Mesa County Public Records /Mesa County Divorce Records

Mesa County Divorce Records

What Are Mesa County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Mesa County are official legal documents maintained by the 21st Judicial District Court that document the dissolution of marriage within the county. These records are governed by Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-101, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings, formally referred to as "dissolution of marriage" in Colorado. The Mesa County District Court maintains these records as part of its official court functions.

Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Response to the Petition
Financial affidavits
Parenting plans (if children are involved)
Property division agreements
Court orders and judgments
Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

These records serve numerous important purposes, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling remarriage
Supporting legal name changes
Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
Verifying status for loan applications
Establishing status for immigration matters
Determining child custody and support arrangements

The Mesa County District Court maintains these records as part of its official duties within the Colorado Judicial Branch.

Are Mesa County Divorce Records Public?

Mesa County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and content. Generally, court divorce case files in Mesa County are considered public records pursuant to the Colorado Open Records Act § 24-72-201, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to significant limitations.

While basic case information is typically available to the public, certain components of divorce files may be restricted or redacted, including:

Financial affidavits and statements
Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, or other personal identifying information
Documents related to domestic violence protection orders
Records pertaining to minor children
Psychological evaluations or reports
Records sealed by court order

Additionally, certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have restricted access under Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117. These certificates are available only to:

The parties to the divorce
Direct family members with a tangible interest
Legal representatives of eligible parties
Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Government agencies for official purposes

The Mesa County District Court and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment adhere to these statutory requirements when processing requests for divorce records.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Mesa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Mesa County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific records needed.

For court case files:

Visit the Mesa County Combined Courts in person:

Mesa County Combined Courts
125 N. Spruce Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-3640
Mesa County Combined Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Submit a written request using the Record/Document Request Form provided by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Include:
- Full names of both parties
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Specific documents requested
- Requester's contact information
- Proof of identity (for restricted records)
For older divorce records (generally pre-1968), contact:

Colorado State Archives
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203
303-866-2055
Colorado State Archives
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

For certified divorce certificates:

Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Vital Records Section:

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Vital Records Section
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246
303-692-2200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Submit the required application form with:
- Proof of identity
- Documentation of direct interest or legal right to access
- Required fees

Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Standard processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, while expedited services may be available for additional fees.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Mesa County Online?

Mesa County residents and interested parties can access certain divorce record information through several online platforms. The digital accessibility of these records facilitates more efficient research while adhering to privacy regulations.

The primary online resources for Mesa County divorce records include:

Colorado Courts E-Filing System (CCES): Attorneys and self-represented litigants who are parties to a case may access their case documents through this system. Registration is required, and access is limited to parties and their legal representatives. The system is available at Colorado Courts E-Filing.
CoCourts Public Access: This service provides basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and scheduled hearings. While full documents are not available, the docket information can be valuable for locating cases. Access is available at CoCourts Public Access.
LexisNexis CourtLink: This subscription-based service offers access to Mesa County court records, including divorce cases. This platform is primarily used by legal professionals and requires paid registration.
Colorado State Archives Online Index: For historical divorce records, the Colorado State Archives maintains an online index that can help locate older divorce records, though the actual documents must be requested separately.

When using these online systems, users should have the following information ready:

Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
Case number (if known)

It is important to note that pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117, certain sensitive information within divorce records is not available online, and certified copies of divorce decrees cannot be obtained through these online systems.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Mesa County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Mesa County divorce records have several options available, though free access is typically limited to basic case information rather than complete document copies.

Free resources for divorce record research include:

Mesa County Law Library: Located within the Mesa County Justice Center, the law library provides public access terminals where visitors can search basic case information at no charge.

Mesa County Law Library
125 N. Spruce Street, Room 175
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-3640
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Public Access Terminals: The Mesa County Combined Courts offers public access computer terminals in the clerk's office where visitors can search basic case information without charge.
Colorado Courts Records Search: Limited case information is available through the public access portal at Colorado Courts Records Search. While this service provides basic case details at no cost, it does not include document images.
Mesa County Public Library: The library maintains public computers with internet access where patrons can search public court databases.

Mesa County Public Library - Central Library
443 N. 6th Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-243-4442
Hours vary by branch

When using these free resources, requesters should note:

While basic case information may be available without charge, fees typically apply for document copies
Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Staff assistance with research may be limited
Historical records (generally pre-1968) may not be available through these resources

For comprehensive research, particularly for cases involving complex documentation or older records, requesters may need to utilize fee-based services or submit formal requests to the appropriate agencies.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Mesa County

Divorce records in Mesa County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process. These records are maintained by the 21st Judicial District Court and typically contain several distinct components.

