Larimer County Divorce Records
What Are Larimer County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Larimer County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Larimer County District Court as part of the Colorado Judicial Branch and document the legal termination of a marriage between two individuals. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-101 et seq., divorce proceedings in Colorado are formally known as "dissolution of marriage" proceedings.
Divorce records typically consist of several key documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that begins the divorce process
- Summons - Official notification to the respondent spouse
- Decree of Dissolution - The final judgment that legally terminates the marriage
- Separation Agreement - Details regarding division of property, debts, and other obligations
- Parenting Plan - Arrangements for child custody, visitation, and support (if applicable)
- Financial Disclosures - Documentation of assets, liabilities, and income of both parties
The Larimer County District Court maintains these records as part of its official court files. The court is located at:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-6100
Larimer County Courts
Are Larimer County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Larimer County are generally considered public records in accordance with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq. Members of the public may access basic information about divorce cases, including the names of parties involved, case numbers, filing dates, and the final disposition of cases.
However, certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public access:
- Financial affidavits and statements disclosing personal financial information
- Records pertaining to minor children, including custody evaluations
- Social security numbers, bank account information, and other sensitive personal identifiers
- Records sealed by court order due to safety concerns or other compelling reasons
- Temporary or permanent protection orders related to domestic violence
The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains policies regarding public access to court records in accordance with Chief Justice Directive 05-01. This directive establishes guidelines for which portions of court records are publicly accessible and which portions may be restricted.
Individuals seeking access to divorce records may visit the Larimer County Justice Center during regular business hours:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(970) 498-6100
Colorado Judicial Branch - Trial Courts by County
How To Find a Divorce Record In Larimer County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Larimer County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Larimer County District Court maintains divorce records filed within its jurisdiction. To obtain these records, requestors must follow established procedures:
- Identify the case number or names of the parties involved in the divorce proceeding
- Complete a Records Request Form available from the Clerk of Court
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or through electronic means where available
- Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by the Colorado Judicial Branch
For in-person requests, individuals should visit:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(970) 498-6100
Larimer County Courts
For certified copies of divorce decrees, requestors may need to provide:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date is unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Fees for divorce record searches and copies are established pursuant to C.R.S. § 13-32-104 and are subject to periodic adjustment. As of 2025, standard search fees and copy charges apply to all record requests.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Larimer County Online?
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides online access to certain court records, including basic information about divorce cases in Larimer County. Members of the public may access the Colorado Courts Records Search system to locate information about divorce proceedings. This system allows users to search for cases by party name, case number, or filing date.
To access divorce records online:
- Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch's online docket search portal
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria such as party names or case number
- Review search results for basic case information
The online system is accessible at: Colorado Judicial Branch - Docket Search
It is important to note that online access has limitations:
- Complete case files are not available online
- Certain documents may be restricted from public view
- Financial information and sensitive personal data are typically redacted
- Documents filed before the implementation of electronic filing may not be available online
For comprehensive access to divorce records, individuals may need to visit the Larimer County Justice Center in person. The online system primarily serves as an index to locate cases rather than providing full document access.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Larimer County?
Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in Larimer County without charge, though fees typically apply for copies and certified documents. Free access options include:
- In-person review of publicly accessible court files at the Larimer County Justice Center
- Basic case information searches using public access terminals at the courthouse
- Limited online searches through the Colorado Courts Records Search system
For in-person review, individuals may visit:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(970) 498-6100
Larimer County Courts
While initial record review may be conducted without charge, fees apply for:
- Copies of court documents ($0.75 per page as of 2025)
- Certified copies of divorce decrees ($20.00 per certification)
- Research assistance from court staff for cases older than 10 years
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 13-32-104, the court clerk is authorized to charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies. Fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship through the filing of a Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205).
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Larimer County
Divorce records in Larimer County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. These records typically include multiple documents that chronicle the legal proceedings from initiation to conclusion. Pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 16.2, divorce files contain:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce
- Response or Answer from the respondent spouse
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial disclosures from both parties (may be restricted from public access)
- Separation Agreement detailing division of:
- Real property and personal property
- Financial accounts and investments
- Debts and liabilities
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Parenting Plan (if children are involved) outlining:
- Parental responsibilities (legal custody)
- Parenting time (physical custody)
- Decision-making authority
- Child support calculations
- Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Court orders regarding name changes, if applicable
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
The level of detail in divorce records varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether the parties reached settlement agreements or required court intervention to resolve disputes.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Larimer County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Larimer County must obtain a certified copy of the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. This document serves as official evidence that a marriage has been legally terminated. To obtain this documentation:
- Submit a written request to the Larimer County District Court Clerk
- Provide the names of both parties to the divorce
- Include the approximate date of the divorce
- Supply the case number if known
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay the required certification fee
Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(970) 498-6100
Larimer County Courts
The certified copy will bear the official seal of the court and signature of the clerk, making it acceptable for legal purposes including:
- Proof of legal name change
- Remarriage license applications
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit adjustments
- Insurance policy changes
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 13-32-104, the current fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree is $20.00 per certification. Additional copies may be obtained for the same fee.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Larimer County?
