Ouray County Dissolution Records
Divorce decree records for Ouray County are maintained at the Combined Court in the town of Ouray. This small mountain county is part of the 7th Judicial District, which includes Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. The Ouray County clerk's office handles all dissolution of marriage filings and stores original decree documents for county residents. People who need copies of divorce decrees can request them from the clerk by visiting in person, using the online request system, or mailing a written request. Ouray County has a small population, so the clerk's office processes fewer divorce cases than larger Colorado counties, but the same state laws and procedures apply to every dissolution case filed here.
Ouray County Quick Facts
7th Judicial District Court
Ouray County is one of six counties in the 7th Judicial District. The district serves western Colorado with courts in each county seat. Ouray County's courthouse is in the town of Ouray. All divorce cases filed by Ouray County residents go through this court.
The clerk maintains divorce decree files at the courthouse. Staff can search by name or case number. Because Ouray County is small, the clerk's office has fewer files than urban counties. This often means faster service when you request records. Files are usually on-site and easy to retrieve.
Contact the Ouray County Combined Court for divorce decree information. The court website provides phone numbers and email addresses. You can also use the statewide online records request form to submit your request directly to Ouray County.
Ouray County courthouse hours may vary. Call ahead if you plan to visit. Small counties sometimes close for staff training or court sessions. Email works well for initial contact if you are not local to Ouray.
| Court | Ouray County Combined Court |
|---|---|
| District | 7th Judicial District |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
Getting Divorce Decree Copies
Ouray County offers several ways to get divorce decree copies. In-person visits work well because the courthouse is small and staff can often help you right away. Online requests through the state form go directly to Ouray County staff. Mail requests also work but take longer.
Use the Colorado Judicial Branch records request form for online requests. Choose Ouray County and select divorce as the case type. Provide both party names and the year if you know it. The court will contact you about fees and processing time. Most requests are handled within three business days.
For in-person requests, visit the courthouse in Ouray during business hours. Bring photo ID and case details. If the file is available, you can get copies the same day. Small counties like Ouray often provide faster service than large urban courts because they have fewer requests to process.
Copy fees follow Colorado court rules. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20.00 per document. Parties to their own divorce pay no more than $15.00 total. Non-parties pay full fees. Name searches cost $5.00 if you lack a case number.
- In person: Visit Ouray courthouse for same-day service
- Online: Use state records request form
- Mail: Send written request with case details
- Phone: Call for questions about fees and processing
Searching Ouray County Cases
CoCourts.com provides online searches for Ouray County divorce cases. This database covers the 7th Judicial District and shows the Register of Action for each case. Searches cost $10.00 or less and help you find case numbers before requesting copies.
The Register of Action shows case filings, hearings, and decree entry dates. It does not include the actual decree document. Use the information from CoCourts to fill out your records request with accurate case details. This speeds up processing at the clerk's office.
Visit cocourts.com to search Ouray County records now. Background Information Services also offers Colorado court searches. Both services pull data from the state court system.
Filing for Divorce in Ouray County
To file for dissolution in Ouray County, one spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days. File the petition at the Ouray County courthouse. The filing fee is $230.00, including the displaced homemaker fee required by state law.
Colorado law under C.R.S. § 14-10-106 requires the court to find the marriage is irretrievably broken. A 91-day waiting period applies after the respondent is served. The court cannot enter a final decree until this period ends. No exceptions exist for the waiting period.
Ouray County allows uncontested dissolutions. If both parties agree on all terms, you can file a separation agreement and request a decree without appearing in court. Use form JDF 1018 for this procedure. The judge reviews the agreement and signs the decree if it meets all legal requirements.
When the decree is entered, the clerk notifies the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment under C.R.S. § 14-10-120. CDPHE keeps a verification record but not copies of decrees. Only the court has the full decree document.
Divorce Forms and Resources
Ouray County uses Colorado statewide divorce forms. Get forms from the Colorado Judicial Branch self-help forms page. The main forms are JDF 1011 for the petition and JDF 1019 for the final decree. Other forms may be needed depending on your case.
Self-represented parties can ask court staff procedural questions. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain how to file forms and what fees apply. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult an attorney or legal aid organization.
Simple uncontested cases may not need an attorney if both parties agree and complete forms correctly. Complex cases involving property disputes or child custody often benefit from legal representation. The decision depends on your situation and comfort with court procedures.
Who Can Get Decree Copies
Ouray County divorce decrees are public records unless sealed by court order. Anyone can request copies if they provide case information and pay fees. Sealed cases require permission from the judge to access.
Parties to the case always get access to their own decree. They pay reduced fees under Colorado court rules. Third parties can also request copies but pay full per-page rates. Common requesters include background check companies, government agencies, and researchers.
Older Ouray County Decrees
The Colorado State Archives does not currently hold Ouray County divorce records. All decrees remain with the clerk at the Ouray County courthouse. Even very old cases from decades ago are still at the court. Files may be stored off-site if they are very old. The court charges retrieval fees for off-site storage. Call ahead if your case is more than 20 years old to ask about retrieval time and cost.
Check the State Archives divorce records page to see which Colorado counties have transferred records. Ouray County is not listed, so all requests go to the courthouse in Ouray.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Ouray County. Each has its own court handling divorce decrees for residents of that county. File in the county where you or your spouse lives.