The standard divorce file generally includes:

Initial Filings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Case Information Sheet
- Response or Answer to the Petition
- Proof of Service documents
Financial Documentation:
- Sworn Financial Statements
- Financial Disclosures
- Property and Debt Schedules
- Income verification (tax returns, pay stubs)
- Pension and retirement account information
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting Plan proposals
- Child Support Worksheets
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad Litem reports
Procedural Documents:
- Status Conference notices and minutes
- Temporary Orders
- Mediation agreements or outcomes
- Motions and responses
- Hearing transcripts
Final Documents:
- Separation Agreement
- Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Permanent Orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Name Change Orders (if applicable)
Post-Decree Filings (if any):
- Motions to modify support or custody
- Contempt proceedings
- Enforcement actions

The certified divorce certificate, issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, contains more limited information, typically including:

Names of both parties
Date and place of divorce
Case number
Court of jurisdiction
Date of marriage
Official certification

These records collectively document the legal termination of the marriage and establish the rights and responsibilities of both parties following the dissolution.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Mesa County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce from Mesa County have two primary options for obtaining this documentation, depending on the level of detail and certification needed.

For a certified copy of the divorce decree (the most comprehensive proof):

Submit a request to the Mesa County District Court:

Mesa County Combined Courts
125 N. Spruce Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-3640
Mesa County Combined Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

The request should include:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Requester's relationship to the case
- Valid photo identification
- Required fee payment ($20.00 for first certified copy, $5.00 for each additional copy)
Complete the Record/Document Request Form available through the Colorado Judicial Branch website.

For a certified certificate of divorce (a concise official verification):

Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Vital Records Section
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246
303-692-2200
Vital Records Section
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Submit the required application with:
- Proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
- Documentation establishing direct interest in the record
- Required fee payment ($20.00 for search and first certificate)

For divorces finalized before 1968, contact:

Colorado State Archives
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203
303-866-2055
Colorado State Archives
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117, access to certified divorce records is restricted to parties to the divorce, immediate family members with a direct interest, legal representatives, and individuals with a court order authorizing access.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Mesa County?

While divorce proceedings in Mesa County are generally matters of public record, Colorado law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.

The primary methods for maintaining confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:

Sealed Records: Pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure 121 § 1-5, parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce file. The court may grant such requests when:
- Public access would pose a substantial risk to an individual's safety or privacy
- The information contains trade secrets or proprietary business information
- The privacy interests substantially outweigh the public interest in access
- Sealing is necessary to protect the identity of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence
Suppressed Personal Information: Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-128, certain personal identifying information is automatically protected, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Personal identification numbers
Domestic Violence Protection: When domestic violence is involved, additional confidentiality protections may apply, including:
- Address Confidentiality Program participation
- Restricted access to victim information
- Sealed protection orders
Simplified Dissolution: In cases meeting specific criteria, couples may utilize Colorado's simplified dissolution process, which typically generates fewer public documents.

To request confidentiality measures:

File a Motion to Seal or Restrict Access with the Mesa County District Court
Provide specific reasons why confidentiality is necessary
Identify precisely which documents should be protected
Demonstrate that no less restrictive alternative exists

It is important to note that even when records are sealed, basic case information (names of parties, case number, and general case type) typically remains accessible in the public index. Complete confidentiality is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Mesa County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Mesa County varies considerably based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides general timeframe guidelines, though individual cases may deviate significantly.

Key factors influencing divorce timeframes include:

Statutory Waiting Period: Colorado law imposes a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date of filing or service (whichever is later) before a divorce can be finalized, as established in Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-106(1)(a)(II).
Case Classification:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: Typically 3-4 months from filing
- Contested divorces with partial agreements: Generally 6-10 months
- Highly contested divorces with complex assets or custody disputes: Often 12-18 months or longer
Specific Complicating Factors:
- High-value or complex asset division: Adds 2-6 months
- Business valuation requirements: Adds 3-6 months
- Child custody evaluations: Adds 3-4 months
- Expert witness involvement: Adds 2-5 months
- Discovery disputes: Adds 1-3 months per dispute
Court Scheduling:
- Initial Status Conference: Typically scheduled 4-6 weeks after filing
- Temporary Orders Hearing: Usually 6-10 weeks after request
- Mediation: Generally required before permanent orders hearing
- Final Hearing: Scheduling depends on court availability, typically 3-6 months from request

According to the Colorado Judicial Branch Annual Statistical Report, the median time to disposition for dissolution cases in the 21st Judicial District (Mesa County) is approximately 230 days, though this varies by year and case type.

