Search Delta County Dissolution Of Marriage

Delta County handles all dissolution of marriage cases through the 7th Judicial District Combined Court in Delta. This is where you file petitions and get copies of divorce decrees. The clerk's office maintains all case files for the county. To file for divorce in Delta County, one spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days, as stated in C.R.S. § 14-10-106. After filing, the court must wait another 91 days before it can issue a final decree. This waiting time lets both sides work out custody, property, and support matters.

Court Information

County Seat: Delta

Judicial District: 7th

Population: ~31,000

How to File

Filing a dissolution of marriage in Delta County costs $260. This fee is set by state law and is the same in every Colorado county. The form you need is called a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. You can get it online at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/divorce-and-separation. That site has all the forms and instructions you need if you are filing on your own.

Colorado uses no-fault divorce. You only need to say the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not have to prove your spouse did something wrong. When you file, automatic injunctions take effect under C.R.S. § 14-10-107. These orders prevent both spouses from selling property, hiding money, or moving children out of state during the case. These protections apply as soon as the petition is filed and served.

After you file, the other spouse must be served with a copy of the petition. That person is called the respondent. The respondent can file a response within the time allowed. The response costs $146 to file. If both parties agree on everything, the case can move quickly. If there are disagreements, the court may hold hearings or order mediation.

Dissolution of marriage self-help forms for Delta County

The Colorado Judicial Branch offers self-help resources that include all forms and instructions for dissolution of marriage cases in Delta County.

Requesting Court Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Delta County are public, but some information may be sealed. The final decree is usually accessible to anyone. Files with child custody plans or financial details may have restrictions. To request records, use the state's online form at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form. Most requests are handled within three business days unless there are complications.

You can also visit the clerk's office in Delta to request records in person. Bring your case number if you know it. That helps speed up the search. If you are a party to the case, bring a photo ID. The clerk will tell you what is available and what it costs. Regular copies are $0.25 per page, with a $15 maximum for parties. Certified copies cost $20 per document. You need certified copies for things like remarriage licenses or legal filings in other cases.

Court Location

The 7th Judicial District court for Delta County is located in Delta. For address, phone number, and office hours, visit https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/delta-county. That page has current contact information. You can also call the state court administrator's office at 720-625-5000 with general questions.

Online records request form for Delta County dissolution of marriage

The online records request form makes it easy to get copies of dissolution of marriage documents from Delta County without visiting the courthouse.

Property and Support

Colorado law requires courts to divide marital property fairly under C.R.S. § 14-10-113. Fair does not always mean a 50-50 split. The court considers factors like each spouse's contribution to the marriage, the value of property, and financial circumstances. Separate property that one spouse owned before marriage usually stays with that person. Marital property includes things acquired during the marriage.

Spousal maintenance, also called alimony, may be awarded if one spouse needs financial support. The court uses guidelines from C.R.S. § 14-10-114. These guidelines look at the length of the marriage and the income of both spouses. The court can adjust the amount and duration based on the specific facts of each case. Maintenance is not automatic. The spouse asking for it must show a need.

Court Costs

Filing a petition costs $260. Filing a response costs $146. If you need to modify a final decree after 60 days have passed, the motion fee is $105. These fees are set by C.R.S. § 13-32-101 and apply to all Colorado counties. Copies cost $0.25 per page for regular copies and $20 for certified copies. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a waiver. Forms for fee waivers are available at the clerk's office or online.

Court fee schedule for Delta County dissolution of marriage

The state provides a complete fee schedule for all court filings, including dissolution of marriage cases.

Name Changes

You can restore your former name as part of your dissolution of marriage. Include this request in your petition or response. If you ask within 60 days of the decree being signed, there is no extra fee. After 60 days, you must file a separate motion and pay an additional fee. The court will include the name change in your final decree.

Legal Help and Resources

You do not need a lawyer to file for dissolution of marriage. Many people represent themselves. The Colorado Judicial Branch has resources to help at https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/divorce-and-separation. That page has step-by-step instructions and all necessary forms. If both spouses agree on all issues, you may qualify for a decree without a hearing. This means you file an affidavit and the judge signs your decree without you coming to court.

For legal advice, consider contacting legal aid or the Colorado Bar Association. Some lawyers offer free initial consultations or work on a sliding fee scale. Check with the Delta County clerk to see if there are local self-help resources or volunteer lawyer programs.

Nearby Counties

Delta County is in the 7th Judicial District with Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. Each county clerk keeps its own files. If your case is in a different county, contact that clerk. Links to nearby county pages: