Teller County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Teller County in 2026
TellerRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Teller County, Colorado. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Record categories available through official channels include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property division orders, and post-judgment modifications.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains the primary repository for divorce case records filed in Teller County District Court.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Colorado Courts Case Search portal is the most common method for locating divorce records. Basic case information is available at no charge. Obtaining copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Colorado Judicial Branch operates a statewide portal that allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions and access a consolidated database of court filings, including dissolution of marriage cases.
3. State Vital Records
Colorado does not issue divorce certificates through the state vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains a divorce records index, but complete case files are held by the district court where the divorce was filed.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Teller County District Court:
Teller County Combined Courts
101 W. Bennett Ave.
Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Phone: (719) 689-2574
Colorado Judicial Branch — Teller County
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Teller County Combined Courts, 101 W. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from archive storage.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (719) 689-2574
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Colorado may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex searches involving multiple counties or archived cases. The Colorado Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law practitioners.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Colorado
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Colorado are filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under § 14-10-106 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the court has jurisdiction over dissolution proceedings when one party has been domiciled in Colorado for at least 91 days prior to filing.
Residency Requirement:
- At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Colorado for a minimum of 91 days before filing
- The petition is filed in the county of that spouse's residence
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is entered
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives
- Retrieval of archived paper records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site archive storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (719) 689-2574
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment divorce index
- Consult a licensed Colorado attorney for complex searches
What Are Teller County Divorce Records?
Teller County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Teller County District Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Clerk of Court and are subject to the public access provisions of Colorado law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Proposed and final parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance terms, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Any court-ordered name restoration
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details and modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court for Teller County District Court serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by the names of both parties. Pursuant to § 13-32-101 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the clerk is responsible for the custody and preservation of all court records.
Are Teller County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Teller County District Court are public court records subject to the access provisions of Colorado law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or sealed to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties to the proceeding
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under restricted access)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Colorado law and are not part of the public record.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Colorado's Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified at § 24-72-201 et seq. of the Colorado Revised Statutes, establishes the presumption of public access to government records, including court filings. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and the burden rests on the party seeking to limit access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents upon court order |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court permission |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Teller County?
The Teller County Combined Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with the Colorado Judicial Branch fee schedule. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of document | $20.00 per document |
| Certification stamp (per document) | Included in certified copy fee |
| Public access terminal use | No charge |
| Case search (in person or online) | No charge |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge using the public access terminals located at the courthouse.
- Copies: Plain paper copies are available at $0.25 per page.
- Certified copies: A certified copy of the final decree or any other filed document carries a fee of $20.00 per document, which includes the certification stamp and court seal.
- Electronic records: Where electronic copies are available through the court's online portal, fees may apply depending on the document type.
- Payment methods: The Clerk of Court accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Teller County Combined Courts. Credit and debit card acceptance may vary; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods prior to visiting.
- Fee waivers: Parties who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of filing and copy fees pursuant to applicable Colorado court rules. Fee waiver applications are available at the clerk's office.
- Free access: Basic case information, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge through the Colorado Courts Case Search portal and at in-person public access terminals.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Teller County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Teller County District Court contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Case number assigned by the court
- Court name and division
- Petitioner and respondent names
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
Filing Information:
- Date the petition was filed
- Filing fees paid
- Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
- Basis for jurisdiction
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Identifying information for both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (Colorado is a no-fault state; the sole ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage)
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding property, debts, and support
- Relief requested by the petitioner
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Income from all sources
- Monthly expenses
- Assets including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property
- Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
Property-Related Documents
- Marital asset inventory with estimated values
- Debt inventory and allocation proposals
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody (decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence
- Regular, holiday, and summer timesharing schedules
- Transportation and communication arrangements
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Support amount ordered and payment schedule
Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):
- Psychologist or evaluator reports
- Home study findings
- Best-interests recommendations (may be sealed)
Support Documents
Alimony/Spousal Maintenance:
- Type, amount, and duration of maintenance ordered
- Payment schedule and method
- Conditions for modification or termination
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive resolution of all contested issues
- Property and debt division
- Spousal maintenance terms
- Child-related provisions
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures and notarization
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary Orders:
- Temporary custody and support during proceedings
- Temporary use of marital property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
Final Judgment of Dissolution:
- Official order terminating the marriage
- Date of dissolution
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Complete property and debt division
- Spousal maintenance orders
- Child custody, parenting time, and support orders
- Name restoration, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate order dividing retirement plan benefits
- Instructions to plan administrator
- Applicable when retirement accounts are part of the marital estate
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
- Liens filed against property
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Residential addresses and schools of minor children
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation communications (not part of the filed record)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Teller County?
Proof of divorce in Teller County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution issued by the Teller County Combined Courts. A certified copy bears the court seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- In person: Visit the Teller County Combined Courts at 101 W. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Provide the case number or the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Pay the applicable certification fee of $20.00 per document.
- By mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, a check or money order for the applicable fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online: The Colorado Judicial Branch divorce and separation self-help page provides guidance on contacting the courthouse where the divorce was filed to obtain copies of the divorce decree.
- Through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: The state vital records office maintains a divorce index for statistical purposes. Members of the public seeking a certified court copy should contact the district court directly, as the vital records office does not issue certified court decrees.
Teller County Combined Courts
101 W. Bennett Ave.
Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Phone: (719) 689-2574
Teller County — Colorado Judicial Branch
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Teller County?
A divorce proceeding in Teller County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. While the presumption under Colorado law favors public access to court records, the district court retains authority to seal records upon a proper showing of good cause.
Circumstances under which records may be confidential or sealed:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and certain evidence related to domestic violence victims may be withheld from public access to protect victim safety.
- Children's information: The residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children are subject to restricted access under Colorado court rules.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluations are protected under both state and federal law.
- Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached outside of court may not appear in the public file if the parties agree to keep them confidential and the court approves.
Members of the public seeking access to records that have been sealed must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The Colorado Open Records Act at § 24-72-204 enumerates the categories of records exempt from public disclosure.
How Long Does Teller County Keep Divorce Records?
Teller County District Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Colorado State Archives retention schedule and applicable court rules. Divorce records are among the most permanently retained categories of court documents in Colorado.
Retention periods by record type:
- Final decrees of dissolution: Retained permanently. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely through the Clerk of Court.
- Complete case files (contested proceedings): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Complete case files (uncontested proceedings): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period as the underlying case.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file; may be subject to earlier destruction for non-essential supporting documents after the statutory minimum period.
- Archived paper records: Records predating electronic filing are maintained in physical archive storage and may require additional retrieval time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are accessible through the Colorado Courts public access guide.
The Colorado State Archives provides guidance on judicial record retention schedules applicable to district court family law cases. Members of the public seeking records older than 20 years are advised to contact the Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.