Denver Family Court Records

Denver family court records are held at four separate courthouses. This setup is unique. Denver is both a city and a county. Most Colorado cities share courts with their counties. Denver runs its own courts. Each court type has its own location. You must know which court heard your case before you start your search.

The four Denver courts work together but stay apart. Denver District Court hears civil and domestic cases. Denver Juvenile Court deals with minors. Denver Probate Court handles wills and estates. The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse manages criminal cases. All four maintain separate records. This guide explains how to find records from each court in Denver.

Understanding Denver Family Court Records

Denver is a consolidated city-county. This means it operates as both a municipal and county government. The court system reflects this structure. Unlike other Colorado cities, Denver has its own court system separate from the state district courts. This affects where you file and where you search for records.

Family cases in Denver may involve multiple courts. A divorce starts at the District Court. Child custody disputes may move to Juvenile Court. Guardianship matters go to Probate Court. Each court keeps its own files. You cannot find all records in one place. You must check each court that handled your case.

Records from Denver courts date back many years. The city has kept court files since its early days. Older records may be in archives. Recent cases are in active files. The court staff can tell you where to find records from different time periods. Always call ahead before you visit Denver courts.

Where to Access Family Court Records in Denver

Finding Denver family court records means knowing which court handled your case. Each court has its own address and phone number. The District Court handles most family matters. The Juvenile Court deals with children. The Probate Court manages estates. Criminal family cases go to Lindsey-Flanigan.

The Denver Juvenile Court handles dependency, neglect, and delinquency cases. It also manages paternity disputes. These cases involve children and minors. The court keeps these records separate from other family files. You need special permission to access some juvenile records. Not all files are open to the public.

Denver Probate Court manages wills, estates, and guardianships. This court oversees matters after a death. It also handles guardianship for adults who need help. Probate records are public in most cases. You can visit the court to view these files. Staff can help you find the right case number.

The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse sits at 520 West Colfax Ave. This building houses criminal cases. Some family matters cross into criminal court. Domestic violence cases may appear here. The courthouse serves as a hub for many legal matters. Check with staff if you are unsure which court has your records.

Types of Family Cases in Denver

Denver courts handle many types of family cases. Each case type goes to a specific court. Knowing where your case type belongs saves time. Divorce and separation go to District Court. Child welfare cases go to Juvenile Court. Estate matters go to Probate Court.

The Denver District Court hears divorce and legal separation cases. Couples file here to end marriages. The court also handles annulments. Property division is part of these cases. Spousal support orders come from this court. Child custody and support may also be decided here.

Denver Juvenile Court manages cases involving minors. These include dependency and neglect proceedings. Children who need protection come here. Delinquency cases also go to this court. Paternity testing happens in Juvenile Court. This court focuses on child safety and welfare above all else.

Online Search Options

You can search for some Denver court records online. The state provides tools for remote access. Not all records are digital. Older cases may need in-person visits. The CoCourts.com portal offers case lookups. You can search by name or case number. Some records require fees to view.

The Colorado Judicial Branch website has a public records access guide. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/access-guide-public-records for instructions. You can also find a records request form at coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form. These tools help you order copies by mail. You do not need to visit in person.

Denver Municipal Court has its own website. Go to denvercountycourt.org for municipal cases. Email coradatarequests@denvercountycourt.org for record requests. This court handles city-level matters. State and county cases go to other courts.

Legal Resources in Denver

Denver offers many legal resources for families. You can find help with court forms. Many groups offer free or low-cost aid. These services help you understand the process. They do not give legal advice but guide you through steps.

Colorado Legal Services has a Denver office. They help low-income residents with family cases. Call them to ask about eligibility. The Denver Bar Association runs lawyer referral programs. You can find attorneys who handle family law. Some offer reduced rates for first visits.

The courthouse has self-help centers. Staff can explain procedures. They can help you find forms. They cannot fill out forms for you. Bring your case number if you have one. Arrive early as lines can be long. Resources are first-come, first-served.

Law libraries in Denver are open to the public. You can research case law and statutes. The Colorado Revised Statutes are available. Look up C.R.S. § 24-72-201 for public records law. C.R.S. § 24-72-203 covers court records specifically. These laws explain your rights to access files.

Denver County Family Court Records

Denver functions as both a city and a county. This makes it unique in Colorado. The Denver County court system is the same as the Denver city court system. Records from both levels are in the same locations. For more details about Denver County resources and related information, visit the Denver County page.

View Denver County Family Court Records