Aurora Family Court Records
Aurora family court records are split between two counties. Most of Aurora sits in Arapahoe County. Part of the city extends into Adams County. This affects where you search for records. Your address determines which court has your case files.
Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado. It has over 390,000 residents. The city spreads across three counties. Most people live in Arapahoe County. Some live in Adams County. A small part reaches into Douglas County. Family cases usually go to Arapahoe or Adams courts. Douglas County handles very few Aurora cases.
Understanding Aurora Family Court Records
Family court records in Aurora come from two main courts. The Arapahoe County Justice Center handles most cases. It serves the 18th Judicial District. Adams County courts handle cases from the northern part of Aurora. You must know which county you lived in when the case was filed.
The 18th Judicial District covers Arapahoe County. This district includes Aurora. It also includes other cities. The court system is centralized in Centennial. This is convenient for most Aurora residents. The justice center has all the records in one place.
Records include divorce decrees. They include custody orders. They include support agreements. They also have adoption files. Protection orders are part of the system too. Most records are public. Some are sealed by law. Some are sealed by court order.
Where to Access Family Court Records in Aurora
Most Aurora residents use the Arapahoe County Justice Center. This court is in Centennial. The address is 7325 South Potomac Street. It is a modern facility. It houses the 18th Judicial District courts. Most family cases from Aurora are here.
| Court | Arapahoe County Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112 |
| Judicial District | 18th Judicial District |
| Records Email | 18records@judicial.state.co.us |
| Municipal Court | (303) 739-6442 |
You can email records requests. Use 18records@judicial.state.co.us. Include your full name. Include the case number if you have it. Include the names of the parties. Include the year of the case. The staff will search for you.
The Aurora Municipal Court has a separate phone line. Call (303) 739-6442 for city-level matters. This court handles traffic and local violations. It does not handle divorce or custody. Family cases go to the county courts.
Types of Family Cases in Aurora
Aurora courts see many divorce cases. These end marriages. The court divides assets. It assigns debts. It handles spousal maintenance. The final decree sets all terms. Both parties must follow the order.
Child custody is a major case type. Parents may agree or fight. The court decides if they cannot. The best interest standard applies. The court looks at many factors. Stability matters. Parental cooperation matters. The child's needs come first.
Child support goes with custody. The court uses a formula. Income is key. Parenting time affects the amount. Medical costs are included. Childcare costs are too. The order stays until modified.
Online Search Options
The Colorado court system has an online portal. You can search Aurora cases there. Visit CoCourts.com. This covers the 18th Judicial District. You can search by name. You can search by case number. Fees apply for detailed records.
The Judicial Branch provides a public access guide. Find it at coloradojudicial.gov/access-guide-public-records. This explains the process. It lists what is available. It tells you how to request copies.
Official forms are online. The records request form is at coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form. Download and complete it. Submit it by email or mail. Wait for a response. Processing takes time.
Legal Resources in Aurora
Legal help is available in Aurora. Colorado Legal Services aids low-income families. They have offices nearby. Call to check eligibility. They help with divorce. They help with custody. They offer guidance.
The Aurora Bar Association connects you with lawyers. Family law attorneys are listed. Initial consultations are available. Some lawyers offer sliding scales. Call for referrals. Ask about costs upfront.
Self-help centers are at the courthouse. They provide forms. They explain procedures. They do not give legal advice. You must fill out forms yourself. Staff can answer basic questions. Go early to avoid lines.
Colorado law governs these records. C.R.S. § 24-72-201 defines public records. C.R.S. § 24-72-203 covers court files. These laws grant access rights. They also set limits. Learn your rights before you search.
Arapahoe County Family Court Records
Aurora is the largest city in Arapahoe County. Most Aurora cases are in Arapahoe County. The justice center in Centennial serves the entire county. This includes Aurora and other communities. For more about Arapahoe County court resources, visit the county page.