Hinsdale County Colorado Divorce Filings
Hinsdale County divorce records are kept at the District Court office in Lake City. This rural mountain county has one of the smallest populations in Colorado. The 7th Judicial District serves Hinsdale along with six other western slope counties. All divorce cases are filed and stored at the Lake City courthouse.
Hinsdale County Courthouse Details
The Hinsdale County Courthouse stands as the center of local government in Lake City. This historic building houses the District Court Clerk's office. The address is 311 Henson Street in Lake City. The courthouse sits in the heart of this remote mountain community.
Office hours typically run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Calling ahead is wise due to the county's small staff size. The office may close for lunch and observes all state holidays. Visitors should plan travel carefully as Lake City is remote. Winter weather can affect access to the courthouse.
The District Court is part of the 7th Judicial District. This district also includes Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties. Hinsdale County cases remain in Lake City for local handling. The clerk maintains all divorce records for the county. Files are available for public inspection during business hours.
Accessing Hinsdale County Divorce Records
Obtaining divorce documents from Hinsdale County requires planning. The remote location makes advance preparation important. Several methods accommodate different situations and needs.
Visiting the Lake City courthouse provides direct access. The clerk can retrieve and copy records during your visit. Bring valid photo identification and any case information available. Searches by name are possible if you lack a case number. Same-day service is typical for most requests.
Mailing a request avoids the travel to remote Lake City. Use the Colorado Judicial Branch record request form. Include proper payment and a return envelope. Processing takes several weeks due to limited staff. The online request form may be faster for Hinsdale County documents.
Research fees apply to complex searches. Name searches cost $5.00 each. Extensive research is billed at $30 per hour after the first free hour. Off-site retrieval costs extra for archived files. Most standard copy requests avoid these additional charges.
Online Search Options for Hinsdale County
The internet offers ways to research cases without visiting Lake City. These tools help you locate case information remotely. They are useful for preliminary research and background checks.
Colorado's free docket search includes Hinsdale County divorce cases. Access this tool at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. Filter by Hinsdale County and case class "DR" for divorces. The system shows basic case details and filing dates. It displays case status and scheduled hearings. Full document access requires contacting the court clerk.
CoCourts.com offers enhanced search features. This service charges fees but provides more information. Users can search across multiple Colorado counties. The database includes party details and case events. Remember that online searches cannot replace certified copies. Official documents must come from the Hinsdale County clerk.
Fees for Divorce Records in Hinsdale County
Costs for divorce-related services follow Colorado state guidelines. Hinsdale County applies these standards consistently. Understanding fees helps you budget for your record request.
Standard photocopies cost $0.25 per page. Divorce decrees often span multiple pages. Certified copies cost $20 per document. The certification adds an official seal. Most legal purposes require certified copies. Plain copies work for personal reference only.
Filing fees for new divorce cases are $260. This applies to dissolution petitions statewide. Responses to petitions cost $146. Modification motions filed after 60 days cost $105. These fees are set by state statute. They apply equally in Hinsdale County.
Note: Payment methods may be limited at the small Hinsdale County office. Call ahead to confirm accepted forms of payment.
Colorado Laws Affecting Hinsdale Divorce Cases
Several statutes govern divorce proceedings in Hinsdale County. These laws establish requirements and procedures. Understanding them helps explain court processes.
C.R.S. Section 14-10-106 requires 91 days of Colorado residency. Either spouse must meet this before filing. The law also imposes a 91-day waiting period. Courts cannot finalize divorces until this time passes. This applies to every Hinsdale County case without exception.
Section 25-2-117 makes vital records confidential. This includes divorce verifications held by the state. Access requires proof of eligibility and identification. C.R.S. Section 14-10-120 requires clerks to report divorces to the state registrar. This maintains accurate vital statistics for Colorado.
Chief Justice Directive 05-01 controls record access. This policy balances public transparency with privacy. Most Hinsdale County divorce records are public. Some information may be sealed by court order. Financial details often receive protection from general access.
State Verification Services
The Colorado Department of Public Health provides divorce verifications. This service offers an alternative to court records. Verifications confirm events without full case details.
CDPHE charges $17 for verification services. Processing takes about thirty business days. Orders can be placed through VitalChek for convenience. The state office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver. Phone orders are accepted at 303-692-2200.
These documents serve limited purposes. They prove that divorces occurred. They show dates and locations. They do not include settlement terms. Most legal matters require full decrees from Hinsdale County. Choose the right document type for your needs.
About Hinsdale County
Hinsdale County is Colorado's least populous county. Lake City serves as the only incorporated municipality. The entire county has fewer than 1,000 residents. All divorce cases are handled at the Lake City courthouse. The rural nature affects record access procedures.
The county covers vast mountainous terrain. Much of the land is national forest or wilderness. Access can be challenging during winter months. Visitors should check road conditions before traveling. The remote location makes mail and online services valuable alternatives.
