Brighton Divorce Records Resource

Brighton straddles two counties in northern Colorado. Parts of the city lie in Adams County. Other sections extend into Weld County. This division affects where residents file for divorce. Your specific address determines which District Court maintains your records. Understanding this split is essential for locating the right court.

Brighton Divorce Courts by County

Two courts serve Brighton residents. Your address determines which court handles your divorce case. Check your specific location to find the right office.

Most Brighton residents live in Adams County. These residents file at the Adams County Justice Center. The courthouse is at 1100 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton. This facility serves the Seventeenth Judicial District. The court maintains comprehensive divorce records for all Adams County filings.

Some northern Brighton addresses fall in Weld County. These residents file at the Weld County District Court in Greeley. The courthouse is at 901 9th Street. The Nineteenth Judicial District serves these cases. This court maintains separate records for Weld County filings.

Both courts follow Colorado procedures. They charge similar fees. They use the same electronic systems. However, you must contact the correct court for your specific case.

Note: Verify your county of residence before contacting a court for Brighton divorce records.

Types of Divorce Documents in Brighton

Several document types are available to Brighton residents. Each serves different purposes. Understanding these options helps you make appropriate requests.

The divorce decree is the final court order. It legally terminates a marriage. The document includes all settlement terms. These cover property division, support, and parenting arrangements. Most remarriages require certified copies. Request these from the court that granted your divorce.

Divorce verifications come from CDPHE. These confirm a divorce occurred. They show basic facts like names and dates. They do not include settlement details. Many official processes accept verifications. The fee is $17 per document.

Complete case files contain all filed documents. These include petitions, responses, motions, and financial records. They provide full case histories. Legal professionals often request these. Courts can provide specific documents or entire files.

How to Request Brighton Divorce Records

The request process varies by which county has your records. Both courts use similar procedures.

For Adams County cases, contact the Brighton courthouse. Submit requests through the online records request form. Staff respond within three business days. The address is 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.

For Weld County cases, contact the Greeley courthouse. Use the same online form to submit requests. The address is 901 9th Street, Greeley, CO 80631.

For CDPHE verifications, mail requests to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include the application form, your ID copy, and payment. Standard processing takes 30 business days. For faster service, use VitalChek online.

Phone orders are not accepted for CDPHE verifications. Call 303-692-2200 for information only.

Colorado Divorce Laws for Brighton

Colorado statutes govern all Brighton divorce cases. These laws apply equally in both Adams and Weld Counties.

C.R.S. § 14-10-106 sets residency requirements. One spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days. The same law requires a 91-day waiting period. Courts cannot grant divorces faster. These rules apply uniformly across both counties.

Under C.R.S. § 14-10-110, Colorado uses no-fault divorce. Neither party must prove fault. Courts only need to find the marriage is irretrievably broken. This simplifies the divorce process. It reduces conflict between parties.

C.R.S. § 25-2-117 makes vital records confidential. Only interested parties can obtain CDPHE verifications. This restriction protects privacy. Court records generally remain publicly accessible.

Divorce Record Costs for Brighton Residents

Understanding fees helps you budget for record requests. Costs are similar across both counties.

Both District Courts charge standard fees. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20 each. Exemplified copies cost $20. Name searches are $5. Research beyond one hour costs $30 per hour.

CDPHE charges $17 for verifications. This fee is non-refundable. Pay by check or money order to Vital Records Section. Credit cards add fees through VitalChek. Allow 30 business days for standard processing.

New divorce filing fees are consistent statewide. Petitions cost $260 under C.R.S. § 13-32-101. This rate took effect January 2025. Responses cost $146. Modifications cost $105. E-Filing adds $12 for non-attorneys. Fee waivers help low-income filers.

Online Search Options for Brighton

Digital tools help locate divorce records across both counties. These resources simplify your search.

The statewide docket search is free. It covers all Colorado counties including Adams and Weld. Search by name or case number. Get instant basic information. No registration required. This is the best starting point.

CoCourts.com provides detailed searches. This service charges up to $10 per search. View complete case registers. See all filings and hearings. Documents are not viewable online. Contact the appropriate court for copies.

The E-Filing system serves active case participants. Register once to access cases statewide. View documents 24 hours daily. File papers electronically. Technical support is available at 720-625-5800.

To search effectively, prepare this information:

• Both parties' full names
• Approximate divorce year
• Your Brighton address
• Case number if available

Nearby Divorce Record Resources

Brighton's location in two counties connects to multiple courts. Related locations may assist your search.

Note: Brighton serves as the county seat for Adams County and houses the main justice center for the area.