Conejos County Dissolution Of Marriage Lookup

Conejos County handles dissolution of marriage cases through the Combined Court in Conejos, which is part of the 12th Judicial District. This court processes domestic relations matters for residents in Conejos County and the San Luis Valley region. Dissolution records can be requested through the clerk's office by phone, email, or in person, or you can use the online records request system maintained by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Most case files are public, though some documents may be confidential or sealed under state law and court directives. The filing process follows standard Colorado procedures including residency requirements and no-fault grounds for dissolution.

Court System In Conejos County

The Conejos County Combined Court is located in the town of Conejos and serves as part of the 12th Judicial District. This district includes Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties across the San Luis Valley. The courthouse handles both District Court and County Court functions. District Court processes dissolution cases, felony criminal matters, and civil cases above certain amounts. County Court handles traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small claims.

When filing for dissolution in Conejos County, you work with the District Court clerk. Staff can assist with questions about forms, fees, and procedures. Visit coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/conejos-county for contact information and court details.

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 statute and apply in all Colorado counties. If you cannot afford the fees, request a fee waiver form. The court reviews your financial information to determine eligibility.

Historical Dissolution Records

Conejos County has some historical divorce records at the Colorado State Archives. According to the Archives, Conejos County divorce cases from 1899 to 1915 are available in their search database. These records are useful for genealogical research or historical inquiries. If you need records from that time period, contact the State Archives at 303-866-2358 or visit archives.colorado.gov.

Records outside that time frame are held by the District Court in Conejos. Contact the clerk to request records for cases filed after 1915 or before 1899. Staff can search by party name if you lack a case number. Modern records with electronic indexing are easier to locate than older paper records.

Full case files at the Archives are restricted for 100 years. Only the Decree of Dissolution is publicly accessible for records under 100 years old, and even that may be restricted if it contains financial or parenting agreements. Parties to a case have broader access but must provide government-issued photo ID.

File For Dissolution

To file in Conejos County, one spouse must meet the 91-day residency requirement from C.R.S. § 14-10-106. At least one person must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. 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. No one has to prove wrongdoing. This standard simplifies the process and reduces conflict. You can file jointly or one spouse can file and serve the other.

Filing triggers an automatic temporary injunction under C.R.S. § 14-10-107. This stops 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 stays in place until the case concludes.

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

Get Copies Of Case Records

Conejos County dissolution records are generally public. Exceptions include sealed cases, confidential information, or records restricted under CJD 05-01. Parties to a case have more access than the general public. Identify yourself 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 by phone or email. Phone calls work well for questions or help finding a case. Email is efficient for simple requests when you have the case number. Staff can search by party name and provide information about available records and 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 their services.

Fees For Copies

Conejos 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 authentic court records. Banks and government agencies often require certified copies. Regular copies work for personal reference.

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 if you expect extra work.

Property And Maintenance Awards

Conejos 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.

Separate property stays 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. This statute includes advisory guidelines based on marriage length and income. Judges use the guidelines as a baseline but may adjust based on factors like age, health, and earning capacity.

Legal Help And Support

Colorado Legal Services provides free assistance to low-income residents in civil matters 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 give legal advice but can help with forms and explain procedures. Many handle uncontested dissolutions on their own when issues are straightforward.

Private attorneys in Conejos and surrounding communities can represent you. Fees vary by attorney and case complexity. Many offer free initial consultations.

Nearby Counties

Conejos County is located in southern Colorado's San Luis Valley. Adjacent counties include:

• Alamosa County to the east
• Costilla County to the south
• Rio Grande County to the west

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