Find Fountain Divorce Court Records
Fountain residents access divorce records through El Paso County. The entire city is within El Paso County. This makes record searches straightforward. All divorce cases are filed at the El Paso County courthouse. You can obtain records several ways. This guide helps you find your Fountain divorce documents.
Fountain Divorce Court Location
The 4th Judicial District serves Fountain and all of El Paso County. The El Paso County Judicial Building houses the District Court. The address is 270 S Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. The District Court Clerk maintains all divorce records. This is your destination for all Fountain divorce documents.
You can visit the clerk's office during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Call 719-452-5000 to confirm hours. Staff can help locate records and provide copies. Parking is available nearby. The building is accessible.
Security screening is required at entry. Bring valid photo ID. You need ID for entry and record requests. Staff can assist visitors with special needs. Plan a few extra minutes for security.
Inside, the clerk's office provides search services. Staff can look up cases by number or name. Bring any documentation you have. More details speed up the process.
How to Get Fountain Divorce Records
Several methods exist for obtaining divorce documents. Choose what suits you best.
In-person requests are fastest. Visit the District Court Clerk in Colorado Springs. Bring ID and case information. Staff can often make copies while you wait. Case numbers help speed the search. Staff can search by name if needed. This works best for urgent needs. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20. Same-day service is common.
Mail requests work when you cannot visit. Complete the record request form. Include payment by check or money order. Mail to the El Paso County District Court. Allow several weeks for processing. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The online request form is another option. Submit electronically. The court responds within three business days. This is convenient and reasonably fast.
For divorce verifications, contact CDPHE. They confirm divorces occurred. Call 303-692-2200. Or use VitalChek online. The fee is $17 per verification.
Online Search Tools for Fountain
Online resources help locate cases. These provide basic information.
The Colorado docket search is free. It covers all El Paso County divorces. Search by name, case number, or attorney. Results show filing dates and status. Use this before requesting copies.
CoCourts.com offers detailed searches. This paid service shows case registers. View party info and events. Fees apply but save time for frequent users.
Chief Justice Directive 05-01 controls access. This balances public access with privacy. Some records may be sealed. Financial and custody details may be restricted.
Fees for Fountain Divorce Documents
Understanding costs helps you prepare. El Paso County follows state fee guidelines.
Standard copies are $0.25 per page. Decree length varies. Certified copies are $20. These have the court seal. Most legal uses require certified copies.
Payment options include cash, checks, and money orders. Make checks to El Paso County District Court. Credit cards may have surcharges. Confirm before visiting.
Note: Fee waivers are available. You must demonstrate financial hardship.
Colorado Divorce Laws
State laws govern all Fountain divorce cases.
C.R.S. § 14-10-106 requires 91 days residency. One spouse must live in Colorado for this time. Fountain residents file in El Paso County. The court must find the marriage is irretrievably broken.
A 91-day waiting period applies. The court cannot finalize before this time. Temporary orders may be issued during this period.
C.R.S. § 14-10-110 establishes no-fault divorce. No proof of wrongdoing is required. Both parties stating the marriage is broken is sufficient.
Preparing for Your Fountain Records Request
Preparation is key to a successful records request. Gather all information before visiting the courthouse. This includes full names of both parties. The date of divorce or approximate year helps. Any case numbers you have are valuable. Even partial information can help staff locate records.
Consider why you need the records. Certified copies are required for legal purposes. Standard copies work for personal reference. The clerk can help you determine what you need. Different uses require different documentation. Ask questions if you are unsure.
Plan your visit during less busy times. Mid-week mornings are typically quieter. Avoid lunch hours when possible. Call ahead to check for closures or delays. The court observes state holidays. Hours may vary during special circumstances.
Fountain Court Procedures
Understanding court procedures helps your visit go smoothly. The clerk's office handles many types of requests daily. Being prepared speeds up your transaction. Arrive early to complete security screening. Bring valid photo identification. Have your case number ready if possible.
The court accepts various payment methods. Cash is always accepted. Checks and money orders should be made payable to El Paso County District Court. Credit cards may be accepted with additional fees. Call ahead to confirm payment options. Bring exact change when possible.
Records requests are processed in order received. Simple requests take less time. Complex searches may require additional time. The clerk can provide an estimated wait time. You may leave and return later for lengthy searches. Some records may be stored off-site.
Understanding Fountain Divorce Documents
Different types of divorce documents serve different purposes. Understanding what you need saves time and money. The divorce decree is the final court order ending the marriage. This document includes all terms of the divorce settlement. It covers property division, debt allocation, and parental responsibilities.
The divorce certificate is a shorter document. It only shows that a divorce occurred. It includes the names of both parties and the date of the divorce. This document is often sufficient for name changes or remarriage. You can obtain this through CDPHE rather than the court.
Full case files contain all documents filed during the divorce. This includes petitions, responses, financial affidavits, and motions. These files provide a complete history of the case. They are useful for legal disputes or appeals. Access to some documents may be restricted.
Fountain Divorce Records FAQ
Common questions about records.
How fast is the service? In-person is often same-day. Mail takes two to four weeks.
Are records public? Most are. Sealed cases are restricted. Some information may be redacted.
What without a case number? Staff can search by name and date. Search fees may apply.
Can I search online? Yes. The docket search shows case info. Official copies come from the court.
More Fountain Resources
Additional help for your search.
The self-help center has forms and guidance. Learn about divorce procedures.
The State Archives keeps historical records. They have older El Paso County divorce files.
