Elbert County Dissolution Records
The 18th Judicial District Court handles all Elbert County divorce decrees. Elbert County shares this district with Arapahoe, Douglas, and Lincoln counties. The courthouse in Kiowa serves as the main location for Elbert County dissolution filings and record requests. Residents who filed for divorce in Elbert County obtain their decrees through the Kiowa courthouse. The District Court Clerk maintains files for all marriage dissolutions and provides both certified and regular copies upon request.
Elbert County Quick Facts
18th District Court in Elbert County
Elbert County residents file dissolution cases at the courthouse in Kiowa. This small county seat handles all domestic relations matters for Elbert County. The clerk's office is open during standard business hours for walk-in requests and questions about divorce records.
You can request Elbert County divorce decrees in person, by mail, or through the online records request system. In-person visits work best when you need documents quickly. Staff can search for your case and provide copies if the file is readily available. Bring photo ID and know the case number or both parties' names. Most people also bring the approximate year the divorce was filed to speed up the search.
Older Elbert County divorce records are held at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives has Elbert County dissolution cases from 1870 to 1969 for District Court and 1870 to 1910 for County Court. These historical records are restricted for 100 years from the filing date. If you need a decree from this time period, contact the State Archives in Denver. All newer cases remain at the Kiowa courthouse.
The 18th Judicial District Court website provides contact information for Elbert County. While the 18th District covers four counties, each courthouse maintains its own records. Elbert County filings stay in Kiowa. Arapahoe, Douglas, and Lincoln counties keep their own files at their respective courthouses.
| County Seat | Kiowa |
|---|---|
| Judicial District | 18th Judicial District |
| District Also Serves | Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
Requesting Elbert Divorce Decrees
The online records request form is the easiest way to get Elbert County divorce records from a distance. Go to the Colorado Judicial Branch records request page and fill out the form. Select Elbert County and indicate you need a divorce decree. Provide the names of both parties and any other case details you have. The court will respond about fees and processing time, usually within three business days.
Mail requests should go to the Elbert County courthouse in Kiowa. Include a letter stating what you need, the case number if known, and both parties' names. Add your return address and phone number. The clerk will contact you about copy fees once they locate the file. Send payment when requested, and they'll mail the copies to you.
Copy fees follow the standard Colorado schedule. Regular copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $20.00 per document regardless of length. If you're a party to the divorce, the maximum fee is $15.00 no matter how many pages. Non-parties pay the full per-page rate. A name search costs $5.00 if you don't have the case number. Research fees of $30.00 per hour apply after the first hour of staff time for complex searches.
Email the 18th District records team at 18records@judicial.state.co.us for Elbert County requests. This email address handles all four counties in the district. Make sure to specify Elbert County in your message so they route it to the right courthouse. Include your case info and what documents you need. Staff will reply with instructions and fee information.
Finding Elbert County Cases Online
CoCourts.com offers online searches for Elbert County divorce cases. This database covers the entire 18th Judicial District. You can search by party name, case number, or other details. The site returns a Register of Action showing case events and dates. Searches cost $10.00 or less.
The Register of Action shows when the petition was filed, hearing dates, and when the final decree was entered. It doesn't provide the actual decree text. Use the register to find your case number and verify dates. Then contact the Elbert County courthouse to get a copy of the full decree document.
Search Elbert County records at cocourts.com. The database updates regularly with new filings. Other commercial services like Background Information Services also search Colorado court records. These services charge fees but provide quick access to case information without a trip to Kiowa.
Elbert County Divorce Filing Process
One spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days before filing a divorce petition. This residency requirement comes from C.R.S. § 14-10-106. File the petition at the Elbert County courthouse in Kiowa if you or your spouse lives in Elbert County. The filing fee is $230.00 for the petition. This amount includes the displaced homemaker fee required by Colorado law.
After filing, a mandatory 91-day waiting period begins. The court cannot enter a final decree until 91 days have passed since acquiring jurisdiction over the respondent. This wait applies to all Elbert County dissolution cases. During the waiting period, parties can negotiate settlements, attend mediation, or request temporary orders for support or child custody.
Many Elbert County divorces are uncontested. When both parties agree on all terms, they can submit a stipulated decree. The judge reviews the agreement and signs the decree if it meets legal requirements. Form JDF 1018 allows parties to get a decree without appearing in court for certain uncontested cases. This option is available when there are no minor children and the wife is not pregnant, or when both sides have lawyers and a separation agreement. See C.R.S. § 14-10-120.3 for the full requirements.
Once signed, the decree becomes final immediately under C.R.S. § 14-10-120. The decree can be appealed, but the dissolution is effective right away. The clerk sends notice of the decree to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This creates a state verification record, though certified copies of the actual decree only come from the court.
Nearby Counties
Elbert County borders several other Colorado counties. Each county has its own courthouse for divorce filings. If you're not sure which county to use, file where you or your spouse currently lives.