Hinsdale County Family Court Records
Hinsdale County family court records are open to the public. The county sits in the 7th Judicial District of Colorado. Lake City serves as the county seat. The Hinsdale County Courthouse houses all family court cases. You can find divorce files, custody orders, and adoption records here. These records help people who need copies of court orders.
The 7th Judicial District handles family cases for six counties. Hinsdale is the least populous county in Colorado. The court system works to keep records clear. Staff at the courthouse can help you locate files. They follow rules set by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Access to these records is protected under state public records law.
Where to Find Hinsdale County Family Court Records
The main place to get Hinsdale County family court records is the Hinsdale County Courthouse. The building sits at 311 Henson Street in Lake City. This location serves all of Hinsdale County. You can visit in person during business hours. Staff can help you find the records you need. They can also make copies for you right there.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers an online request form for records. This can be a good option if you cannot visit in person. The form asks for case details. You will need names and dates. There may be a fee for copies.
Types of Family Court Records in Hinsdale County
Hinsdale County keeps many types of family court records. Divorce decrees are the most sought after. These papers show that a marriage has ended. They list terms about property and support. They also list child custody plans. You may need a certified copy for legal reasons.
Other records include custody orders. These come from cases about where children will live. They show visitation schedules too. Child support orders are also on file. These state how much one parent must pay. Protection orders are filed in family court as well. These orders help keep people safe.
Common family records in Hinsdale County include:
- Divorce decrees and separation papers
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support calculations and orders
- Protection and restraining orders
- Name change orders
Requesting Family Court Records in Hinsdale County
You have options when you need family court records from Hinsdale County. The fastest way is to visit the courthouse in Lake City. Bring photo ID with you. Know the case number if you have it. Also bring the names of the parties. Staff can search with this info.
If you cannot visit in person, you can request records by mail. You can also use email. Include all the details you know. Give your contact info. State what copies you need. There may be fees for this service.
The court follows Colorado Open Records laws. These laws are found in C.R.S. § 24-72-201 and C.R.S. § 24-72-203. They say most court records are public. You have a right to see them. Some records may be sealed by law.
Online Search Options for Hinsdale County
Colorado offers online tools to search court records. The main site is www.cocourts.com. This site lets you look up cases by name. You can also search by case number. Basic info is free to view. This includes case status and hearing dates. Some documents cost money to view.
The online system does not have every document. Some older cases may not be in the system. For these, you must visit the court. The system is best for recent cases. It is updated daily.
Legal Resources in Hinsdale County
Hinsdale County has help for people with family court cases. The 7th Judicial District has resource centers. They offer help to people without lawyers. They can explain court forms. They can guide you through the process. They do not give legal advice.
Court costs in Hinsdale County follow state law. C.R.S. § 13-32-104 sets the fees. You may ask for a fee waiver if you cannot pay. Forms for this are at the court. The staff can explain how to apply.