Access Grand County Divorce Decrees

Grand County divorce decree records are maintained through the 14th Judicial District Court. The county seat is Hot Sulphur Springs, where the District Court Clerk's office keeps all dissolution of marriage files. Grand County shares this district with Moffat and Routt counties. Anyone who needs a Grand County divorce decree contacts the Hot Sulphur Springs courthouse. The clerk provides certified copies, regular copies, and case search assistance for people seeking their divorce records.

14th Judicial District Court

The courthouse in Hot Sulphur Springs serves Grand County residents for all divorce filings. This small mountain community is the county seat and handles all domestic relations cases for the county. The clerk's office is open during business hours for walk-in visits. Staff can search files, answer questions, and provide copies of divorce decrees.

In-person requests work well in Grand County. The smaller population means fewer cases and often faster service. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it. Without a case number, the clerk can search using both parties' names and the approximate year of the divorce. If the file is readily available, you may get copies the same day.

You can also request Grand County divorce decrees through the Colorado Judicial Branch online records request form. Select Grand County and fill out your case information. Provide both parties' names and any other details you have. The court will contact you about fees and processing time. Most requests get answered within three business days unless there are complications.

Visit the 14th Judicial District Court page for Grand County for current contact information. The website lists phone numbers, office hours, and directions to the courthouse. Small counties sometimes have limited hours or close for lunch, so check before making a trip.

Obtaining Grand County Decrees

Mail requests work for people who can't visit Hot Sulphur Springs in person. Send a letter to the Grand County District Court Clerk stating what you need. Include both parties' full names, the case number if you have it, and the approximate year of divorce. Add your return address and phone number. The clerk will search for the file and contact you about copy fees. Once you pay, they'll mail the documents to you.

Copy fees in Grand County follow the standard Colorado schedule. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20.00 per document no matter how long it is. If you're a party to the divorce, you pay a maximum of $15.00 for all copies regardless of page count. Non-parties pay the full per-page rate. A name search costs $5.00 when you don't have a case number. Research fees of $30.00 per hour apply after the first hour for complex requests.

Phone the clerk's office for simple questions before submitting a formal request. Staff can verify whether a case exists, confirm basic dates, and explain the process for getting copies. They won't read entire documents over the phone, but they can provide helpful guidance.

Search Grand County Cases

CoCourts.com provides online access to Grand County divorce case information. This database covers all Colorado district courts including the 14th Judicial District. Search by party name or case number to locate dissolution cases. The service charges up to $10.00 per search and returns a Register of Action.

The Register of Action shows case events and dates. You'll see when the petition was filed, court hearing dates, and when the final 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. Then contact Grand County District Court to get full copies of the decree.

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

Filing Requirements in Grand County

Colorado requires one spouse to live in the state for 91 days before filing for dissolution. This comes from C.R.S. § 14-10-106. File at the Grand County courthouse if you or your spouse lives in Grand County and meets the residency requirement.

Start the case by filing a petition for dissolution with the clerk. Pay the $230.00 filing fee, which includes the displaced homemaker fee required by state law. If you can't afford the fee, ask about a fee waiver. The court has forms for people who qualify based on low income.

After filing and service, there's a mandatory 91-day waiting period. The court can't enter a final decree until 91 days have passed since acquiring jurisdiction over the respondent. This wait applies to all Grand County dissolution cases. During the waiting period, temporary orders can address urgent matters like support or custody. Many cases settle during this time.

Uncontested 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 lawyers with a separation agreement. The specifics are in C.R.S. § 14-10-120.3.

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

Nearby Counties

Grand County shares the 14th Judicial District with Moffat and Routt counties. Each county maintains separate files at their own courthouses. Other nearby counties belong to different districts.