Cheyenne County Marriage Dissolution Records

Cheyenne County divorce records document the legal end of marriages in this eastern plains county of Colorado. The 15th Judicial District Court maintains all dissolution of marriage cases filed by residents of Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson. These records include petitions, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final decrees. The Clerk of Court office serves as the primary source for accessing these documents.

Cheyenne County Court Location and Contact

The Cheyenne County Courthouse houses the District Court Clerk. This office manages all divorce records for the county. The courthouse stands at 51 South 1st West in Cheyenne Wells. This small rural county has one central court location. All divorce cases filed in Cheyenne County are processed here.

You can reach the clerk's office by phone at 719-767-5872. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The court closes on state holidays. It is wise to call before making a long drive to Cheyenne Wells. The staff can confirm whether the records you need are available on-site.

The 15th Judicial District includes Cheyenne County and several other eastern Colorado counties. This district handles all domestic relations matters. The judges rotate between courthouses. Divorce hearings may be held in Cheyenne Wells or another county seat depending on the schedule. Check with the clerk for hearing locations.

Accessing Cheyenne County Divorce Filings

Finding divorce records in Cheyenne County requires knowing where to look. The court offers several ways to access these public records. Each method has its own process and fees. Choose the one that works best for your situation.

In-person research is the most direct way to see Cheyenne County divorce records. Visit the clerk's office during business hours. You can request to view a case file. Staff will retrieve the file from storage. You can review the documents at a public terminal or counter. Copy fees are $0.25 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost $20 each.

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides online access to case information. The docket search tool at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets covers Cheyenne County. This free service shows basic case details. You can see party names, case numbers, and filing dates. You cannot download documents through this system. Full records require contact with the clerk.

Mail requests are accepted for Cheyenne County divorce records. Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at 51 South 1st West, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810. Include the case number if known. Provide the full names of both parties. Include the approximate year of the divorce. Enclose payment for copies and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow two to four weeks for processing.

Note: Older records may be stored at the Colorado State Archives in Denver.

Colorado Divorce Laws Applied in Cheyenne County

All divorces in Cheyenne County follow Colorado state law. The Colorado Revised Statutes set the rules for ending a marriage. These laws apply uniformly across all counties. Cheyenne County courts must follow them.

Residency is the first requirement. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 states that one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days. You must file in the county where you or your spouse resides. For Cheyenne County residents, this means filing in Cheyenne Wells. The court checks residency before accepting a case.

Colorado allows only no-fault divorce. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 says you must claim the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not need to prove adultery, cruelty, or other grounds. This makes the process simpler. It reduces conflict between parties. The court does not care who caused the divorce.

The mandatory waiting period is 91 days. This clock starts when the petition is filed. The parties cannot be divorced sooner. Even if both spouses agree on everything, they must wait. This cooling-off period is set by statute. It gives couples time to reconsider.

Cheyenne County Divorce Costs and Fees

Filing for divorce in Cheyenne County involves several costs. The court charges fees for filing and copies. Other expenses may apply. Know these costs before you begin.

The filing fee for a dissolution petition is $260. This fee applies to all new divorce cases in Cheyenne County. It must be paid when you file. If you cannot afford the fee, you may request a waiver. You must show financial hardship. The judge decides whether to grant your request.

Copy fees in Cheyenne County are standard across Colorado courts. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. A certified copy costs $20. Many agencies require certified copies for legal name changes or remarriage. Plan for these costs when requesting records.

Other possible fees include service of process costs. If you need to have papers served on your spouse, you may hire a private process server. The sheriff's office can also serve papers. Their fees vary. E-filing through the state system may have convenience fees. Ask the clerk about all costs upfront.

Components of a Cheyenne County Divorce File

A divorce case file in Cheyenne County contains multiple documents. Each serves a specific purpose. Understanding these documents helps you know what to request. The complete file tells the story of the divorce proceedings.

The petition for dissolution of marriage begins the case. It identifies the parties. It states the grounds for divorce. It requests relief from the court. This relief may include property division, support, and custody orders. The petition must be signed under oath.

The summons gives notice to the other spouse. It tells them a case has been filed. It gives them time to respond. Under Colorado law, the respondent has 21 days to file an answer. If served outside Colorado, they have 35 days. Failure to respond may result in a default.

Financial statements are required from both parties. These sworn documents list all assets and debts. They show income and expenses. The court uses them to make fair decisions. C.R.S. § 14-10-113 guides property division. The court divides marital property equitably.

Parenting plans are needed when children are involved. These plans outline custody and visitation. They address decision-making authority. They set child support amounts based on state guidelines. The court must approve any plan involving minors. The child's best interests are the standard.

The final decree ends the marriage. It incorporates all agreements or court rulings. It becomes a binding court order. Both parties must follow its terms. Violations can result in contempt of court. The decree is the most requested document in Cheyenne County divorce records.

Getting Help with Cheyenne County Divorce Records

If you need help finding or understanding divorce records, resources are available. The court staff can assist with basic questions. They can explain procedures. They cannot give legal advice. For legal help, consult an attorney.

The Colorado Judicial Branch website offers self-help resources. Visit coloradojudicial.gov for forms and instructions. These resources help you navigate the system. They explain how to request records. They provide court rules and procedures.

For divorce verification only, contact CDPHE at 303-692-2200. Their office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver. They can confirm a divorce occurred. They cannot provide court documents. Use this service when you only need proof of divorce status.

Adjacent Counties for Divorce Record Searches

Cheyenne County borders several other counties. If you do not find your record here, try these neighboring jurisdictions. Your case may have been filed in a different county depending on residency at the time.