Conejos County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Conejos County divorce records are preserved at the District Court in Conejos. This southern Colorado county in the San Luis Valley handles all marriage dissolution cases for local residents. The court maintains comprehensive files including initial petitions, financial affidavits, custody arrangements, and final judgments. Spanish and English speakers can access services at this courthouse.

Conejos County Court Office Location

The Conejos County Courthouse is located at 6683 County Road 13. This address serves as the center for all court business. The building houses the District Court Clerk. All divorce records for Conejos County are stored here. The rural setting means quiet, personalized service for visitors.

The phone number is 719-376-5461. Call during business hours for assistance. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The court closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Plan your visit accordingly.

Conejos County is part of the 12th Judicial District. This district covers several counties in south-central Colorado. The judges rotate between locations. Your case may be heard by any judge assigned to the district. The clerk can tell you which judge handles your case.

How to Access Conejos County Divorce Records

Getting divorce records in Conejos County requires following proper procedures. The court maintains these records as public documents. Anyone can request access. Some restrictions apply to certain sensitive information.

In-person requests are the most effective method. Visit the courthouse in Conejos. Speak with the Clerk of Court. Fill out a request form. Provide the names of the parties. Give the approximate date of the divorce. Staff will search the records. You can review the file at the counter. Copies are available for a fee.

The Colorado Judicial Branch offers an online option. The docket search system shows basic case information. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. Select the 12th Judicial District. Choose Conejos County. Enter search terms. The system displays case numbers, party names, and filing dates. It does not provide document access.

For certified copies, you must visit or mail a request. Mail to: Clerk of Court, 6683 County Road 13, Conejos, CO 81129. Include your contact information. Specify what documents you need. Enclose payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes several weeks.

Note: Some older records may be archived off-site.

Conejos County Divorce Filing Requirements

Filing for divorce in Conejos County follows Colorado law. The requirements are the same as all Colorado counties. You must meet these standards. The court will reject incomplete filings.

Residency is the first hurdle. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 requires 91 days of Colorado residence. You or your spouse must have lived here. You must file in the proper county. For Conejos County residents, file in Conejos. The court checks residency. Be prepared to prove it.

The grounds for divorce are straightforward. Colorado requires only that the marriage is irretrievably broken. No fault is assigned. No misconduct must be proven. This simplifies filings. It reduces acrimony. The court accepts this statement without evidence.

A 91-day waiting period applies. The clock starts when you file. The court cannot finalize sooner. This is true even if both parties agree. The statute mandates this delay. It provides time for reconciliation. It ensures due process.

Conejos County Court Fees and Payment

Divorce proceedings in Conejos County involve fees. These costs are set by state law. They fund court operations. Current rates apply as of January 2025.

The initial filing fee is $260. This starts your divorce case. Pay this when submitting your petition. The clerk accepts cash, check, or money order. Credit cards may be accepted. Call to confirm payment options. Make checks payable to Conejos County Clerk.

Copy fees are additional. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Most divorce files contain many pages. Expect to pay for the pages you need. Certified copies are $20 each. These have official seals. Many purposes require certified copies. Name changes and remarriages often need them.

Fee waivers exist for qualified individuals. If you cannot afford the filing fee, request a waiver. File a motion to proceed without payment. Submit a financial affidavit. The judge reviews your situation. If approved, you pay nothing. Partial waivers are also possible.

Documents in Conejos County Divorce Cases

A divorce case generates many papers. Each serves a purpose. The complete file tells the full story. Understanding these documents helps you request the right records.

The petition opens the case. It names the parties. It states the marriage is over. It asks for court orders. These may include property division, support, and custody. The petition must be served on the other party. This gives legal notice.

The response comes next. The other spouse files an answer. They may agree or disagree. They may file a counter-petition. This states their own requests. The case moves forward based on these documents.

Financial disclosures are mandatory. Both parties must share financial information. This includes assets, debts, and income. Sworn statements are required. The court uses this data. It makes fair decisions about property and support.

Parenting plans address children. If minors are involved, the parents must plan for them. Custody and visitation are detailed. Child support is calculated. The court must approve any plan. The children's best interests control.

The decree ends the marriage. It includes all court orders. It approves agreements. It decides disputed issues. Once signed, the marriage is dissolved. The terms are binding. Certified copies serve as proof.

Vital Records for Conejos County Divorces

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains divorce verification records. These are separate from court files. They confirm a divorce occurred. They provide basic information.

To request verification, contact CDPHE. Their phone is 303-692-2200. Their address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The cost is $17 per verification.

Access to these records is limited. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 restricts who can obtain copies. You must have a direct interest. This includes the divorced parties. Attorneys may access records for clients. The general public has limited access. Court records offer more information for research.

Communities Within Conejos County

Conejos County includes several small communities. All residents use the Conejos courthouse for divorce filings. The county's rural character means court staff know the local area well.

Residents of rural areas and unincorporated parts of Conejos County also file their dissolution cases at the county courthouse in Conejos.

Surrounding Counties for Divorce Searches

Conejos County borders several other Colorado counties. If you cannot locate your divorce record here, try these neighboring jurisdictions. Cases are filed where the parties reside.