Summit County Divorce Proceedings Records
Summit County lies in the heart of Colorado's ski country, with Breckenridge as its county seat. The 5th Judicial District Court handles all divorce cases for this mountain community. Records from these proceedings document the legal dissolution of marriages filed within county boundaries. The District Court Clerk maintains comprehensive files including petitions, decrees, and all supporting documentation. These records serve residents who need proof of divorce for legal matters, name changes, or personal documentation.
Summit County District Court Location
The 5th Judicial District covers Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake, and Summit counties. The Summit County Justice Center in Breckenridge houses the District Court operations.
The Justice Center is a modern facility serving the county's legal needs. It houses the clerk's office where all record requests are processed. The building is located in the town of Breckenridge.
Court hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The clerk's office accepts record requests during these times. Security screening is required for all visitors entering the building.
Parking is available at the Justice Center. The facility meets ADA accessibility standards. Visitors can reach the courthouse via public transportation during ski season.
Note: Winter weather conditions may affect courthouse access during heavy snow periods.
Methods for Obtaining Summit County Divorce Records
Several paths lead to divorce documents from Summit County. Choose based on your needs and timeline.
In-person requests provide immediate service. Visit the Justice Center during business hours. Present valid photo identification and case information. Staff can locate and copy records while you wait for most cases.
Mail requests accommodate those who cannot visit personally. Download the Colorado Judicial Branch record request form. Complete all sections accurately. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow two to four weeks for processing and return delivery.
Online verification offers limited information quickly. CDPHE provides verification letters confirming divorce dates and parties. This service costs $17 and does not include full case documents. Contact them at 303-692-2200 or order through VitalChek.
Summit County Divorce Record Fees
Understanding costs prepares you for your record request. Summit County follows state fee guidelines.
Standard photocopies cost $0.25 per page. Divorce decrees typically range from five to twenty pages. Complete case files may be longer. Calculate expected costs before requesting.
Certified copies cost $20 per document. Certification adds the court's official seal verifying authenticity. Most legal and governmental purposes require certified copies. The seal proves the document is a true court record.
Search fees may apply when case numbers are unknown. Staff time spent locating files incurs additional costs. Provide maximum information to minimize search charges.
Payment methods include cash, personal checks, and money orders. Credit card acceptance varies. Verify accepted methods before visiting. Make checks payable to Summit County District Court.
Digital Search Options for Summit County Cases
Online tools help locate divorce cases before requesting physical copies. These resources save time and travel to Breckenridge.
The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a free docket search system. Access it at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. Search by party name, case number, or date range. Results display basic case information including parties, filing dates, and disposition. Full document access requires contacting the court directly.
CoCourts.com provides enhanced search capabilities. This subscription service offers detailed case indices and tracking. Users can monitor case progress across Colorado courts including Summit County. Membership fees apply for premium access.
Vital Records Verification Through CDPHE
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains divorce verification records. These differ from court case files.
Verification letters confirm that a divorce occurred in Colorado. They provide the date of dissolution and names of parties. They do not include property division details, custody arrangements, or financial orders.
To request verification, contact CDPHE at 303-692-2200. Their office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver. Mail requests require proper forms and payment. Online ordering is available through VitalChek for convenience.
Access restrictions apply under C.R.S. § 25-2-117. Requesters must demonstrate direct and tangible interest. This privacy protection prevents unauthorized access.
Colorado Divorce Laws and Requirements
State statutes govern how divorce records are created and accessed. These laws ensure consistency.
C.R.S. § 14-10-106 establishes the 91-day residency requirement. At least one spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days before filing. The same statute mandates a 91-day waiting period before final decrees. These provisions ensure proper jurisdiction.
C.R.S. § 14-10-120 requires clerks to report divorces to the state registrar. This maintains accurate vital statistics. CDPHE uses this information for verification services.
Chief Justice Directive 05-01 sets public access standards. Most divorce records are public documents. However, courts may seal sensitive information. Financial and custody details often receive protection.
The standard filing fee for divorce petitions is $260. This applies to new filings only. Copy fees for existing records remain separate.
Contact Information for Summit County Records
Multiple agencies assist with divorce record needs. Save these contacts for reference.
The State Court Administrator provides general court information. Call 720-625-5000 for statewide assistance. They can direct you to local offices.
CDPHE Vital Records answers verification questions. Reach them at 303-692-2200. Their Denver office handles these requests.
The e-filing system serves parties with active cases. File documents and check case status online. Historical records are not available through this portal.