Garfield County Divorce Decree Records

Garfield County divorce decree records are maintained by the 9th Judicial District Court in Glenwood Springs. This court serves Garfield, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco counties for all domestic relations cases including dissolution of marriage. The District Court Clerk's office in Glenwood Springs handles record requests and provides copies of divorce decrees. Residents who need their Garfield County divorce decree can request certified or regular copies through several methods including in-person visits, mail, email, or the online records request system.

9th District Court Records

All Garfield County dissolution cases are filed at the courthouse in Glenwood Springs. The clerk's office is open during business hours for walk-in visits. Staff can search for cases, answer questions, and provide copies of divorce decrees. Most people bring the case number when they visit, but the clerk can search by names if needed.

In-person requests usually get processed the fastest. If the file is readily available, you may receive copies the same day. Bring a photo ID and be ready to pay copy fees. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Know what documents you need before you visit to save time.

The 9th Judicial District Court page for Garfield County has current contact information. Check the website for office hours, phone numbers, and directions to the courthouse. Some courts close early on certain days of the month, so verify hours before making a trip.

Garfield County has historical divorce records stored at the Colorado State Archives. Cases from 1906 to 1916 are held in Denver. These older records are restricted for 100 years from filing. If you need a decree from that era, contact the State Archives instead of the court. All newer Garfield County cases remain at the Glenwood Springs courthouse.

Requesting Your Garfield County Decree

The Colorado Judicial Branch offers an online records request form for all counties. Go to the records request page and select Garfield County. Fill in your case information including both parties' names and any case numbers you have. Specify that you need a divorce decree. The court will contact you about fees and processing time within a few business days.

Mail requests should be sent to the District Court Clerk in Glenwood Springs. Write a letter with your request and include both parties' full names, the case number if you have it, and the approximate year the divorce was filed. Add your return address and a phone number. The clerk will search for the file and let you know the copy fees. Send payment when requested and they'll mail the documents to you.

Standard Colorado court fees apply in Garfield County. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20.00 per document. If you're a party to the divorce, you pay a maximum of $15.00 for all copies no matter how many pages. Non-parties pay the full per-page rate. A name search costs $5.00 when you don't have a case number. Research and redaction fees are $30.00 per hour after the first hour for complex requests.

You can also call the clerk's office to ask questions before making a formal request. The staff can verify whether a case exists, confirm dates, and explain the process. They won't read entire documents over the phone, but they can provide guidance on what you need to do to get copies.

Search Garfield Divorce Cases

CoCourts.com provides online access to Garfield County court records. This database covers all Colorado district courts including the 9th Judicial District. You can search by party name, case number, or other information. The service charges up to $10.00 per search and returns a Register of Action.

A Register of Action shows case events and dates but not the actual documents. You'll see when the petition was filed, court hearing dates, and when the decree was entered. This helps you verify case details and find your case number. To get the full text of the decree, contact Garfield County District Court after finding the case on CoCourts.

Visit cocourts.com to search Garfield County records now. Other commercial databases like Background Information Services and Tessera Data also search Colorado court records. These services provide quick online access to case information without visiting the courthouse.

Filing for Dissolution in Garfield County

Colorado law requires 91 days of state residency before filing a dissolution petition. This requirement appears in C.R.S. § 14-10-106. Either spouse can meet the residency requirement. File at the Garfield County courthouse if you or your spouse lives in Garfield County.

The petition for dissolution starts the legal process. File it with the District Court Clerk and pay the $230.00 filing fee. This amount includes the displaced homemaker fee mandated by Colorado statute. If you can't afford the fee, ask about a fee waiver. The court provides forms for people who qualify based on low income.

After filing and service, a 91-day waiting period begins. The court cannot enter a final decree until 91 days after acquiring jurisdiction over the respondent. This wait is mandatory in all Colorado counties. During this time, temporary orders can address support, custody, or other urgent matters. Many Garfield County cases settle during the waiting period.

Uncontested dissolution cases can use form JDF 1018 to get a decree without a court hearing. Both parties sign an affidavit agreeing to all terms. The judge reviews the paperwork and signs the decree if it meets requirements. This works when there are no minor children and the wife isn't pregnant, or when both sides have attorneys with a separation agreement. The details are in C.R.S. § 14-10-120.3.

The decree becomes final when signed by the judge. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-120, it takes effect immediately even though appeals are allowed. The clerk notifies the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment about the divorce. This creates a state-level verification record.

Nearby Counties

Garfield County shares the 9th Judicial District with Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties. Each county maintains separate case files at their own courthouses. For divorces filed in those counties, contact the courthouse in that county.