Montezuma County Family Court Records
Montezuma County sits in the southwest corner of Colorado. It is part of the 22nd Judicial District. Cortez serves as the county seat. The Montezuma County Courthouse handles all family court cases. You can find divorce records, custody orders, and child support documents here. These records are public under state law.
The 22nd Judicial District includes two counties. These are Dolores and Montezuma. The district sits near the Four Corners area. Montezuma County is home to Mesa Verde National Park. The court serves residents in this rural area. Staff work to keep records organized. Access is protected by Colorado public records law.
Where to Find Montezuma County Family Court Records
The Montezuma County Courthouse is at 865 North Park Street in Cortez. This building houses all court offices. Family court records are stored here. You can visit during business hours. Staff can help you find files. Call (970) 565-3762 before you visit. They can confirm the file is available.
Cortez is the largest town in Montezuma County. It is near the Utah and New Mexico borders. The courthouse is easy to find. It sits near the center of town. Parking is available nearby. The building is open on weekdays.
Types of Family Court Records in Montezuma County
Montezuma County keeps standard family court records. Divorce decrees are most common. These papers show a marriage has ended. They list property terms. They include custody plans. You may need a certified copy. The court can provide one.
Other records include custody and support orders. These state where children will live. They set visit times. Child support orders show payment amounts. All these records are public in most cases.
Protection orders are filed here too. These help people stay safe. The court can order someone to stay away. Records are public. Some details may be sealed.
Requesting Family Court Records in Montezuma County
To get records, start with a phone call. Dial (970) 565-3762. Ask about the case. Give the names of the parties. Tell them the year. Staff can check if the file exists. They will guide you on next steps.
Visiting in person is fastest. Bring photo ID. Know the case details. Staff can pull the file while you wait. Copies cost a fee per page. Certified copies cost more. These are needed for official use.
The court follows C.R.S. § 24-72-201 and C.R.S. § 24-72-203. These laws say most records are public. You have a right to view them. Some records may be sealed by law.
Online Search Options for Montezuma County
Colorado offers online access to court records. The Colorado Judicial Branch website has a search tool. You can look up Montezuma County cases. Search by name or case number. Basic info is free to view.
Not all documents are online. Some older cases may not be in the system. For full records, visit the court. The online tool updates daily. It works best for recent cases.
Here are ways to search online:
- Use cocourts.com for case lookup
- Search by party name or case number
- View case status and hearing dates
- Access some documents for a fee
Legal Resources in Montezuma County
The 22nd Judicial District offers help for self-represented parties. The court may have forms and guides. These help people without lawyers. Ask the clerk what is available. Forms cover divorce and custody cases.
Court fees follow state law. C.R.S. § 13-32-104 sets the amounts. You can request a fee waiver if needed. Forms are at the courthouse. Staff can explain how to apply.