Arapahoe Public Records /Arapahoe County Divorce Records

Arapahoe County Divorce Records

What Are Arapahoe County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Arapahoe County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-107, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court filings, orders, and decrees that document the legal process of terminating a marital relationship.

The Arapahoe County District Court maintains these records as part of its official duties. Divorce records serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

In Colorado, divorce is legally referred to as "dissolution of marriage," and the records generated through this process constitute the official documentation of the legal termination of a marriage contract. These records contain sensitive personal and financial information about the parties involved in the divorce proceedings.

Are Arapahoe County Divorce Records Public?

Arapahoe County divorce records have a complex public access status that balances transparency with privacy concerns. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), but with significant exceptions and limitations.

The public accessibility of divorce records is governed by several factors:

Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is typically available to the public
Detailed financial disclosures, custody evaluations, and certain sensitive information may be restricted
Records containing information about minor children receive additional privacy protections
Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access
Records sealed by court order are not publicly accessible

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-204, certain personal information within court records may be redacted or restricted from public view to protect privacy interests. Additionally, certified divorce certificates with restricted access are available only to the parties directly involved and other authorized persons with legitimate legal interests.

The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains specific policies regarding public access to court records, including divorce proceedings. Members of the public seeking access to divorce records must follow established procedures and may face limitations on what information they can obtain.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Arapahoe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Arapahoe County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary resources for obtaining divorce records include:

Visit the Arapahoe County District Court in person:

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6355
Arapahoe County District Court

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Submit a written request to the court clerk:
- Provide the full names of both parties
- Include the approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Supply the case number if known
- Enclose the required search and copy fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
Contact the Colorado State Archives for older records:

Colorado State Archives
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-2055
Colorado State Archives

Submit an online request form:
- Complete the Record/Document Request Form through the Colorado Judicial Branch website
- Provide all required information about the parties and case
- Pay applicable fees through the online system
- Allow processing time as indicated on the request form

When requesting records, requestors must provide proper identification and may need to demonstrate a legitimate interest in accessing the records, particularly for cases involving restricted information.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Arapahoe County Online?

Arapahoe County provides limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The following methods are available for conducting online searches:

Colorado Courts E-Filing System (CCE):
- This system is primarily available to attorneys and parties to cases
- Registration is required for access
- Provides case information and document access for registered users
- Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch website to register
Colorado Court Records Search:
- Access the public portal through the Colorado Judicial Branch
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Basic case information is viewable without registration
- Document viewing may require additional fees
- Results show case status, parties, and scheduled hearings
Arapahoe County Court Records Request:
- Complete the online Record/Document Request Form
- Specify the divorce case information needed
- Pay applicable fees through the online payment system
- Receive documents electronically when available
Colorado State Archives Online Catalog:
- Search for historical divorce records
- Limited to index information for older cases
- Full records require in-person visits or mail requests
- Available through the Colorado State Archives website

When using online search methods, users should note that complete divorce files may not be available electronically, and certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted from online access in accordance with privacy laws and court rules.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Arapahoe County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Arapahoe County have limited options available. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to basic divorce record information:

In-person review at the courthouse:
- Visit the Arapahoe County District Court during public counter hours
- Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
- No fee for viewing records, though printing copies incurs charges
- Photo identification required for access
Public law libraries:
- The Arapahoe County Law Library provides public access to court records
- Located within the Arapahoe County Justice Center
- Staff can assist with basic record searches
- Viewing is free, but copying fees apply
Online case information search:
- Basic case information is available without charge through the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search
- Limited to case numbers, party names, and hearing dates
- Does not include document content or detailed case information
Historical records research:
- The Colorado State Archives provides free access to historical indexes
- In-person research at the archives facility is available without charge
- Document retrieval and copying fees may apply

While basic information may be accessible without cost, comprehensive divorce records typically require payment of statutory fees for searches, certification, and copying. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship through an approved indigency application.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Arapahoe County

Divorce records in Arapahoe County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. These records typically include the following components:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Initial filing that commences the divorce action
- Contains basic information about the marriage and grounds for dissolution
- Identifies parties and their current living arrangements
- May include preliminary requests regarding property, support, and custody
Summons and Response:
- Official notice to the responding spouse
- Respondent's formal answer to the petition
- May include counterclaims or additional requests
Financial Disclosures:
- Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111)
- Supporting financial documentation
- Property inventories and valuations
- Debt schedules and obligations
Parenting Documents (when children are involved):
- Parenting Plan outlining custody and visitation arrangements
- Child Support Worksheets showing calculation of support obligations
- Child support case information if applicable
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders during pendency of the case
- Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Permanent orders regarding property division
- Child support and maintenance (alimony) orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
Settlement Agreements:
- Separation Agreement detailing property division
- Stipulations between parties on contested issues
- Mediation agreements and resolutions
Procedural Documents:
- Court notices and hearing schedules
- Certificates of service
- Transcripts of proceedings (if requested)
- Motions and responses filed during the case

