHE at cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords or through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Most legal matters require the actual decree, not just verification.
Nearby Colorado Cities
Several other cities near Arvada are in the same counties or span multiple counties. Lakewood and Wheat Ridge are in Jefferson County like most of Arvada. Thornton is in Adams County like the northern part of Arvada. Westminster spans both Jefferson and Adams counties. Denver is to the southeast in Denver County.
Related city pages:
- Lakewood (Jefferson County)
- Thornton (Adams County)
- Westminster (Adams and Jefferson counties)
- Denver (Denver County)
County Divorce Records for Arvada
Arvada spans Jefferson County and Adams County. Divorce cases are filed in one county or the other depending on where the parties live. For more on each county's court procedures, fees, and historical records, visit the county divorce records pages below.