Dolores County Divorce Decree Records

Dolores County divorce decree records are maintained by the Dolores County Combined Court in Dove Creek. As part of Colorado's 22nd Judicial District, this court handles all dissolution of marriage cases for Dolores County residents. The 22nd District serves southwestern Colorado, including both Dolores and Montezuma counties. If you need to obtain a divorce decree or search for case information, the Combined Court Clerk's office in Dove Creek provides record retrieval services for both recent and historical cases.

Dolores County Combined Court

The Dolores County Combined Court in Dove Creek serves as the official repository for all divorce decree records filed in the county. This court operates within the 22nd Judicial District, which covers two counties in southwestern Colorado. District judges travel between Dolores and Montezuma counties to hear cases, but each county maintains its own case files and clerk's office.

The Clerk's office can search for divorce cases using party names or case numbers. Staff can access files from both recent years and historical periods. Most files are stored on-site, though very old cases may require retrieval from off-site storage. When visiting in person, bring valid photo identification.

Contact the Dolores County Combined Court for information about obtaining divorce decrees. The courthouse is located in Dove Creek, the county seat. You can visit during business hours, call for information, or submit a records request through the Colorado Judicial Branch online portal.

Dolores County is one of the least populated counties in Colorado. Despite the small size, the court follows all state procedures for divorce cases. The same forms, fees, and waiting periods apply as in larger counties throughout the state.

Obtaining Divorce Decrees

Dolores County provides several methods to obtain divorce decree records. In-person visits to the courthouse in Dove Creek work best when you need certified copies quickly. The clerk's staff can search for cases and make copies while you wait for most files. Standard copy fees apply based on the number of pages and whether you need certification.

The online records request system through the Colorado Judicial Branch is convenient for remote requests. Fill out the form and select Dolores County. Include both parties' names and an approximate date range for the divorce. The court will contact you about fees and processing time. This method works for people who cannot travel to Dove Creek or need records sent to another location.

Mail requests are accepted at the Dolores County Combined Court. Send your request with as much case information as possible. Include names, dates, case numbers if known, and your contact information. The court will notify you of copy fees before processing. Allow extra time for mail requests compared to in-person visits.

Fees for Dolores County divorce decree copies follow the standard Colorado court fee schedule. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20.00 per document regardless of length. If you are a party to your own divorce case, the maximum fee is $15.00 for copies no matter how many pages. Non-parties pay the full per-page rate. A name search fee of $5.00 applies if the court must locate a case without a case number. Research fees of $30.00 per hour apply for complex requests requiring extensive staff time.

Search Dolores Divorce Cases

CoCourts.com provides online access to Dolores County divorce decree case information. The database covers all 22nd Judicial District cases, including those filed in Dolores County. You can search by party name or case number to find dissolution of marriage cases. Searches cost $10.00 or less and return the Register of Action.

The Register of Action displays case activity such as filing dates, hearing schedules, and decree entry dates. It does not include copies of the actual divorce decree document. After locating a case on CoCourts, contact the Dolores County Combined Court to request the decree itself. The database helps confirm case numbers and filing dates before making a formal records request.

Visit cocourts.com to search for Dolores County divorce records. The site provides real-time data from the Colorado court system. Other services like Background Information Services also offer Colorado court record searches.

Filing for Dissolution in Dolores County

Colorado law requires at least one spouse to live in the state for 91 days before filing a divorce petition. This residency requirement applies to all Dolores County dissolution cases under C.R.S. § 14-10-106. You file the petition at the Combined Court Clerk's office in Dove Creek. The filing fee is $230.00, which includes the displaced homemaker fee required by Colorado law.

After filing, a mandatory 91-day waiting period begins. The court cannot finalize a divorce until 91 days after obtaining jurisdiction over both parties. This wait applies to all cases, even when both spouses agree on all terms. During the waiting period, temporary orders for child support, parenting time, or spousal maintenance can be requested if needed.

Dolores County allows uncontested divorce procedures for couples who agree on property division, debt allocation, and parenting matters. Form JDF 1018 permits the court to enter a decree without a hearing when all requirements are met. The final decree must address all issues required by C.R.S. § 14-10-120, including property division and parental responsibilities if children are involved. The clerk notifies the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment when a decree is entered, creating a verification record.

Colorado provides self-help forms through the Judicial Branch website. The JDF form series covers dissolution petitions, responses, and final decrees. Dolores County residents can download these forms and bring them to the courthouse for filing. The clerk can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.

Historical Divorce Records

The Colorado State Archives holds historical Dolores County divorce records from 1880 to 1953. Both District Court and County Court records are available at the Archives for this time period. Cases over 100 years old are fully public, while newer records remain restricted until reaching the 100-year mark.

To access historical Dolores County divorce decrees, search the Archives database at archives.colorado.gov. You need the case number and approximate year. Submit a formal request through the Archives portal at archives.colorado.gov/request. Processing can take up to 10 business days depending on storage location and record condition.

For Dolores County divorce cases from 1953 to present, contact the Combined Court in Dove Creek directly. These records remain at the courthouse and have not been transferred to the State Archives. The court maintains all modern case files and can provide copies of decrees from any year after 1953.

Note: The Archives requires government-issued photo ID for access to restricted divorce records. If requesting by mail, include a copy of your ID with the request form.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Dolores County in southwestern Colorado. Each maintains its own divorce records through the local District Court.