The completeness of divorce records varies based on the complexity of the case, whether children were involved, and the extent of contested issues between the parties. Records from uncontested divorces tend to be less extensive than those from highly litigated cases.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Arapahoe County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Arapahoe County may obtain this documentation through several authorized channels. The following methods are available for securing certified proof of divorce:

Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from Arapahoe County District Court:

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6355
Arapahoe County District Court

Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the decree
- Date of divorce (month and year at minimum)
- Case number (if known)
- Number of certified copies requested
- Return address
- Contact phone number
Include payment of $20.00 for certification plus $0.75 per page
Present valid photo identification when requesting in person

Online Request for Certified Copies:
- Complete the Record/Document Request Form through the Colorado Judicial Branch website
- Specify that certified copies are required
- Pay applicable fees through the online payment system
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Historical Divorce Verification:
- For divorces prior to 1968, contact the Colorado State Archives
- Submit a research request form with all known information
- Pay the required research and certification fees
- Allow additional time for retrieval from off-site repositories
Mail Request to Court Clerk:
- Send written request with all required information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a money order or cashier's check for applicable fees
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and return mail

Certified copies of divorce decrees are considered official proof of divorce and are accepted for legal purposes including remarriage, name changes, and immigration proceedings. Uncertified copies may be sufficient for informational purposes but typically do not satisfy legal requirements for official proof.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Arapahoe County?

Divorce proceedings in Arapahoe County are generally matters of public record; however, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and maintain confidentiality in specific circumstances. The following provisions may apply to divorce confidentiality:

Sealed Records:
- Pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure 121 § 1-5, parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of divorce records
- Requires demonstration of compelling privacy interests that outweigh public access rights
- Judge must find that harm to privacy substantially outweighs public interest
- Rarely granted except in extraordinary circumstances
Protected Information:
- Certain sensitive data is automatically protected, including:
  - Social Security numbers
  - Financial account numbers
  - Minor children's identifying information
  - Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
- Documents containing this information must be filed with appropriate redactions
Restricted Access Proceedings:
- Hearings involving domestic violence allegations may have restricted access
- Matters concerning child abuse or neglect receive heightened confidentiality
- Court may order in camera (private) review of sensitive evidence
Confidential Mediation:
- Divorce mediation proceedings are confidential by statute
- Mediator communications and work product are protected
- Settlement discussions remain private, though final agreements become part of the public record
Protective Orders:
- Court may issue protective orders limiting disclosure of trade secrets, business information, or other confidential matters
- Specific documents may be filed under seal with court approval
- Access restricted to parties, counsel, and court personnel

While complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is uncommon, parties concerned about privacy should consult with legal counsel regarding available protections under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-14-105 and related provisions. The court balances legitimate privacy concerns against the presumption of public access to judicial records.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Arapahoe County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Arapahoe County varies significantly based on multiple factors. The following timeline estimates reflect current processing times under Colorado law:

Minimum Waiting Period:
- Colorado law imposes a mandatory 91-day waiting period from service of the petition to final decree
- This statutory cooling-off period applies even in fully uncontested cases
- The clock begins when the petition is served on the respondent or when co-petitioners file jointly
Uncontested Divorces:
- When parties agree on all issues: 3-4 months from filing to decree
- With complete agreement and proper documentation, decree may be issued shortly after the 91-day waiting period
- Non-appearance divorce by affidavit typically resolves within 100-120 days
Contested Divorces:
- Moderate complexity with some disputed issues: 6-10 months
- High-conflict cases with multiple contested matters: 12-18 months
- Cases involving complex business valuations or significant assets: 18-24 months
- Highly litigated custody disputes may extend beyond 24 months
Factors Affecting Timeline:
- Court congestion and docket availability in Arapahoe County
- Complexity of asset division and financial matters
- Child custody and parenting time disputes
- Need for expert witnesses (business valuators, custody evaluators)
- Discovery disputes and motion practice
- Availability of mediation and settlement conferences

According to statistics from the Colorado Judicial Branch, approximately 75% of divorce cases in Arapahoe County resolve within 12 months of filing. The median time to disposition for dissolution cases is approximately 7.5 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.

Parties seeking expedited processing should consider mediation, collaborative divorce, or other alternative dispute resolution methods to reach agreement on contested issues, as this can substantially reduce the overall timeline.

How Long Does Arapahoe County Keep Divorce Records?

