Westminster Family Court Records
Westminster family court records are filed in two counties. Most of the city is in Adams County. A small part is in Jefferson County. Cases go to either the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson Combined Court. The court you use depends on where you live in Westminster.
Understanding Westminster Family Court Records
Westminster spans two judicial districts. Most residents fall under the 17th Judicial District. This district is based at the Adams County Justice Center. Some residents are in the 1st Judicial District. They must use the Jefferson Combined Court in Golden. Knowing which district serves your address is important.
Family court records in Westminster include many document types. Divorce decrees are common requests. So are parenting plans and custody orders. The court also keeps records of protection orders. These cases involve domestic violence or threats. Each case creates a file that is mostly public.
Colorado law governs access to these records. C.R.S. § 24-72-203 sets time frames for responses. Courts must respond within three working days. This applies to most record requests. Some complex requests may take longer. The court will notify you if delays occur.
Where to Access Records in Westminster
Most Westminster residents file at the Adams County Justice Center. This court is in Brighton at 1100 Judicial Center Drive. The 17th Judicial District serves Adams County residents. You can reach the clerk at 303-659-1161. The records email is AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us.
Westminster residents in Jefferson County must go to Golden. The Jefferson Combined Court is at 100 Jefferson County Parkway. This is part of the 1st Judicial District. The court serves Jefferson and Gilpin counties.
| Primary Court | Adams County Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 1100 Judicial Center Dr. Brighton, CO 80601 |
| Phone | 303-659-1161 |
| District | 17th Judicial District |
| Municipal Court | (303) 658-2220 |
Types of Family Cases in Westminster
Westminster family courts handle domestic relations cases. Divorce is the most common filing. Legal separation is also available. This option keeps the marriage intact while separating finances. Some couples later convert these to full divorces.
Cases involving children require extra steps. Parents must submit parenting plans. These plans detail custody and visitation schedules. The court reviews these plans for the child's best interest. Child support is calculated using state guidelines. Both parents' incomes factor into the calculation.
Protection orders are available for safety concerns. Victims of abuse can request temporary protection. The court holds hearings to make orders permanent. Violations can result in arrest. The court takes these matters very seriously.
Online Search Options
You can search for Westminster family court records online. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides access through approved vendors. CoCourts.com is the main platform for public searches. It covers cases from both Adams and Jefferson counties.
Go to www.cocourts.com to start. Enter a name to find cases. You can also search by case number. The site charges a fee for each search. Statewide searches cost more than single-county searches.
The online records request form is another option. Find it at coloradojudicial.gov. This form lets you order copies of documents. You will need to specify what you want. Options include divorce decrees and parenting plans.
Chief Justice Directive 05-01 governs record access. This policy explains what records are public. It also covers fees and procedures. You can read more about it on the judicial branch website.
Legal Resources in Westminster
Westminster residents can access several legal resources. The Court Resource Center in Adams County helps self-represented parties. Call 303-654-3213 for assistance. Email them at 17shrc@judicial.state.co.us.
Parenting classes are required for divorces with children. The court approves several providers. You can take classes online or in person. Prices vary by provider. Make sure the class is court-approved before enrolling.
The Family Friendly Court Program offers free childcare. This service is for court customers only. It helps parents attend hearings without worry. Ask about this program when you visit the courthouse.
For municipal court matters, call Westminster Municipal Court at (303) 658-2220.
County Family Court Records
Westminster is located in both Adams and Jefferson counties. Most residents use the Adams County court. Some use Jefferson County. Visit the relevant county page for more details.
View Adams County Family Court Records View Jefferson County Family Court Records