Weld County Divorce Decree Records
Weld County maintains divorce decree records at the Combined Court in Greeley. This northern Colorado county serves as the sole member of the 19th Judicial District. The clerk's office at the Weld County courthouse handles all dissolution of marriage filings and stores original decree documents for county residents. People seeking divorce decrees can request copies by visiting the courthouse in person, using the online records request system, or mailing a written request with case information. Weld County follows all Colorado state procedures for dissolution cases, including the 91-day residency requirement, the $230 filing fee, and the mandatory 91-day waiting period before a final decree can be entered. Both contested and uncontested divorces are processed through the same court system.
Weld County Quick Facts
19th Judicial District Court
Weld County is the only county in the 19th Judicial District. This makes the court system simpler than multi-county districts. All Weld County cases are handled at the courthouse in Greeley. The clerk maintains divorce decree files at this location.
Staff can search for cases by party name or case number. Bring both spouse names when you request records. The filing year helps narrow the search. Weld County handles many cases due to its large population, but processes records efficiently. Most requests are completed within three business days when you provide accurate information.
The Weld County Combined Court website provides contact information, hours, and forms. You can use the statewide online records request form to submit requests from anywhere. The court also accepts phone calls and email inquiries about case information and copy fees.
| Court | Weld County Combined Court |
|---|---|
| District | 19th Judicial District |
| Website | coloradojudicial.gov |
Requesting Divorce Decree Copies
Weld County accepts records requests through multiple channels. In-person visits to the Greeley courthouse work well for same-day service. Online requests through the state form are good for people outside the area. Mail requests take longer but allow you to send payment with your request.
Use the Colorado Judicial Branch records request form for online submissions. Select Weld County and choose divorce as the case type. Enter both party names and any dates you know. The court will contact you about fees and when copies will be ready. Most requests are completed within three business days if case details are accurate.
For in-person requests, visit the courthouse in Greeley during business hours. Bring photo ID and case information. If the file is available, you can get copies the same day. Pay at the counter with cash, check, or card. Staff will tell you if the file is stored off-site and how long retrieval will take.
Mail requests should include party names, approximate divorce date, and your contact information. Send to the clerk's office at the Weld County courthouse. If you know the page count, include payment. Otherwise, the court will bill you after locating the file.
- Online: Best for remote requests
- In person: Get same-day copies in Greeley
- Mail: Include payment if page count is known
- Phone: Call for fee and processing questions
Fees follow Colorado court standards. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20.00 per document. Parties to their own divorce pay a maximum of $15.00 regardless of page count. Non-parties pay full fees. Name searches cost $5.00 when you lack a case number.
Online Divorce Case Search
CoCourts.com provides online searches for Weld County divorce cases. This database covers the 19th Judicial District and costs $10.00 or less per search. You get a Register of Action showing case activity but not the actual decree document.
The Register of Action helps you find case numbers and filing dates. This information speeds up your records request at the clerk's office. The database shows when the petition was filed, hearing dates, and when the final decree was entered. It does not include the decree text or attachments.
Visit cocourts.com to search Weld County records now. Background Information Services also offers Colorado court searches. Both services pull real-time data from the state court system.
Filing for Dissolution in Weld County
To file for divorce in Weld County, one spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days. The petition is filed at the clerk's office in Greeley. The filing fee is $230.00, which includes the displaced homemaker fee required by state law.
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-106, the court only needs to find the marriage is irretrievably broken. A 91-day waiting period begins when the respondent is served. The court cannot enter a final decree until this period ends. No exceptions exist for this waiting period.
Weld County allows uncontested dissolutions. When both parties agree on all terms, you can file a separation agreement and request a decree without a hearing. Use form JDF 1018 for this procedure. The judge reviews the agreement and signs the decree if it meets legal requirements. This process saves time and court costs for couples who agree on everything.
When the decree is signed, the clerk sends notice to the state vital records office as required by C.R.S. § 14-10-120. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment keeps a verification record but not copies of decrees. Only the court maintains the full decree document.
Divorce Forms and Legal Help
Weld 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. Additional forms depend on your case details.
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 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 with property disputes or child custody issues often benefit from legal representation. The decision depends on your comfort with court procedures and case complexity.
Who Can Access Decrees
Weld 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 third-party requesters include background check services, government agencies, and employers.
Older Weld County Decrees
The Colorado State Archives does not currently hold Weld County divorce records. All decrees remain with the clerk at the Weld 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.
Check the State Archives divorce records page to see which Colorado counties have transferred records. Weld County is not listed, so all requests go to the courthouse in Greeley.
Cities in Weld County
Greeley is the largest city in Weld County and serves as the county seat. All Weld County residents file for dissolution at the Weld County Combined Court in Greeley.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Weld County. Each maintains its own divorce decree records at the local district court. File in the county where you or your spouse resides.