Search Custer County Divorce Court Files

Custer County divorce records are housed at the District Court in Westcliffe. This mountain valley county in south-central Colorado maintains all dissolution of marriage documentation for residents of Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, and surrounding rural areas. The court preserves petitions, decrees, property settlements, and custody orders. The clerk's office provides public access to these records during business hours.

Custer County District Court Information

The Custer County Courthouse is located at 205 South 6th Street in Westcliffe. This building serves as the center for all court operations. The District Court Clerk maintains divorce records here. The office handles all requests for copies and file access.

Contact the clerk at 719-783-2274. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The court is closed on state holidays. Westcliffe is a small mountain community. The courthouse is centrally located. Staff offer friendly, personalized service.

Custer County is part of the 11th Judicial District. This district includes several south-central Colorado counties. Judges travel between court locations. Your divorce case may be heard by any district judge. The clerk will notify you of hearing dates and locations.

The court maintains records dating back many years. Older files are preserved but may be stored off-site. Request archived records in advance. The clerk can retrieve them with notice. Allow extra time for older case files.

Finding Custer County Divorce Records

Several methods exist for locating divorce records in Custer County. Each offers different benefits. Choose based on your specific needs. Some methods are immediate. Others take more time.

The online docket search is free and fast. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. Select the 11th Judicial District. Choose Custer County. Enter a name or case number. The system displays case information. This includes filing dates and current status. Full documents are not available online.

In-person access provides complete files. Visit the Westcliffe courthouse. Request to view a case file. The clerk will assist you. You can read through documents at the counter. You can identify which pages you need. Copies are made while you wait. This is the best way to see everything.

Mail requests work for those at a distance. Write to the Clerk of Court. Include as much information as possible. Names, dates, and case numbers help. Enclose payment for expected copies. Include a self-addressed envelope. Processing typically takes two to four weeks.

Custer County Divorce Filing Costs

Understanding court fees helps you prepare. Custer County follows state fee schedules. These are uniform across Colorado. Current rates took effect January 2025.

The filing fee for a divorce petition is $260. This applies to all new dissolution cases. Pay this when you submit your paperwork. The clerk accepts cash, check, and money order. Make checks payable to Custer County Clerk. Credit card use varies. Call to confirm.

Copy fees are additional. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Divorce files often contain many pages. A complete copy can be expensive. Certified copies are $20 each. These are often required for legal matters. They bear the official court seal.

Fee waivers help those who cannot pay. You may request to proceed without fees. File a motion with the court. Submit a sworn financial statement. The judge reviews your situation. If approved, fees are waived. Partial waivers are also possible.

Legal Standards for Custer County Divorce

Colorado statutes govern all divorces in Custer County. These laws are applied uniformly. You must meet all requirements. The court verifies compliance.

Residency is required. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 mandates 91 days of Colorado residence. You or your spouse must meet this. You must file in your county of residence. Custer County residents file in Westcliffe. Be ready to prove residency if asked.

Colorado is a no-fault state. You need only claim the marriage is irretrievably broken. No other grounds are needed. You do not prove fault. This makes the process less contentious. It focuses on resolution rather than blame.

The waiting period is statutory. Ninety-one days must pass from filing to decree. This cannot be waived. It applies to all cases. Even when parties agree completely, they must wait. Use this time to prepare agreements. Gather financial documents. Plan for the future.

Note: The court may issue temporary orders during the waiting period.

What Custer County Divorce Records Contain

A complete divorce file includes many documents. Each tells part of the story. Together they form the official record. Request the specific documents you need.

The petition for dissolution starts the process. It is filed by one spouse. It names both parties. It states basic facts about the marriage. It requests court orders. These may include property division, support, and custody arrangements.

The answer is the response. The other spouse files this document. They may agree with the petition. They may contest parts of it. They may make their own requests. The answer determines what issues remain in dispute.

Financial disclosures are essential. Both parties must complete sworn statements. These list all assets and debts. They document income and expenses. The court uses this to ensure fair division. Colorado law requires equitable distribution under C.R.S. § 14-10-113.

When children are involved, parenting plans are required. These outline custody arrangements. They specify visitation schedules. They address decision-making authority. Child support calculations are included. The court must approve any plan involving minors.

The final decree completes the divorce. It dissolves the marriage. It includes all court orders. It may incorporate settlement agreements. Once signed, it is binding. Certified copies serve as legal proof of divorce.

Vital Records Verification from CDPHE

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers divorce verification services. These differ from court records. They confirm a divorce occurred. They provide limited details.

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

Access restrictions apply. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 protects vital records. Only those with direct interest may obtain copies. This includes the divorced parties. It includes their legal representatives. The general public has limited access. Court records remain more accessible.

Towns in Custer County

Custer County includes several communities. All use the Westcliffe courthouse for divorce matters. The rural mountain setting creates a close-knit court environment.

Residents of unincorporated areas throughout Custer County also file dissolution cases at the Westcliffe courthouse.

Nearby Counties for Divorce Searches

If you cannot find your record in Custer County, check these neighboring counties. Cases are filed where the parties reside.