Locate Thornton Divorce Case Files
Thornton sits in two counties. Most of the city is in Adams County. A small portion extends into Weld County. Your address determines where to file. It also determines where records are stored. Adams County is the 17th Judicial District. Weld County is the 19th Judicial District. Both follow Colorado law. Procedures are similar.
Thornton Divorce Courts by County
Most Thornton residents use Adams County. The courthouse is at 1100 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton. This is northeast of Thornton. The drive takes about 20 minutes. The 17th Judicial District serves this area.
Weld County residents use a different court. It is located at 901 9th Avenue in Greeley. This is farther from Thornton. The 19th Judicial District covers Weld County. Only a few Thornton addresses fall here.
To determine your court, check your address. Look at which county you pay taxes to. This indicates your jurisdiction. When in doubt, call either court. They can direct you properly. Filing in the wrong place wastes time.
Both courts use C.R.S. § 14-10-106. Residency rules are identical. Filing fees are the same. The 91-day waiting period applies. Standards are consistent statewide.
Requesting Divorce Records for Thornton
For Adams County cases, call 720-523-6020. Visit the Brighton courthouse. Complete a request form. Provide case details. Pay the required fees. Receive copies promptly.
For Weld County cases, call 970-351-7300. Visit the Greeley courthouse. Follow similar procedures. Fees are identical. Both use CJD 06-01 rates. Certified copies are $20.
Mail requests work for both. Send to the appropriate address. Include complete information. Include payment. Allow processing time. Adams County may be faster due to proximity.
Online docket searches help identify the court. Search both judicial districts. Use the statewide system. This is free. It saves trips to the wrong courthouse.
Online Access to Thornton Area Divorce Cases
The Colorado docket search is comprehensive. It includes both counties. Search by name. Search by case number. Results appear instantly.
For Adams County, select the 17th District. For Weld County, select the 19th. Enter your search terms. Review the register of actions. This shows all case activity.
Third-party vendors offer additional services. They provide data aggregation. They charge subscription fees. Examples include LexisNexis. These are not official sources. Use them for convenience only.
Filing for Divorce as a Thornton Resident
Establish residency first. Live in Colorado for 91 days. File in your county of residence. The court verifies your address. Incorrect filings are rejected.
The filing fee is $260. This is uniform statewide. Recent legislation updated rates. C.R.S. § 13-32-101 governs fees. Pay at time of filing. Fee waivers are possible.
Forms are available at both courthouses. They are also online. The Judicial Branch provides packets. Instructions are included. Self-represented parties can file. Many do so successfully.
The 91-day waiting period is mandatory. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 requires this. The court cannot shorten it. Use this time wisely. Resolve outstanding issues. Prepare for post-divorce life.
Record Types Available in Thornton Area Courts
Various documents comprise a divorce file. Each serves a purpose. Request specific items. This saves money. It speeds up the process.
- Initial Petition opens the case and states grounds
- Response answers the petition allegations
- Financial Statements disclose assets and debts
- Parenting Plans detail custody arrangements
- Support Orders establish payment obligations
- Final Decree terminates the marriage
Certified copies prove the divorce. They are needed for remarriage. They are needed for name changes. Standard copies are for reference. Choose based on your needs.
Growing Community Impact on Court Services
Thornton is growing rapidly. New residents arrive constantly. This increases court filings. The caseload is rising. Both counties are adapting. They add staff as needed.
The diverse population brings varied needs. The courts offer language assistance. Interpreters are available. Forms may be translated. Access is ensured for all.
Technology helps manage growth. E-filing is available. Online payments are accepted. Docket searches reduce inquiries. These innovations improve service. They reduce wait times.
Note: Thornton residents should verify their specific county jurisdiction before filing, as the city spans two different judicial districts.
Getting Help with Thornton Divorce Records
Legal aid serves both counties. Colorado Legal Services helps low-income residents. They assist with filings. They help with record requests. Call for intake. Services are free.
Both courthouses have self-help centers. Staff guide you through processes. They explain forms. They cannot give legal advice. But they ensure completeness. This prevents rejections.
Family law facilitators may be available. They assist with procedures. They explain court rules. They help with scheduling. Check with each courthouse. Availability varies.