Larimer County Family Court Records

Larimer County family court records are open to the public. The county sits in the 8th Judicial District of Colorado. Fort Collins serves as the county seat. The Larimer County Justice Center houses the main family court. There is also a Loveland County Court location. You can find divorce files, custody orders, and family case records at both sites. These records help people who need copies of court orders. They also help those who want to check case status.

The 8th Judicial District handles thousands of family cases each year. Larimer County is one of the most populous counties in Colorado. Many families move here each year. This growth means more court filings. The court system works to keep records clear and easy to find. Staff at both locations 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.

Family cases in Larimer County include many types. Divorce is the most common. Child custody disputes come next. The court also hears cases about child support. Protection orders are filed here too. Each case gets a unique number. This number helps track the file through the system. Colorado lawmakers passed a law that requires courts to automatically seal certain eligible criminal conviction cases after a waiting period.

Where to Find Larimer County Family Court Records

The main place to get Larimer County family court records is the Larimer County Justice Center. The building sits at 201 LaPorte Avenue, Suite 100, in Fort Collins. This location serves most of Larimer County. The hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Clerk of Court office closes at 4:30 p.m. 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.

There is also a Loveland County Court location. It sits at 810 East 10th Street, Suite 110, in Loveland. The hours there are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This location helps people who live in the southern part of the county. You can call the main number at 970-494-3500. The Collections Unit can be reached at 970-494-3530. You can also email 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us for record requests.

The 8th Judicial District includes two counties. These are Larimer and Jackson counties. Larimer has the larger population. The court has many staff members to handle the case volume. Some cases may involve both counties. 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 Larimer County

Larimer 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. The court can provide this type of copy.

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. They show when payments are due. All these records are part of the public file. Sealed records are not available to the public. Court staff cannot give you specific information about sealed cases.

Protection orders are filed in family court as well. These orders help keep people safe. They tell one person to stay away from another. Larimer County holds hearings for these orders. Records of these orders are available to the public. Some details may be sealed for safety. The court follows strict rules on access.

Common family records in Larimer County include:

• Divorce decrees and separation papers
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support calculations and orders
• Protection and restraining orders
• Parenting plan agreements
• Name change orders

Requesting Family Court Records in Larimer County

You have options when you need family court records from Larimer County. The fastest way is to visit the Justice Center in Fort Collins. Bring photo ID with you. Know the case number if you have it. Also bring the names of the parties. The year of the case helps too. Staff can search with this info. They can pull the file and make copies.

If you cannot visit in person, you can request records by mail. You can also use email. Send requests to 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us. Include all the details you know. Give your contact info. State what copies you need. There may be fees for this service. The Collections Unit handles payments. You can reach them at 970-494-3530.

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. Adoption records are one example. These need a court order to open. The Court Resource Center can help you. Call them at 970-494-3581. You can also email 08CourtResourceCenter@judicial.state.co.us.

Online Search Options for Larimer 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. Check pricing details on the site.

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. The court also offers email support for questions. Use 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us for help.

Here are ways to search online for Larimer County records:

• Use cocourts.com for public case lookup
• Submit an email request for document copies
• Call 970-494-3500 for case status
• Contact the Court Resource Center for help

Legal Resources in Larimer County

Larimer County has help for people with family court cases. The Court Resource Center is a key place to start. 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. But they help you understand your options. You can call them at 970-494-3581. You can also email 08CourtResourceCenter@judicial.state.co.us.

Protection order hearings are available at both court locations. The court staff can help you fill out forms. The Court Resource Center offers workshops. These help people learn about the court process. They can also help with parenting classes. These are required in some custody cases.

Court costs in Larimer 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. The Collections Unit can work out payment plans. Call them at 970-494-3530 for help.