Douglas County Divorce Record Lookup

Douglas County divorce records are housed at the District Court in Castle Rock. This fast-growing county sits between Denver and Colorado Springs. The court handles hundreds of divorce cases each year. Records are public under state law. You can access them online or in person. The clerk follows Colorado open records statutes.

Douglas County District Court Location

The 18th Judicial District serves Douglas County. The main courthouse stands in Castle Rock. This modern facility opened in 2006. It replaced an older building. The court handles all divorce cases for county residents. The clerk's office is on the ground floor. Staff assist with record requests daily.

Castle Rock is the county seat. It sits along I-25. The courthouse is near downtown. Parking is available nearby. The clerk's office opens early. It closes in the afternoon. Plan your visit accordingly. Record requests take time. Complex searches may need a return visit.

How to Search Douglas County Divorce Records

Finding divorce records in Douglas County is straightforward. Multiple methods exist. Choose based on your needs. Some are instant. Others take time. All provide access to public records. This section explains your options. Follow the steps that work for you.

The Colorado docket search is free. It includes Douglas County. Go to coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. Select Douglas County. Pick "DR" case class. Enter search terms. You can search by party name. You can also use case numbers. The system shows case events. It lists filings and hearings. It does not show the actual documents. For those, use other methods.

For document copies, visit the courthouse. Bring identification. Provide case details. The clerk will locate the file. Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $20 each. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or card. Call ahead for large requests. Staff can prepare files in advance. This saves time during your visit.

Online record requests are available. Use the Judicial Branch form. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form. Fill out the details. Submit your request. The clerk will contact you. They will provide cost estimates. Payment is required before processing. Documents are sent by mail or email. Expect three business days for response.

Douglas County Divorce Filing Fees

Douglas County charges state-mandated fees. These are the same statewide. The legislature sets them. They appear in C.R.S. § 13-32-101. The court collects them at filing. No discounts exist for Douglas County. Everyone pays the same rates.

The fee schedule includes:

• Petition for dissolution: $260
• Response to petition: $146
• Motion to modify decree: $105
• Motion to enforce: $105
• Certified copy: $20
• Plain copy: $0.25 per page

Fee waivers are possible. File a motion to waive fees. Show financial need. Bring documentation. Examples include tax returns. Welfare benefit letters also help. The judge reviews your request. Approval is not automatic. Some fees are mandatory. Waivers apply only to discretionary costs.

Note: E-filing adds a $12 service fee per filing. This is separate from court fees.

Douglas County Residency Requirements

Residency rules apply to all Douglas County divorce filings. C.R.S. § 14-10-106 sets the standard. One spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days. You must also live in Douglas County. Or your spouse must live there. This determines where you file.

Douglas County is popular. Many people move here from Denver. Some come from other states. New residents must wait 91 days. Then they can file. Proof of residency is required. A lease or deed works. Utility bills also help. Update your address with the DMV. This creates a paper trail.

Children have separate rules. They must live in Colorado for 182 days. The court needs this for custody decisions. This is six months. If children are new to the state, custody waits. The divorce can proceed for adults. Property issues can resolve. But child orders need the 182 days. Plan your filing accordingly.

Douglas County Divorce Record Types

Several documents make up a divorce file. Each has a purpose. Together they tell the case story. The public can view most of them. Some parts are confidential. This section lists the main documents. Learn what each contains.

The petition opens the case. It states basic facts. Names and addresses appear here. It claims the marriage is broken. Colorado does not require fault. The petition lists requests. These include property division. Child custody may be requested. Support is often mentioned. The responding party files an answer. This admits or denies claims.

Financial disclosures follow. Both parties must complete these. They list all assets. Debts are included. Income is reported. This helps fair division. Parenting plans address children. They propose custody schedules. Decision-making is outlined. Support calculations appear. The final decree ends the case. It incorporates all agreements. It becomes a court order. Violating it has consequences.

After the decree, the clerk notifies CDPHE. The state tracks all divorces. They maintain an index. Verification costs $17. This is not a decree copy. It only confirms the divorce. For the actual decree, contact Douglas County District Court. Keep your own copies safe. You may need them for years.

Douglas County Divorce Process

The divorce process in Douglas County follows state law. It begins with filing. It ends with a decree. Several steps occur between. Understanding them helps. This section outlines the typical path. Your case may vary.

First, prepare your petition. Use form JDF 1011. Add a case information sheet. File both with the clerk. Pay the $260 fee. The clerk assigns a case number. You receive stamped copies. Next, serve your spouse. Use a process server. Or use the sheriff. Proof of service is filed. This starts the 91-day clock.

Your spouse has time to respond. They can file an answer. Or they can do nothing. If they answer, negotiations begin. Discovery may occur. This exchanges financial info. Mediation is often required. Douglas County offers mediation services. Settlements save time and money. If no settlement, trial occurs. The judge decides all issues. Then the decree is signed. The clerk files it. You are divorced.

Legal Resources in Douglas County

Legal help is available in Douglas County. Some services are free. Others charge fees. Many serve the whole county. Castle Rock is the hub. Some services reach outlying areas. This section lists options. Contact them directly for details.

Colorado Legal Services helps low-income residents. They have an office in Colorado Springs. It serves Douglas County. Call (719) 471-0380. Apply by phone. Priority cases get help first. These include domestic violence. Child custody emergencies also qualify. They do not help everyone. Call to learn if you qualify.

The Douglas County Bar Association offers referrals. Call (303) 688-4826. They connect you with family lawyers. Initial consultations are discounted. Ask about flat fees. Some lawyers offer payment plans. Shop around for rates. Experience varies. Ask about their background.

Self-help resources abound. The court website has forms. Instructions are included. Videos explain the process. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/self-help. The law library helps too. It is at the courthouse. Staff find resources. They do not give advice. For advice, see a lawyer. The investment is often worth it.

Cities in Douglas County

Douglas County includes several cities. All file divorce cases at the Castle Rock court. Your specific city does not matter. The county court handles all domestic relations.

Other communities include Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Roxborough Park, and The Pinery. All residents use the Douglas County District Court in Castle Rock for divorce filings.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Douglas County. Verify your filing county if you live near a boundary. You must file where a party resides.