Fort Collins Family Court Records
Fort Collins family court records are at the Larimer County Justice Center. The 8th Judicial District serves this area. The court handles all family cases for Fort Collins residents. This includes divorce, custody, and adoption matters.
Fort Collins is a city in northern Colorado. It sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The city has over 170,000 residents. Colorado State University is here. The city is known for its craft breweries. The court system serves the entire community. Records are maintained at the justice center.
Understanding Fort Collins Family Court Records
Family court records in Fort Collins include many documents. Divorce cases are common. These files contain petitions and decrees. They have property settlements. They have parenting plans. Each document is part of the official record. You can request copies of most files.
The Larimer County Justice Center holds these records. The building is in downtown Fort Collins. It houses the district court. It also has county courts. Family cases go to the district court. This includes all dissolution of marriage cases. It includes allocation of parental rights.
Records are public under Colorado law. C.R.S. § 24-72-201 grants access. Court records have specific rules. C.R.S. § 24-72-203 applies to judicial records. Some files are sealed. Juvenile records have restrictions. Adoption records are closed. Most other records are open.
Where to Access Family Court Records in Fort Collins
The Larimer County Justice Center is the main location. The address is 201 LaPorte Avenue. It is in Suite 100. This is in Fort Collins. The building is near the historic downtown. Parking is available nearby. Public transit serves the area.
| Court | Larimer County Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 LaPorte Ave, Suite 100 Fort Collins, CO 80521 |
| Phone | 970-494-3500 |
| Judicial District | 8th Judicial District |
| Records Email | 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us |
You can request records by email. Use 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us. Provide case details. Include names and dates. The staff will process your request. Fees may apply. You will get a response with instructions.
The Fort Collins Municipal Court is separate. It is at 215 North Mason Street. The phone is (970) 221-6800. This court handles city violations. It does not handle family cases. Do not go there for divorce records. County courts handle those matters.
Types of Family Cases in Fort Collins
Fort Collins courts handle dissolutions of marriage. This is the legal term for divorce. Spouses file to end their marriage. The court resolves all issues. Property is divided. Debts are assigned. Support may be ordered. The decree makes it final.
Allocation of parental rights is common. This is custody in Colorado terms. Parents may share decision-making. One parent may have primary care. The court sets a schedule. Visitation is detailed. The order protects the child's welfare.
Child support cases are frequent. The court calculates support. Guidelines set the amount. Income is verified. Expenses are considered. The order is binding. It can be modified later. Changes require court approval.
Protection orders are available. Victims of abuse can seek help. Emergency orders are quick. Permanent orders need hearings. The court can order no contact. Violations have consequences. This process moves fast.
Online Search Options
You can search Fort Collins court records online. The state portal is CoCourts.com. This covers the 8th Judicial District. Create an account to search. Pay for detailed records. Basic information is cheaper.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides access guides. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/access-guide-public-records. This page explains the system. It lists available records. It describes the request process. Read it before you search.
Official request forms are available. Find them at coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form. Complete the form fully. Submit it to the right court. Wait for processing. Staff will contact you when ready.
Legal Resources in Fort Collins
Legal aid serves Fort Collins families. Colorado Legal Services helps those with low income. Call to check if you qualify. They assist with divorce. They help with custody disputes. Their services are free.
The Larimer County Bar Association offers referrals. They connect you with family lawyers. Initial meetings are reduced cost. Ask about fees upfront. Some attorneys take payment plans. Call for a list of lawyers.
Self-help resources are at the justice center. Forms are available. Instructions are provided. Staff can guide you. They cannot give legal advice. You must do the work yourself. This saves money. It takes more time.
Larimer County Family Court Records
Fort Collins is the county seat of Larimer County. The justice center in Fort Collins serves all of Larimer County. This includes Loveland and other towns. Records from all county family cases are here. For more information about Larimer County resources, visit the county page.