Divorce records in Adams County, Colorado can be accessed through several channels. AdamsCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Adams County. You can also obtain records directly from the district court that issued the decree, the Adams County Clerk & Recorder, or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which serves as the state vital records office. The method you use depends on whether you need a court case file or a vital record certificate.
Adams County Divorce Records Search
In Colorado, divorce cases are called "dissolution of marriage" proceedings. Two offices maintain divorce-related records for Adams County:
- Adams County District Court — maintains the complete case file, including the petition, decree of dissolution, separation agreements, parenting plans, custody orders, and property division orders.
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) — maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates, which are summary vital records confirming that a divorce occurred.
The district court clerk's office is the primary source for detailed divorce documents. The Colorado Judicial Branch courts records search tool allows you to look up case docket information online. For copies of actual filed documents, you'll need to submit a request to the court directly.
Adams County Combined Court — Clerk's Office
Phone: 303-659-1161
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Note: The Clerk's Office is closed to the public on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Adams County
Colorado's district courts have jurisdiction over dissolution of marriage cases. In Adams County, that means all divorce filings, decrees, and related orders are processed through the Adams County District Court, part of the 17th Judicial District.
District Court (Case Files and Decrees)
After a judge signs the decree of dissolution, it becomes part of the permanent court case file. To get copies of any document from the file — the decree, settlement agreement, custody order, or other filings — contact the district court clerk's office.
How to request court records:
- Search for the case using the Colorado courts records search or the docket search tool to locate the case number.
- Submit a records request using the Adams County Record/Document Request Form online, or email your request to AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us.
- Include the case number, party names, and a description of the documents you need.
Phone: 303-659-1161
State Vital Records Office (Divorce Certificates)
The CDPHE Vital Records Section maintains divorce certificates — short-form documents that confirm the divorce occurred, the date, and the parties involved. These do not contain the full terms of the decree. Divorce certificates are available for dissolutions that occurred in Colorado.
Phone: 303-692-2200
Which Office Should You Contact?
| What You Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree or settlement agreement | Adams County District Court Clerk |
| Custody or parenting plan orders | Adams County District Court Clerk |
| Divorce certificate (vital record) | CDPHE Vital Records Section |
| Verification that a divorce occurred | Either office |
Court divorce files are generally public in Colorado, though a judge may restrict access to certain documents — particularly those involving financial disclosures or sealed records related to minors. If part of a file is restricted, the clerk will let you know when you submit your request.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Adams County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copy (per page, standard) | $0.25 | 5–10 business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $20.00 per document | 5–10 business days |
| CDPHE divorce certificate (verification letter) | $17.75 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| CDPHE expedited processing | Additional fee applies | Varies |