Gilpin County Divorce Records

Gilpin County is part of the 1st Judicial District along with Jefferson County. The District Court Clerk in Central City maintains all Gilpin County divorce decree records. Anyone who filed for dissolution of marriage in Gilpin County obtains their decree through the Central City courthouse. The clerk provides certified and regular copies of divorce decrees upon request. Staff can also search for cases using party names or case numbers.

1st District Court in Gilpin County

The Gilpin County courthouse in Central City handles all local divorce filings. This small mountain county processes fewer dissolution cases than larger counties in the same district. The clerk's office maintains files for all domestic relations cases including divorces. Visit during business hours to request copies or search for case information.

Walk-in requests work well for Gilpin County because of the smaller caseload. Bring photo ID and the case number if available. Without a case number, provide both parties' full names and the approximate year of the divorce. The clerk can search records and locate the file. If the file is on site, you may receive copies the same day.

Check the 1st Judicial District Court page for Gilpin County for current contact information. The website lists phone numbers, office hours, and the courthouse address. Some smaller counties have limited hours or close for lunch, so call ahead to confirm.

Gilpin County shares the 1st Judicial District with Jefferson County. Jefferson is much larger and has a separate courthouse in Golden. Gilpin County cases stay in Central City. Don't confuse the two locations. If your divorce was filed in Gilpin County, you must contact the Central City courthouse, not the Jefferson County courthouse.

How to Get Gilpin Divorce Decrees

Colorado's online records request form works for Gilpin County. Go to the state records request page and fill out the form. Select Gilpin County and specify you need a divorce decree. Provide both parties' names and any case details you have. The court will respond within a few business days about fees and processing time.

You can mail requests to the Gilpin County courthouse in Central City. Write a letter stating what you need. Include both parties' full names, the case number if known, and the approximate year of divorce. Add your mailing address and phone number so the clerk can contact you. The clerk will locate the file and let you know the cost for copies. Pay when requested and the documents will be mailed to you.

Copy fees in Gilpin County follow Colorado's standard schedule. Regular copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $20.00 per document. Parties to their own case pay a maximum of $15.00 for all copies regardless of page count. Non-parties pay the per-page rate. If you need a name search without a case number, that costs $5.00. Research fees of $30.00 per hour may apply after the first hour for complex requests.

Phone the Gilpin County clerk's office for basic information before submitting a formal request. Staff can verify whether a case exists and provide general guidance. They won't read entire documents over the phone, but they can answer questions about the process and requirements for getting copies.

Online Divorce Case Search

CoCourts.com offers online access to Gilpin County divorce case information. This statewide database covers all Colorado district courts. Search by party name or case number to find dissolution cases. The service charges up to $10.00 per search.

Search results show a Register of Action for each case. This document lists case events and dates including when the petition was filed, hearing dates, and when the decree was entered. The register doesn't include the actual text of the decree or other documents. Use it to find your case number and verify dates before requesting full copies from the court.

Visit cocourts.com to search Gilpin County records now. Additional commercial services like Background Information Services also provide Colorado court record searches. These databases offer convenient online access but charge fees for searches.

Dissolution Filing in Gilpin County

One spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days before filing a dissolution petition. This residency requirement is set by C.R.S. § 14-10-106. File at the Gilpin County courthouse if you or your spouse lives in Gilpin County and meets the residency requirement.

The petition for dissolution starts the case. File it with the clerk and pay the $230.00 filing fee. This fee includes a displaced homemaker fee required by state law. Fee waivers are available for people who can't afford court costs. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver application if you qualify based on income.

After the petition is filed and served on the respondent, a 91-day waiting period begins. The court cannot enter a final decree until 91 days have passed since acquiring jurisdiction over the respondent. This mandatory wait applies to all Gilpin County dissolution cases. During the waiting period, parties can negotiate settlements or request temporary orders.

Many Gilpin 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 standards. Form JDF 1018 allows parties to get a decree without appearing in court for certain uncontested cases. This works when there are no minor children and the wife isn't pregnant, or when both sides have attorneys and a separation agreement. See C.R.S. § 14-10-120.3 for the full requirements.

The decree becomes final when the judge signs it. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-120, the decree is effective immediately even though appeals are possible. The clerk sends notice to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which creates a state verification record of the divorce.

Nearby Counties

Gilpin County shares the 1st Judicial District with Jefferson County. Other nearby counties belong to different judicial districts and maintain their own courthouse records.