Westminster Marriage Dissolution Records
Westminster sits at the crossroads of two Colorado counties. This unique position affects how residents access their divorce records. The city spans both Adams and Jefferson Counties. Each county maintains separate District Court records. Finding your divorce papers requires knowing which county handled your case. This guide shows Westminster residents where to look for their marriage dissolution documents. Learn which courthouse holds your records and how to request them.
Finding Westminster Divorce Records by County
Your divorce records location depends on where you filed. Adams County District Court serves the eastern portion of Westminster. Jefferson County District Court serves the western areas. Both courts keep complete case files. These files contain petitions, decrees, and all filed motions. You must contact the correct county to obtain copies. Many former residents forget which county processed their divorce. You can check both courthouses if needed.
Adams County District Court sits in Brighton. The address is 1100 Judicial Center Drive. You can call them at 303-654-3230. Their office handles all divorce filings for east Westminster. Jefferson County District Court is located in Golden. Their address is 100 Jefferson County Parkway. Their phone number is 303-279-6510. This office serves west Westminster residents. Both locations offer in-person record searches. Staff can help you locate your case file.
Online searches start at the Colorado Judicial Branch website. The statewide docket search covers both counties. Enter party names or case numbers to find your divorce. Basic case information displays for free. Full records require a visit to the courthouse. Certified copies cost $20 per document. Regular copies are $0.25 per page. The courts accept cash, check, or money order.
Westminster Divorce Verifications Through CDPHE
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers another option. They provide divorce verifications for any county. This includes divorces filed in Adams or Jefferson County. A verification confirms the divorce occurred. It shows the date and location. It does not include settlement terms or custody details. Many Westminster residents need verifications for remarriage or name changes.
Requesting a verification costs $17. You can order by mail or online. The mailing address is Vital Records Section, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Include a completed application and payment. Make checks payable to Vital Records Section. Online orders go through VitalChek. Their website processes credit card payments. Additional service fees apply.
CDPHE maintains records dating back many decades. They receive reports from all Colorado District Courts. The Clerk forwards dissolution records under state law. This creates a central index of divorces. You can reach CDPHE at 303-692-2200. Their hours are Monday through Friday. They close on state holidays.
Note: Westminster residents can verify any Colorado divorce through CDPHE regardless of which county granted it.
Online Tools for Westminster Divorce Record Searches
Technology makes searching easier for Westminster residents. The Colorado Judicial Branch offers free docket searches. Visit their website and click the docket search link. Type in your name or your former spouse's name. Add Westminster as the city if you know it. The system searches both Adams and Jefferson Counties. Results show case numbers, filing dates, and current status. This service costs nothing to use.
CoCourts.com provides more detailed access. This system charges per search. You can view registers of action for divorce cases. These show what happened in each case. You will see motions filed and hearings held. The site does not show actual document images. For those, you must visit the courthouse. CoCourts.com works well for preliminary research. It helps you confirm a case exists before making a trip.
Prepare for your search with key details. You should know the full names of both parties. Include maiden names if applicable. Estimate the year of the divorce. Narrow down which county likely handled the case. This information speeds up your search. It helps staff assist you better too.
Colorado law protects some divorce records from public view. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 limits access to confidential vital statistics. Financial affidavits may also be restricted. The court can seal sensitive information. You may need to prove your interest in the case. Bring photo identification when requesting records.
Types of Divorce Documents Available in Westminster
Several documents make up a complete divorce record. The petition starts the case. It states the grounds for divorce. Colorado is a no-fault state. The petition simply states the marriage is broken. The response comes from the other spouse. It may agree or disagree with the petition. These papers begin the court process.
The divorce decree ends the marriage. This is the most important document. It contains the court's final orders. Parental responsibilities appear here. Child support amounts are specified. Property division is detailed. Spousal maintenance may be ordered. Both parties receive a copy. The Clerk keeps the original on file.
Settlement agreements resolve most divorces. These contracts list the terms both parties accept. They cover asset division and debt allocation. Parenting plans schedule time with children. Support payments are calculated. The judge reviews and approves these agreements. They become part of the official record.
Case files may contain other documents too. Motions ask the court for specific orders. Responses argue against those requests. Orders command action from one or both parties. Financial disclosures reveal income and assets. These papers tell the full story of the divorce.
Colorado Divorce Requirements for Westminster Residents
State law establishes who can file for divorce in Colorado. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 sets the residency rules. One spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days. This period must pass before filing. Westminster residents meet this requirement easily. They simply need to show Colorado residency. A driver's license or utility bill works as proof.
Children have different residency requirements. They must live in Colorado for 182 days. This ensures Colorado courts can decide custody. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act governs this rule. Courts protect children from competing custody orders. The 182-day rule prevents forum shopping. Parents cannot file in multiple states.
Colorado imposes a 91-day waiting period. This starts when the petition is filed. It also starts when the other spouse is served. The court cannot grant divorce before this period ends. The delay allows time for reflection. Couples might reconcile during this time. Most use the period to negotiate settlements.
Note: Westminster residents must wait 91 days after filing before their divorce becomes final under Colorado law.
Costs to Obtain Westminster Divorce Records
Fees vary based on what you need. CDPHE charges $17 for verifications. This fee applies to all orders. It does not include shipping costs. Expedited service costs extra. Credit card payments add processing fees. Mail orders take several weeks. Plan accordingly if you have deadlines.
Courts charge different fees for different services. Filing a new divorce petition costs $260. This increased in 2025 under House Bill 2024-1286. Responses to petitions cost $146. Motions to modify cost $105. These fees fund court operations. They are set by the state legislature.
Copy fees are lower for existing records. Certified copies cost $20 each. These bear the court seal. They work for legal purposes. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Large files can add up. Ask for a cost estimate first. The Clerk can tell you the page count. Payment methods vary by courthouse. Call ahead to confirm.
Fee waivers help low-income residents. You can request a waiver when filing. The court reviews your financial situation. You must show inability to pay. Waivers cover filing fees only. Copy fees may still apply. Ask the Clerk about waiver forms. Complete them before filing your case.
Getting Help With Westminster Divorce Records
Many people need assistance finding divorce records. Court staff can guide you through the process. They cannot give legal advice. They can explain office procedures. They will show you how to search indexes. They will tell you what forms you need. Be patient during busy hours. Courthouses serve many customers daily.
Self-help centers operate in many Colorado courts. These centers assist people without lawyers. They provide forms and instructions. They explain court rules. They do not fill out forms for you. Check if your county offers this service. Both Adams and Jefferson Counties have resources. Visit the court website for details.
Legal aid organizations serve eligible residents. They help low-income people with legal matters. Some offer divorce record assistance. They can explain what documents mean. They may help with modification cases. Contact Colorado Legal Services for information. Their services are free for qualified applicants.