Dissolution Of Marriage Records In Cheyenne County

Cheyenne County handles dissolution of marriage cases through the Combined Court in Cheyenne Wells, which is part of the 15th Judicial District. This court processes domestic relations matters for residents in Cheyenne County and serves the eastern plains region of Colorado. You can request dissolution records by contacting the clerk's office or using the state's online records request system. Most case files are public, though certain documents may be confidential or sealed by court order. The filing process follows Colorado's standard procedures and residency requirements for all dissolution cases.

Cheyenne County Court Information

The Cheyenne County Combined Court is located in Cheyenne Wells and serves as part of the 15th Judicial District. This district includes Baca, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Prowers counties across Colorado's eastern plains. The courthouse handles both District Court and County Court functions. District Court processes dissolution cases, felony criminal cases, and civil matters above a set dollar amount. County Court handles traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small claims.

When filing for dissolution in Cheyenne County, you work with the District Court clerk. Staff can answer questions about forms, fees, and procedures. The court's website at coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/cheyenne-county provides contact information and basic details about court services.

The filing fee for a petition is $260 as specified in C.R.S. § 13-32-101. A response costs $146. These fees are established by state law and cannot be changed by individual counties. If you cannot afford the fees, request a fee waiver form from the clerk. The court reviews your financial information to determine eligibility for a waiver.

File A Dissolution Case

To file in Cheyenne County, at least one spouse must meet the 91-day residency requirement from C.R.S. § 14-10-106. This means one person must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. The rule applies statewide. You can file in the county where you live, where your spouse lives, or where the marriage occurred.

Colorado is a no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not need to prove fault or wrongdoing by either spouse. This standard makes the process simpler and less adversarial. You can file jointly or one spouse can file and serve the other with the petition.

Filing triggers an automatic temporary injunction under C.R.S. § 14-10-107. This injunction prevents both parties from selling property, changing insurance beneficiaries, moving children out of state, or taking other major actions without court permission or written agreement. It remains in effect until the case concludes.

Download forms from coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/divorce-and-separation or get them from the clerk's office. Standard forms include the petition, response, financial affidavits, and parenting plan if you have children. Complete forms carefully before filing.

Access Dissolution Records

Cheyenne County dissolution records are generally public. Exceptions include sealed cases, confidential information, or records restricted under CJD 05-01. Parties to a case have broader access than the general public. Mention your status as a party when requesting records.

Use the online form at coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form to request records. Provide party names, case number if known, and specify the documents needed. The clerk will respond with fee information and delivery instructions. Most requests are processed within three business days unless special handling is required.

You can contact the clerk's office by phone or email. Phone works well for questions or help finding a case. Email is efficient for straightforward requests when you have the case number. Staff can search by party name and provide information about available records and copy costs.

Third-party vendors like CoCourts.com offer access to case registers. These sites show filings and activity but not actual documents. Contact the court to obtain copies of decrees, orders, or other documents. Vendors charge separate fees for search services.

Copy Fees And Costs

Cheyenne County uses the statewide copy fee schedule. Regular copies cost $0.25 per single-sided page and $0.50 per double-sided page. Parties to a case pay a maximum of $15 for copies regardless of page count. Non-parties pay per page with no cap.

Certified copies are $20 per document. The clerk stamps and signs certified copies to verify they are true copies of court records. Banks and government agencies often require certified copies. Regular copies suffice for personal reference when authentication is not needed.

Additional fees may apply for off-site retrieval or extensive research. Retrieval from off-site storage costs the actual expense. Research or redaction exceeding one hour costs $30 per hour in 15-minute increments. Request an estimate from the clerk if you anticipate your request will require extra work.

Property Division And Support

Cheyenne County courts follow Colorado's equitable division standard from C.R.S. § 14-10-113. Equitable means fair, not necessarily equal. Courts consider marriage duration, each spouse's contribution, economic circumstances, and other relevant factors when dividing property.

Separate property remains with the spouse who owned it before marriage or received it as a gift or inheritance. Marital property includes assets and debts acquired during marriage. The court divides marital property after determining what is separate and what is marital.

Spousal maintenance may be awarded under C.R.S. § 14-10-114. The statute includes advisory guidelines based on marriage length and income. Judges use these guidelines as a baseline but may adjust based on factors like age, health, and earning capacity.

Legal Help Options

Colorado Legal Services provides free assistance to low-income residents in civil cases including dissolution. Check eligibility based on income and household size. If you qualify, they may offer advice or representation.

The court's self-help resources include forms and instructions for self-represented parties. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can help with forms and explain procedures. Many handle uncontested dissolutions on their own when issues are not complex.

Private attorneys in Cheyenne Wells or nearby communities can represent you. Fees vary by attorney and case complexity. Many offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide fee estimates.

Nearby Counties

Cheyenne County is located in far eastern Colorado. Adjacent counties include:

• Kiowa County to the south
• Kit Carson County to the north

File in the county where you or your spouse resides. The court must have jurisdiction over at least one party.