While divorce proceedings in Larimer County are generally matters of public record, certain provisions exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to maintain confidentiality. Under Colorado law, parties may request that specific documents or entire case files be sealed from public access.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
- Protection of minor children from harmful disclosure
- Prevention of identity theft through protection of financial information
- Safeguarding victims of domestic violence or stalking
- Protection of trade secrets or proprietary business information
- Prevention of serious risk to the health or safety of an individual
To request confidentiality, parties must:
- File a Motion to Seal or Restrict Access with the court
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access
- Request the least restrictive limitation necessary to protect the privacy interest
The court will evaluate such requests pursuant to Public Access to Court Records (P.A.C.E.R.) guidelines and Chief Justice Directive 05-01. Judges have discretion to seal records when the harm to privacy outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Even when records are not sealed, certain information is automatically redacted from public documents, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Minor children's names and birthdates
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Larimer County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Larimer County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-106(1)(a)(II), Colorado law imposes a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date of service of the petition or the date of co-filing before a divorce can be finalized.
Typical timeframes for divorce proceedings include:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 91-120 days from filing
- Divorces with partial agreements: 4-8 months
- Contested divorces requiring court hearings: 8-12 months
- Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes: 12-18 months
Factors that may extend the timeline include:
- Difficulty serving divorce papers on the respondent
- Discovery disputes requiring court intervention
- Valuation of complex assets or businesses
- Child custody evaluations
- Court scheduling constraints
- Mediation or alternative dispute resolution attempts
The Larimer County District Court follows case management procedures established by Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 16.2, which requires initial status conferences, disclosure deadlines, and pretrial meetings designed to facilitate resolution.
How Long Does Larimer County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Larimer County are maintained permanently as part of the official court record. Pursuant to the Colorado Judicial Department's records retention schedule, dissolution of marriage case files are classified as permanent records that must be preserved indefinitely.
While physical storage methods may change over time, the legal obligation to maintain these records remains constant:
- Recent records (typically less than 10 years old) are maintained in electronic format and may be readily accessible
- Older records may be archived in microfilm, microfiche, or other storage media
- Records predating electronic filing systems may require additional time to retrieve
The permanent retention of divorce records serves several important purposes:
- Providing legal proof of marital status
- Establishing precedent for future legal proceedings
- Documenting property divisions and financial obligations
- Preserving child custody and support determinations
- Maintaining historical and genealogical information
Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 498-6100
Larimer County Courts
For records dating back several decades, additional research fees may apply, and retrieval times may be extended.
How To Get a Divorce In Larimer County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Larimer County must follow procedures established by Colorado law. The dissolution process begins with the filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Larimer County District Court. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-106, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Colorado for 91 days prior to filing.
The basic steps to obtain a divorce include:
-
Complete the required forms, which may include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101)
- Summons for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1102)
- Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000)
- Financial affidavit and supporting schedules
-
File the completed forms with the Clerk of Court at: Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(970) 498-6100
Larimer County Courts -
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $230 as of 2025)
-
Serve the non-filing spouse with copies of the petition and summons
-
Participate in mandatory financial disclosures pursuant to C.R.C.P. Rule 16.2
-
Attend an Initial Status Conference with the court
-
Negotiate settlement terms or prepare for contested hearings
-
Finalize the divorce through a written agreement or court hearing
Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings or retain legal counsel. The Larimer County District Court provides self-help resources for those proceeding without attorneys through the Self-Help Center located at the Justice Center.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Larimer County
Divorce forms for proceedings in Larimer County are available through multiple channels. These standardized documents, approved by the Colorado Judicial Branch, provide the necessary legal framework for initiating and completing a dissolution of marriage.
To obtain divorce papers, individuals may:
-
Download forms from the Colorado Judicial Branch website: Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms
-
Visit the Self-Help Resource Center at: Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(970) 498-6100 -
Request forms by mail from the Clerk of Court
Essential forms for divorce proceedings typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101)
- Summons for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1102)
- Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000)
- Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111)
- Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Financial Disclosures (JDF 1104)
- Separation Agreement (JDF 1115)
- Parenting Plan (JDF 1113) if children are involved
- Support Order (JDF 1117) if applicable
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1116)
The Self-Help Resource Center provides assistance with form completion but cannot offer legal advice. Staff can explain court procedures and filing requirements but cannot recommend specific actions or strategies for individual cases.
Lookup Divorce Records in Larimer County
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Colorado Judicial Branch - Docket Search
Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms