Archuleta County Marriage Dissolution Files

Archuleta County sits in southwestern Colorado, home to Pagosa Springs and surrounding mountain communities. Divorce records from this rural county are maintained by the 6th Judicial District Court. The clerk's office in Pagosa Springs preserves all case files, from initial petitions through final decrees. These records serve legal, genealogical, and personal purposes for former residents and their descendants. Access procedures follow Colorado state standards while accounting for the county's smaller scale and limited staff.

Archuleta County Courthouse and Court Clerk

The 6th Judicial District encompasses Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan counties. The Archuleta County Combined Court operates from the county seat in Pagosa Springs. This facility handles all district court matters including divorce proceedings.

The courthouse is located in the heart of Pagosa Springs. Visitors find parking nearby on streets and in public lots. The building houses both county and court operations. Follow directional signs to reach the District Court Clerk's office.

Operating hours follow standard weekday schedules. The office closes weekends and state holidays. Call ahead to confirm staff availability. Small offices may have limited hours for record requests.

Security screening protects all who enter. Leave unnecessary items in your vehicle. Bring only what you need for your record request.

Requesting Divorce Documents in Archuleta County

Three methods serve those seeking divorce records. Choose based on your location and timeline.

Visiting in person yields fastest results. The clerk can locate and copy records during your visit. Bring identification and case information. Same-day service is typical for recent cases. Older files may require retrieval from storage.

Mailing your request works from anywhere. Complete the judicial branch request form. Include payment and a stamped return envelope. Processing takes two to four weeks depending on workload.

Online verification offers quick confirmation only. CDPHE provides verification letters showing divorce dates. This option does not deliver case files or detailed documents.

Archuleta County Divorce Record Fees

Costs for divorce records remain consistent across Colorado. Archuleta County follows state fee schedules.

Photocopies cost twenty-five cents per page. Most decrees require multiple pages. Complete case files extend much longer. Estimate your total based on document length.

Certification adds $20 per document. The certified seal proves authenticity to other agencies. Legal matters almost always require certified copies.

Search fees may apply without case numbers. Staff time spent locating files carries costs. Minimize charges by providing complete information.

Cash and checks are standard payment methods. Money orders add security for mail requests. Credit card acceptance varies by location. Verify before visiting.

Colorado Divorce Statutes Affecting Records

State laws shape how divorce records are created and accessed. Key statutes include:

C.R.S. § 14-10-106 establishes the 91-day residency rule. Spouses must live in Colorado for three months before filing. Courts verify this before accepting cases. The same statute imposes a 91-day waiting period before decree entry.

C.R.S. § 14-10-120 requires clerks to report all divorces to CDPHE. This reporting creates the verification database. Statewide statistics depend on this process.

C.R.S. § 25-2-117 limits access to vital records. Divorce verifications are confidential. Only those with proper interest may obtain them.

Note: Chief Justice Directive 05-01 governs public access to court records generally.

Online Search Tools for Archuleta County Cases

Digital resources supplement courthouse visits. These tools help locate cases before formal requests.

The free Colorado docket search covers Archuleta County. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/dockets to search. Enter names or case numbers for basic information. Results show filing dates, parties, and disposition. Case documents require separate court contact.

CoCourts.com offers premium search features. Subscribers access detailed case indices and tracking. This service benefits attorneys and frequent researchers. Fees apply for membership.

Vital Records Verification Process

CDPHE maintains divorce verification records separate from court files. Understanding this distinction helps you request the right documents.

Verification letters confirm that a divorce occurred. They state the date and parties involved. They do not include property divisions, custody orders, or financial details.

To obtain verification, contact CDPHE at 303-692-2200. Their Denver office processes mail and walk-in requests. Online ordering is available through VitalChek. The fee is $17 per verification.

You must prove direct and tangible interest. This requirement protects privacy under state law. Acceptable reasons include personal documentation, legal proceedings, and beneficiary claims.

Research Tips for Archuleta County Records

Finding older divorce records requires persistence. These strategies improve success rates.

Check the Colorado State Archives for cases before 1975. They preserve historical court records on microfilm. Contact them through colorado.gov/archives.

Verify county boundaries for very old cases. Archuleta County formed in 1885 from Conejos County. Earlier divorces may appear in parent county records.

Consider name variations in your search. Women may appear under maiden or married names. Clerks indexed by names as filed, which may contain errors.

The State Court Administrator offers general guidance at 720-625-5000. They direct callers to appropriate local offices.

Additional Resources and Support

Multiple agencies assist with record-related needs. Save these contacts for future reference.

The e-filing portal serves active cases. Parties can file documents and check status online. Historical records are not available through this system.

Self-represented litigants find help at the court's self-help center. Staff explain procedures without providing legal advice. This resource helps navigate the divorce process.

For statewide court questions, call 720-625-5000. The State Court Administrator's office provides general information and referrals.