Rio Blanco County Divorce Decrees
Rio Blanco County divorce decree records are kept at the Combined Court in Meeker. This northwest Colorado county is part of the 9th Judicial District along with Garfield and Pitkin counties. The clerk's office in Meeker maintains all dissolution of marriage files for Rio Blanco County residents. People seeking divorce decrees can request copies by visiting the courthouse, using the online records request form, or mailing a written request. Rio Blanco County follows Colorado state procedures for all dissolution cases, which means the same filing requirements, fees, and waiting periods apply here as in every other Colorado county. Both contested and uncontested divorces are processed using the standard statewide forms and legal procedures.
Rio Blanco County Quick Facts
9th Judicial District Court
Rio Blanco County shares the 9th Judicial District with Garfield and Pitkin counties. The district covers northwest Colorado. Each county has its own courthouse handling local cases. Rio Blanco County's courthouse is in Meeker.
Divorce decree files are stored at the Meeker courthouse. Staff can search for cases by name or case number. Bring both spouse names when you request records. The filing year helps narrow the search. Rio Blanco County has a small population, so files are usually easy to locate.
Contact the Rio Blanco County Combined Court for divorce decree information. Use the online records request form to submit your request from anywhere. The court also accepts phone calls and email inquiries about case status and copy fees.
| Court | Rio Blanco County Combined Court |
|---|---|
| District | 9th Judicial District |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
Getting Decree Copies
Rio Blanco County offers several ways to get divorce decree copies. Visit the courthouse in Meeker for same-day service. Use the online form if you live outside the area. Mail requests work but take longer to process.
The Colorado Judicial Branch records request form goes directly to Rio Blanco County staff. Choose Rio Blanco County from the list. Enter 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 visits, bring photo ID and case details to the Meeker courthouse. If the file is available, you can get copies the same day. Pay at the counter. Staff will tell you if the file is stored off-site and how long retrieval will take. Small counties like Rio Blanco often provide faster service than large urban courts.
- In person: Visit courthouse in Meeker
- Online: Submit state records request form
- Mail: Send written request with case details
- Phone: Call for fee and processing questions
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.
Online Case Search
CoCourts.com provides online searches for Rio Blanco County divorce cases. This database covers the 9th Judicial District and costs $10.00 or less per search. You get a Register of Action showing case filings and hearings but not the decree document.
Use the Register of Action to find case numbers and filing dates before requesting copies. The database shows when the petition was filed, hearing dates, and when the decree was entered. It does not include the decree text.
Visit cocourts.com to search Rio Blanco County records. Background Information Services also offers Colorado court searches.
Filing for Divorce in Rio Blanco County
To file for dissolution in Rio Blanco County, one spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days. File the petition at the courthouse in Meeker. The filing fee is $230.00, which includes 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.
Rio Blanco County allows uncontested dissolutions. When 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 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.
Divorce Forms and Help
Rio Blanco 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.
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, consult an attorney or legal aid organization.
Record Access Rules
Rio Blanco County divorce decrees are public records unless sealed by court order. Anyone can request copies if they provide case information and pay fees. Parties to the case always get access to their own decree with reduced fees.
Older Rio Blanco County Decrees
The Colorado State Archives does not currently hold Rio Blanco County divorce records. All decrees remain with the clerk at the courthouse in Meeker. Check the State Archives divorce records page for updates.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Rio Blanco County. Each has its own court handling divorce decrees for residents of that county.