Find Fort Collins Divorce Court Records
Fort Collins serves as the seat of Larimer County. The 8th Judicial District handles all local divorce cases. The courthouse stands at 201 La Porte Avenue. It is located in the heart of downtown. Residents file petitions at this location. Final decrees are issued here. The court maintains comprehensive records. Researchers and citizens access these files regularly.
Larimer County District Court in Fort Collins
The courthouse is a modern facility. It serves Larimer and Jackson counties. Domestic relations cases are a major portion of the docket. The clerk's office is on the main floor. Staff assist with record requests daily.
Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays. The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Plan visits accordingly. Parking is available in public lots nearby. The building is fully accessible.
Contact the clerk at 970-494-3700. This line handles general inquiries. Specific record questions are addressed. Staff can check file availability. They explain the request process. They provide fee information.
The 8th Judicial District follows state standards. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 applies to all filings. The 91-day residency rule is enforced. The waiting period is observed. Procedures match courts statewide.
Accessing Divorce Records in Fort Collins
Requesting records requires basic information. Provide the names of both parties. Include the year of divorce. Case numbers are very helpful. Staff can search without them. But searches cost $5 each.
Visit the clerk's office in person. Complete a request form. Pay applicable fees. Receive copies the same day in most cases. Large requests may take longer. Off-site files need retrieval time.
Mail requests are accepted. Send to the courthouse address. Include a detailed letter. Include payment by check. Include a return envelope. Processing takes 7 to 10 days. Rush service is not typically available.
Fees follow Chief Justice Directive 06-01. Certified copies cost $20. Regular copies are $0.25 per page. These rates are standard statewide. Fort Collins does not add local charges.
Online Resources for Fort Collins Divorce Cases
The Colorado docket search includes Larimer County. Access it through the Judicial Branch website. Search by party name. Search by case number. Results show case status. Results list filed documents.
The system is free to use. No registration is required. Searches are anonymous. Data updates nightly. Recent filings appear quickly. Historical cases are included.
Document images are not available online. You must visit the courthouse. Or submit a mail request. This protects private information. It ensures proper authentication. It maintains record security.
Filing for Divorce in Fort Collins
The process starts with residency. Live in Colorado for 91 days. File in Larimer County if you reside there. The courthouse accepts new filings. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Filing fees are $260. This is the statewide rate. Payment is due at filing. Checks or money orders are accepted. Cash is also accepted. Credit cards may be available. Call to confirm.
Forms are available at the court. They are also online. The Judicial Branch website has packets. These include instructions. Self-represented filers can use them. Attorneys often use them too.
The 91-day waiting period applies. The court cannot grant divorce sooner. This is per C.R.S. § 14-10-106. Use this time wisely. Resolve property issues. Create parenting plans. Attend required classes.
Colorado State University and Divorce Cases
Fort Collins is a college town. CSU affects local demographics. Many divorces involve university employees. Some involve students. Special situations arise.
Student status does not exempt residency rules. The 91-day requirement still applies. However, student addresses can be complex. Dorm addresses may not qualify. Off-campus housing usually does.
University employees have stable addresses. Their divorces follow standard procedures. Retirement accounts may be involved. PERA benefits require special forms. The court provides these. JDF 1202 is commonly used.
Note: Fort Collins has a lower divorce rate than the state average, partly due to its high education levels and stable employment base.
Support Services in Fort Collins
The court offers resources. A self-help center is available. Staff cannot give legal advice. They can explain procedures. They review forms for completeness. This service is free.
Mediation services help couples. They resolve disputes outside court. This saves time and money. It reduces emotional stress. The court maintains a mediator list. Private mediators are also available.
Legal aid serves low-income residents. Colorado Legal Services has a Fort Collins office. They assist with fee waivers. They help with form preparation. Eligibility is based on income. Call for an appointment.
Historical Divorce Records in Larimer County
The court has records dating to the 1800s. Early cases provide historical insight. They document family patterns. They show legal evolution. Researchers value these files.
Very old cases are archived. The Colorado State Archives holds some. Others remain at the courthouse. Access may be restricted. Fragile documents need protection. Staff guide researchers.
Genealogists frequent the clerk's office. They trace family histories. They find name changes. They document second marriages. The records are valuable resources. Staff assist with historical searches.