Parties seeking to expedite their divorce should consider:

Utilizing mediation services
Preparing complete financial disclosures promptly
Considering collaborative divorce processes
Ensuring timely responses to all court deadlines

How Long Does Mesa County Keep Divorce Records?

Mesa County adheres to the Colorado Judicial Department's records retention schedule for divorce records, which establishes different retention periods based on record type, age, and historical significance. These retention policies ensure appropriate preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

The current retention schedule for divorce records includes:

District Court Divorce Case Files:
- Active cases and those less than 10 years old: Maintained at the Mesa County Combined Courts
- Cases 10-50 years old: May be transferred to the Colorado State Archives
- Historically significant cases: Permanently preserved by the Colorado State Archives
- Standard cases: Minimum 50-year retention period from date of final decree
Divorce Certificates and Vital Records:
- Maintained permanently by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117
- Never destroyed or purged from vital records
Divorce Index and Register Books:
- Maintained permanently as essential historical and legal reference materials
- Older volumes transferred to Colorado State Archives for preservation
Supporting Documentation:
- Financial affidavits: Minimum 30-year retention
- Temporary orders: Retained with case file (minimum 50 years)
- Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period (typically 49 days)
- Discovery materials: Not part of official record unless filed with court

For divorces finalized before 1968, records have typically been transferred to:

Colorado State Archives
1313 Sherman Street, Room 120
Denver, CO 80203
303-866-2055
Colorado State Archives
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

The complete records retention schedule is established by the Colorado Judicial Department pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-306 and is periodically updated to reflect changing needs and technologies.

How To Get a Divorce In Mesa County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Mesa County must follow specific procedures established by Colorado law and the 21st Judicial District Court. The process involves several distinct steps and requirements.

To initiate a divorce (legally termed "dissolution of marriage") in Mesa County:

Establish Residency: At least one spouse must have been a Colorado resident for a minimum of 91 days prior to filing, as required by Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-106.
Prepare Required Forms: Obtain and complete the necessary forms from:

Mesa County Combined Courts
125 N. Spruce Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-3640
Mesa County Combined Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Essential forms include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101)
- Summons for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1102)
- Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000)
- Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111)
File Documents: Submit completed forms to the Mesa County District Court with the required filing fee (currently $230). Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals.
Serve the Other Party: Unless filing jointly, the non-filing spouse must be formally served with the petition and summons by:
- Private process server
- Sheriff's department
- Certified mail (if the spouse will sign a waiver of service)
Complete Financial Disclosures: Both parties must exchange Sworn Financial Statements and supporting documentation within 42 days of service.
Attend Initial Status Conference: The court schedules this preliminary hearing approximately 4-6 weeks after filing.
Develop Agreements or Prepare for Contested Issues:
- For uncontested divorces: Prepare Separation Agreement and Parenting Plan
- For contested issues: Participate in mandatory mediation
Finalize the Divorce: After the 91-day waiting period expires, the court may:
- Issue a decree based on written agreements without a hearing
- Conduct a final hearing to resolve contested issues
- Enter permanent orders regarding property division, support, and parenting time

Additional resources available to Mesa County residents include:

Self-Help Center at Mesa County Combined Courts
Colorado Legal Services (for income-qualifying individuals)
Mesa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

How To Get Divorce Papers In Mesa County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Mesa County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documentation. These resources ensure access to proper paperwork regardless of whether parties have legal representation.

The primary methods for obtaining divorce papers include:

Mesa County Combined Courts Self-Help Center:

Mesa County Combined Courts
125 N. Spruce Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-3640
Mesa County Combined Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

The Self-Help Center provides:
- Free divorce packet with all required forms
- Basic procedural information (not legal advice)
- Assistance with form completion
- Notary services for completed documents
Colorado Judicial Branch Website: The official state court website offers downloadable divorce forms at Colorado Judicial Branch Forms. Available documents include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101)
- Summons for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1102)
- Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000)
- Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111)
- Parenting Plan forms (JDF 1113)
- Separation Agreement (JDF 1115)
- Decree of Dissolution (JDF 1116)
Colorado Legal Help Center: This online resource provides guided interviews to help determine which forms are needed based on individual circumstances at Colorado Legal Help.
Mesa County Law Library:

Mesa County Law Library
125 N. Spruce Street, Room 175
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970-257-3640
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

The law library offers:
- Reference copies of all divorce forms
- Self-help legal resources
- Public computers for form completion
- Printing services (nominal fee applies)
Private Document Preparation Services: Several businesses in Mesa County offer document preparation assistance (note that these services cannot provide legal advice).