Arapahoe County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Colorado Judicial Department and state archival requirements. The following retention periods apply to various components of divorce records:

Active Court Records:
- Complete case files are maintained by the Arapahoe County District Court for a minimum of 10 years after case disposition
- Cases involving minor children are retained until the youngest child reaches age 19
- Records of ongoing obligations (such as maintenance or child support) are kept active until all obligations terminate
Archived Records:
- After the initial retention period, records are transferred to the Colorado State Archives
- Historical divorce records from Arapahoe County dating back to territorial days are preserved permanently
- Records from 1861-present are maintained in various repositories according to age
Digital Records:
- More recent divorce filings (approximately 2000-present) are maintained in electronic format
- Digital records are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records
- Electronic case management systems provide indefinite access to basic case information
Destruction Schedule:
- Pursuant to Colorado Judicial Department Directive 05-01, certain ancillary documents may be destroyed after shorter periods
- Exhibits and evidence may be returned or destroyed after appeal periods expire
- Working files and duplicate documents follow shorter retention schedules
Permanent Records:
- Final Decrees of Dissolution are preserved permanently
- Judgments affecting property rights are maintained indefinitely
- Index information (names, case numbers, dates) is retained permanently

Individuals seeking older divorce records should note that records from different time periods may be stored in different locations, with pre-1968 records typically housed at the State Archives rather than the county courthouse. The physical location of records affects the retrieval process and timeline for obtaining copies.

How To Get a Divorce In Arapahoe County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Arapahoe County must follow specific procedures established by Colorado law. The process includes the following steps:

Determine Eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have been a Colorado resident for 91 days prior to filing
- The marriage must be irretrievably broken (Colorado is a "no-fault" divorce state)
- Cases should be filed in the county where either spouse resides
Prepare Required Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101)
- Summons for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1102)
- Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000)
- Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111)
- Certificate of Compliance with Financial Disclosure (JDF 1104)
- Additional forms for cases involving children
File Documents with the Court:

Arapahoe County District Court
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6355
Arapahoe County District Court

Pay filing fee ($230 for dissolution without children, $265 with children)
Fee waivers available for qualifying individuals (JDF 205)

Serve the Other Party:
- If filing individually, the other spouse must be formally served with divorce papers
- Service options include sheriff's department, private process server, or waiver of service
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
Complete Financial Disclosures:
- Both parties must exchange comprehensive financial information
- Mandatory disclosures include income, assets, debts, and expenses
- Due within 42 days of service or filing of a co-petition
Attend Initial Status Conference:
- Court schedules conference approximately 40-42 days after filing
- Parties discuss temporary arrangements and case management
- Court may issue temporary orders regarding support, parenting time, and property
Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Hearing:
- Mediation is strongly encouraged and may be ordered by the court
- Parties attempt to resolve property division, support, and parenting issues
- If agreement is reached, submit Separation Agreement and Parenting Plan
Finalize the Divorce:
- Court issues Decree of Dissolution after mandatory 91-day waiting period
- Non-contested cases may be finalized by affidavit without court appearance
- Contested matters require final hearing before a judge

Self-represented litigants may obtain assistance through the Self-Help Center located at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, which provides forms, instructions, and procedural guidance.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Arapahoe County

Individuals seeking divorce forms and documents in Arapahoe County have several options for obtaining the necessary paperwork. The following resources are available:

Arapahoe County District Court Self-Help Center:

Arapahoe County Justice Center
7325 S. Potomac Street, Room 505
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6253
Arapahoe County District Court

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Self-help staff provide forms and procedural information
No legal advice is provided, but guidance on form completion is available
No appointment necessary; assistance provided on a first-come, first-served basis

Colorado Judicial Branch Website:
- Complete divorce form packets available for download
- Instructions for each form provided in plain language
- Separate packets for cases with and without children
- Forms available in fillable PDF format
- Access through the Colorado Judicial Self-Help Forms section
Colorado Legal Services:

Colorado Legal Services - Arapahoe County Office
1905 Sherman Street, Suite 400
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 837-1313
Colorado Legal Services

Provides assistance to income-qualifying individuals
Offers clinics on divorce procedures and form completion
May provide representation in complex cases
Appointment required for services

Law Library Resources:

Arapahoe County Law Library
7325 S. Potomac Street
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 649-6090

Reference materials on divorce procedures
Access to legal research databases
Sample forms and instructions
Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct to appropriate resources

Online Court Records System:
- Sample completed forms may be viewed through public access terminals
- Record/Document Request Form for obtaining copies of previously filed documents
- Fees apply for document copies from existing cases

All required divorce forms are standardized throughout Colorado and use the Judicial Department Form (JDF) numbering system. Basic divorce packets include approximately 10-15 forms depending on case complexity, with additional specialized forms for cases involving children, significant assets, or maintenance (alimony) requests.

Lookup Divorce Records in Arapahoe County

County Departments - Courts - Divorce Records

Arapahoe Divorce | Colorado State Archives

Clerk and Recorder

Arapahoe County | Colorado Judicial Branch

Record/Document Request Form | Colorado Judicial Branch

Docket Search | Colorado Judicial Branch

Case Information

Birth, death, and other vital records | Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

Other Categories in Colorado

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records