Pitkin County Family Court Records
Pitkin County family court records are open to the public. The county sits in the 9th Judicial District of Colorado. Aspen serves as the county seat. The Pitkin County Courthouse houses all family court cases. You can find divorce files, custody orders, and support records here. These records help people who need copies of court orders. They also help those who want to check case status.
The 9th Judicial District includes Garfield, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco counties. Aspen is known worldwide. Many people visit each year. Some become residents. This creates unique family law needs. The court handles cases with complex assets. Property values here are high. The court staff understand these issues. They work to keep records clear and accurate. Access is protected under state public records law.
Family cases in Pitkin County include divorce and custody. Child support disputes are filed here. The court also hears protection order cases. Each case gets a unique number. This number helps track the file.
Where to Find Pitkin County Family Court Records
The main place to get Pitkin County family court records is the Pitkin County Courthouse. The building sits at 506 East Main Street in Aspen. This location serves all of Pitkin County. You can visit in person during business hours. Staff can help you find records. They can make copies for you. Call ahead to check hours and fees.
The 9th Judicial District covers three counties. Some cases may involve parties from Garfield or Rio Blanco counties. Always check which county filed the case first. This saves time.
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers an online request form for records. This is good if you cannot visit in person. The form asks for case details. You will need names and dates. Fees may apply for copies.
Types of Family Court Records in Pitkin County
Pitkin County keeps many types of family court records. Divorce decrees are often requested. These papers show that a marriage has ended. They list terms about property and support. They also list child custody plans. Certified copies are available for legal use.
Other records include custody orders. These show where children live. They show visit schedules too. Child support orders state payment amounts. They show when payments are due. All these records are public.
Protection orders are filed here too. These orders help keep people safe. They tell one person to stay away from another. Records of these orders are public. Some details may be sealed.
Common family records in Pitkin County include:
- Divorce decrees and separation papers
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support orders
- Protection orders
- Name change orders
Requesting Family Court Records in Pitkin County
You have options when you need family court records. The fastest way is to visit the courthouse in Aspen. Bring photo ID. Know the case number if you have it. Bring the names of the parties. The year of the case helps. Staff can search with this info.
If you cannot visit in person, you can request by mail. You can also use email. Send your request to the clerk. Include all details you know. Give your contact info. State what copies you need. There may be fees.
The court follows Colorado Open Records laws. These laws are C.R.S. § 24-72-201 and C.R.S. § 24-72-203. Most court records are public. You have a right to see them. Some records may be sealed. Adoption records need a court order to open.
Online Search Options for Pitkin 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 search by case number too. Basic info is free. This includes case status and hearing dates. Some documents cost money.
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 works best for recent cases.
Legal Resources in Pitkin County
Pitkin County has help for people with family court cases. The 9th Judicial District offers resources. You can call the courthouse. Staff can explain forms. They can guide you through steps. They do not give legal advice. But they help you understand options.
Court costs follow state law. C.R.S. § 13-32-104 sets the fees. You may ask for a fee waiver if you cannot pay. Forms are at the courthouse. Staff can explain how to apply.
The state website has helpful guides. This guide explains record access. It is a good place to start.