Jackson County Marriage Dissolution Files
Jackson County divorce records are maintained at the District Court in Walden. This northern Colorado county sits in the North Park basin surrounded by mountains. The 8th Judicial District serves Jackson County along with Larimer County. All divorce cases are handled at the courthouse in Walden, the county seat.
Jackson County Courthouse Location
The Jackson County Courthouse serves as the center of judicial activity in Walden. The District Court Clerk maintains all divorce case files for the county. The courthouse address is 396 Lafever Street in Walden. This building houses all county government functions in one location.
Court office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office closes for lunch and observes state holidays. Visitors should call ahead to confirm hours and record availability. Winter weather can affect travel to this remote mountain location. Planning ahead ensures a successful visit to the courthouse.
The 8th Judicial District handles domestic relations cases for Jackson County. This district also includes Larimer County with its larger population. Jackson County cases remain in Walden for local processing. The clerk can assist with locating files and making copies. Identification is required for all record requests.
Requesting Jackson County Divorce Documents
Several options exist for obtaining divorce records from Jackson County. The remote location makes choosing the right method important. Each approach has advantages for different situations.
Personal visits provide immediate access to records. The clerk can search and copy files while you wait. Most requests complete during the same business day. Bring photo identification and any case details available. Staff can search by names if you lack case numbers. Same-day service is the norm for most requests.
Mail requests avoid travel to rural Walden. Complete the Colorado Judicial Branch record request form. Include payment and a self-addressed return envelope. Processing takes two to four weeks typically. The online request form offers faster processing for Jackson County records.
Note: Some older Jackson County divorce records may be archived at the Colorado State Archives.
Online Search Capabilities
The internet offers tools for researching Jackson County divorce cases. These resources help you find information without traveling. They support preliminary research and case tracking.
The Colorado docket search system includes Jackson County cases. This free tool is at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. Select Jackson County from the location filter. Choose "DR" for domestic relations cases. Search by party names or case numbers. The system shows filing dates and case status. Full documents are not available online.
CoCourts.com provides enhanced search options. This service requires subscription fees. It offers detailed case information across Colorado. Users can view party details and case events. The database helps track multiple cases efficiently. Remember that online information is not official. Certified copies must come from the Jackson County clerk.
Jackson County Divorce Fees and Costs
Understanding fees helps you prepare for record requests. Jackson County follows Colorado state fee schedules. These rates apply uniformly across jurisdictions.
Standard photocopies cost $0.25 per page. Divorce decrees often span several pages. Certified copies cost $20 per document. Certification adds official verification. Most legal purposes require certified documents. Personal reference may use standard copies.
Filing fees for new divorces are $260. This applies to dissolution petitions. Responses to petitions cost $146. Modification motions cost $105 after 60 days. These fees support the court system statewide. Payment options include cash, check, and money order.
Colorado Laws Affecting Jackson County Divorces
State statutes establish divorce procedures in Jackson County. These laws create consistent standards across Colorado. They affect how records are created and accessed.
C.R.S. Section 14-10-106 establishes the 91-day residency rule. Either spouse must live in Colorado for this period. The law also mandates a 91-day waiting period. Courts cannot finalize divorces until this time passes. This applies to all Jackson County cases equally.
Section 14-10-120 requires notification to state authorities. Clerks must report divorces to the vital records office. This maintains accurate statistics statewide. The law supports verification services for the public.
Chief Justice Directive 05-01 governs record access. This policy balances transparency with privacy. Most Jackson County divorce records are public. Some documents may be sealed by order. Sensitive information may be redacted in copies.
State Divorce Verification Services
The Colorado Department of Public Health provides verifications. This service differs from court records. It offers limited proof of divorce events.
CDPHE charges $17 for verification services. Processing takes about thirty business days. Online orders are available through VitalChek. The Denver office handles all requests. Phone orders can be made at 303-692-2200.
Verifications confirm that divorces occurred. They include names, dates, and counties. They do not provide settlement details. Most legal matters require full court decrees. Jackson County provides those directly. Select the document type that meets your needs.
About Jackson County
Jackson County covers a large area in North Park. Walden serves as the only incorporated town. The county has a small population spread over vast ranch land. All divorce cases go through the Walden courthouse. The rural character affects how services are delivered.
The area is known for ranching and outdoor recreation. The Illinois River runs through the county. Winter weather can isolate the area. Travelers should check conditions before visiting. Remote access makes alternative request methods valuable.
