Yuma County Divorce Certificate Access
Yuma County lies in the northeastern corner of Colorado, bordering Nebraska and Kansas. The county seat in Wray hosts the District Court where all divorce records are maintained. This agricultural community processes dissolution cases through the 13th Judicial District Court system. Records from these proceedings document the legal end of marriages filed within the county. The District Court Clerk preserves complete case files including petitions, decrees, and all supporting documentation for qualified requesters.
Yuma County District Court Information
The 13th Judicial District covers Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma counties. The Yuma County Courthouse in Wray handles all district court matters for the county.
The courthouse is located in Wray, the county seat. This facility serves the rural agricultural population of Yuma County. Court hours follow standard Monday through Friday business schedules.
The clerk's office maintains all divorce case files for the county. Documents include petitions, decrees, and all case filings. Rural courthouses like Yuma County provide personalized service for record requests.
Parking is available near the courthouse entrance. The building is accessible to all visitors. Security screening is required for all who enter.
Methods for Obtaining Yuma County Divorce Records
Three primary methods exist for requesting divorce documents. Each approach serves different needs.
In-person requests provide the fastest results. Visit the Wray courthouse during business hours. Bring valid photo identification and case details. Staff can locate files and produce copies during your visit.
Mail requests accommodate those who cannot visit personally. Complete the Colorado Judicial Branch record request form. 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. This costs $17 and does not include full case files. Contact them at 303-692-2200 or use VitalChek.
Note: Mail times may be longer for this remote northeastern location.
Yuma County Divorce Record Fees
Understanding costs helps you prepare for your record request. Yuma County follows state fee guidelines.
Standard photocopies cost $0.25 per page. Divorce decrees typically range from five to fifteen pages. Complete case files may be longer. Calculate your expected costs.
Certified copies cost $20 per document. Certification adds the court's official seal verifying authenticity. Most legal purposes require certified copies.
Search fees may apply when case numbers are unknown. Staff time locating files incurs additional costs. Provide complete information to minimize charges.
Payment methods include cash, personal checks, and money orders. Credit card acceptance varies. Verify accepted methods before visiting.
Online Search Tools for Yuma County Cases
Digital resources help locate cases before requesting physical copies. These tools save travel time.
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 and filing dates. Full document access requires court contact.
CoCourts.com provides subscription-based searching. This service offers detailed case indices across Colorado. Yuma County cases appear in their database. The platform suits researchers needing frequent access.
Colorado Divorce Statutes and Requirements
State laws govern divorce proceedings and record keeping. These apply uniformly across all counties.
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.
C.R.S. § 14-10-120 requires clerks to report divorces to the state registrar. This creates the verification database. CDPHE maintains these records.
C.R.S. § 25-2-117 restricts access to vital records. Requesters must show direct interest. This protects privacy.
Chief Justice Directive 05-01 controls public access to court records. Most divorce records are public. Sensitive information may be sealed.
Historical Yuma County Divorce Research
Yuma County formed in 1889. Early records reflect the area's agricultural settlement. The Colorado State Archives preserves historical court documents.
Researchers seeking older cases should contact the State Archives. Visit colorado.gov/archives for information. Their collection includes records from northeastern Colorado.
Name variations may affect historical searches. Consider alternate spellings. Records are indexed by names as originally filed.
Contact Information for Record Assistance
Multiple agencies provide help with divorce records. Save these contacts.
The State Court Administrator offers general guidance. Call 720-625-5000 for statewide court information.
CDPHE Vital Records handles verification requests. Reach them at 303-692-2200. Their Denver office processes these requests.
The e-filing portal serves parties with active cases. File documents and check status online. Historical records are not available there.