Custer County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Custer County's dissolution of marriage cases go through the 11th Judicial District Combined Court in Westcliffe. This court handles all divorce filings for the county. To file a petition, one spouse must be a Colorado resident for at least 91 days before filing, as required by C.R.S. § 14-10-106. After you file, you must wait another 91 days before the court can sign a final decree. These rules give both parties time to settle property, custody, and support issues. The clerk in Westcliffe keeps all dissolution of marriage files. You can request copies or search for old case records by contacting the clerk's office.
Court Details
County Seat: Westcliffe
Judicial District: 11th
Population: ~5,000
Starting a Case
To start a dissolution of marriage case in Custer County, file a petition at the courthouse in Westcliffe. The filing fee is $260, which is set by C.R.S. § 13-32-101. This fee is the same across all Colorado counties. You need to complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage form, which you can get online at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/divorce-and-separation. That page has all the forms and instructions for people who are filing without a lawyer.
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state. You only need to state that your marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not have to prove wrongdoing or blame your spouse. The court accepts this as the only ground for divorce. When you file, automatic injunctions go into effect under C.R.S. § 14-10-107. These orders stop both spouses from hiding assets, selling property, or taking children out of state without permission. The injunctions protect both parties during the case.
The Colorado Judicial Branch self-help page provides forms and instructions for dissolution of marriage cases. This is useful if you do not have an attorney.
Getting Records
Dissolution of marriage records in Custer County are public, though some parts may be sealed. The final decree is usually available to anyone who asks. Files with financial details or parenting agreements may have access restrictions. To get records, fill out the online request form at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form. The court typically processes requests within three business days.
You can also request records in person at the clerk's office in Westcliffe. Bring your case number if you have it. If you are a party to the case, bring photo ID. The clerk will tell you what documents are available and how much they cost. Regular copies are $0.25 per page. Parties to the case pay no more than $15 total for copies. Certified copies cost $20 per document. These are needed for official purposes like remarriage or Social Security.
Court Contact Information
The 11th Judicial District court for Custer County is in Westcliffe. For address, phone, and hours, visit https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/custer-county. That page has current contact details. The state court administrator's office can also help at 720-625-5000 if you have general questions about court procedures.
Use the online records request form to get copies of dissolution of marriage documents from Custer County without going to the courthouse.
Dividing Property
When a court grants a dissolution of marriage, it divides marital property in a fair way. This is called equitable distribution under C.R.S. § 14-10-113. Fair does not mean equal. The court looks at many factors. These include what each spouse contributed to the marriage, the value of the property, and each person's financial situation after divorce. Property one spouse owned before marriage usually stays separate. Property bought during the marriage is marital property and gets divided.
Spousal maintenance may be ordered if one spouse needs financial help after divorce. The amount follows guidelines in C.R.S. § 14-10-114. These guidelines consider the length of the marriage and the income of both spouses. The court can adjust the guidelines if the situation requires it. Maintenance is not automatic. The requesting spouse must show a need for support.
Waiting Periods and Timelines
Colorado law requires two separate 91-day waiting periods. First, one spouse must live in Colorado for 91 days before filing. Second, 91 days must pass after the court gets jurisdiction over the respondent before it can issue a decree. You cannot speed up these periods. They are set by state statute. Most dissolution of marriage cases take several months from start to finish. Simple cases with no disputes may finish in about three to four months. Complex cases with custody or property fights can take a year or more.
Name Restoration
If you want to go back to your name from before marriage, ask for it in your petition or response. There is no fee if you request this within 60 days of the decree being signed. After 60 days, you must file a separate motion and pay a fee. The court includes the name change in your final decree.
The complete fee schedule lists all court costs for dissolution of marriage cases. This applies to all Colorado counties including Custer.
Self-Represented Parties
Many people in Custer County handle dissolution of marriage cases without lawyers. The court provides resources to help. Visit https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/divorce-and-separation for forms and instructions. If both parties agree on all terms, you may qualify for a decree without a hearing. File an affidavit with the court and the judge can sign your decree without you coming to court.
For legal questions, consider contacting legal aid or the Colorado Bar Association. Some lawyers offer free consultations or reduced fees. Check with the clerk's office to see if the county has a self-help center or volunteer lawyer program.
Nearby Counties
Custer County is in the 11th Judicial District with Chaffee, Fremont, and Park counties. Each county clerk keeps its own dissolution of marriage files. If your case is in another county, contact that clerk. Links to nearby county pages: