Archuleta County Dissolution Records

Archuleta County processes divorce decrees through the 6th Judicial District Court located in Pagosa Springs. This district serves Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan counties in southwestern Colorado. All dissolution of marriage filings in Archuleta County go through the combined court clerk's office. Records stay on file there permanently, making it the primary source for obtaining copies of divorce decrees and related case documents. The clerk handles public access requests, provides certified and uncertified copies, and helps people locate their case files using names or case numbers. If you were divorced in Archuleta County at any point, your decree remains available through this office.

District Court in Archuleta County

The Archuleta County Combined Court operates out of the courthouse in Pagosa Springs. The clerk's office maintains divorce decree files and handles all record requests. Staff can search for cases, make copies, and answer basic questions about the process. Court hours run Monday through Friday, making it easy for most people to visit during the work week.

Archuleta shares the 6th Judicial District with La Plata and San Juan counties. District court judges travel between courthouses to hear cases in all three counties. But the clerk's office in each county keeps its own files. If you filed your divorce in Archuleta County, the records stay in Pagosa Springs even if your hearing was with a judge who also serves other counties in the district.

For information about accessing Archuleta County divorce records, visit the court website or call during business hours. The online records request form also routes Archuleta requests to the local clerk's office for processing.

Processing times vary based on request type and file location. Simple requests for on-site files often get handled the same day if you visit in person. Files stored off-site need retrieval time. Call ahead if your divorce is more than 20 years old to see if the file needs to be pulled from storage.

Getting Archuleta Divorce Decrees

Visit the clerk's office in person for the fastest service. Bring a photo ID and your case number if you have it. If not, the clerk can search by your name and the other party's name. They look up the case and make copies while you wait if the file is available. Pay the copy fee before you leave with your documents.

The online records request form works for Archuleta County requests. Select Archuleta from the county list and fill in the required fields. Include both party names, the approximate year the divorce was filed, and what documents you need. The clerk reviews the request and contacts you about fees and next steps. Most requests get a response within a few business days.

You can also request records by mail. Write to Archuleta Combined Court at 449 San Juan Street, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Include your name, contact info, case details, and what you want. The clerk will send you a fee quote. Pay by check or money order, then wait for your copies to arrive by mail. This method takes longer but works if you live far from Pagosa Springs.

Copy fees follow Colorado state guidelines. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. A certified copy of the decree runs $20.00 per document no matter how many pages. If you were a party to the divorce, your maximum fee is $15.00 for your own records. Non-parties pay per page with no cap. Name searches cost $5.00 when you need help finding your case number. Research fees of $30.00 per hour apply for requests that take significant clerk time.

Filing for Divorce in Archuleta County

You can file for dissolution in Archuleta County if you or your spouse lives here. State law requires 91 days of Colorado residency before filing under C.R.S. § 14-10-106. File your petition with the clerk's office in Pagosa Springs and pay the $230.00 filing fee. This covers court costs and the displaced homemaker fee mandated by statute.

Colorado imposes a 91-day waiting period from when the court gets jurisdiction over both parties. The final decree cannot be entered until this wait ends. This gives time to work out property division, support, and parenting issues. Temporary orders can be requested during the waiting period if you need immediate rulings on custody or support.

Uncontested divorces move faster than contested ones. When both parties agree on all terms, you can use form JDF 1018 to finalize by affidavit. This lets you avoid a court appearance. The judge reviews your written agreement and signed documents. If everything complies with C.R.S. § 14-10-120.3, the decree gets entered without a hearing.

Archuleta County uses the standard Colorado court forms. Download form JDF 1010 for the petition and JDF 1019 for the final decree from the state courts forms page. The divorce self-help resources walk you through filling out each form and what to file when.

Searching Online for Archuleta Cases

CoCourts.com covers Archuleta County in its statewide database. You pay $10.00 or less to search by name or case number. The search returns a Register of Action showing case events like filing dates, hearings, and decree entry dates. This helps you find the case number and verify basic info before ordering copies from the clerk.

The Register of Action is not the actual decree. It lists case activity and docket entries but not the full documents. After finding your case on CoCourts, contact the Archuleta County Clerk to get copies of the decree itself. The online search just makes it easier to locate the right case and confirm it was filed in Archuleta County.

Who Can Access Divorce Records

Most divorce decrees in Colorado are public records. Parties to the case have the easiest access. Attorneys, family members with legal needs, and people with direct interests can also request records. Some files have sealed portions if they contain protected information like child welfare details or confidential financial data.

When the court enters a decree, it notifies the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment under C.R.S. § 14-10-120. CDPHE keeps a verification index but not full decree copies. For actual documents, contact the Archuleta County Court.

Restricted cases need extra steps. If a judge ordered parts of a file sealed, you may need to show ID and explain why you need access. The clerk reviews restricted requests before releasing documents. Standard cases without special protections are open for public inspection and copying.

Filing Locations

Archuleta County does not have cities with populations over 25,000. Residents file divorce cases at the Archuleta District Court in Pagosa Springs regardless of where in the county they live. The courthouse on San Juan Street is the only filing location for dissolution of marriage cases in Archuleta County.

Other 6th Judicial District Counties

La Plata and San Juan counties share the 6th Judicial District with Archuleta County. Each county maintains its own clerk's office and case files. File in the county where you or your spouse actually resides.