Search Garfield County Court Dockets

Garfield County court dockets provide public access to case records filed within the 9th Judicial District of Colorado. Located on the Western Slope along the I-70 corridor, Garfield County stretches from Glenwood Springs at its eastern edge to the Utah border. The county is home to world-renowned hot springs, world-class ski resorts, and significant energy development. The Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs handles a diverse caseload reflecting the county's mix of tourism, agriculture, and energy industries. Whether you need to search court records online or visit the courthouse in person, the Garfield County court system provides multiple pathways to access judicial services and public records.

Garfield County Courthouse Location

The Garfield County Courthouse is located at 109 8th Street, Suite 104, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. This historic courthouse serves as the primary judicial facility for Garfield County, housing both District Court and County Court operations. The 9th Judicial District encompasses five counties: Garfield, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Moffat. The Glenwood Springs courthouse serves as a central hub for judicial services in the northwestern portion of the district.

The courthouse operates during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The Clerk's Office accepts court filings, processes payments for fines and fees, and assists with public records requests. Glenwood Springs is the county seat and largest city in Garfield County, positioned at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. The courthouse location in downtown Glenwood Springs provides convenient access for residents throughout the county.

The courthouse is housed in a historic building near the heart of Glenwood Springs. The facility provides accessible accommodations for individuals with disabilities and maintains security screening for all visitors. Parking is available in the downtown area, though visitors should plan for potential congestion during peak tourist seasons. The building's historic character reflects Garfield County's rich heritage while providing modern court facilities.

Garfield County Court Contact Information

The main phone number for Garfield County Combined Court is 970-945-8635. This line connects to the Clerk's Office, where staff can provide information about court dockets, filing procedures, hearing schedules, and case status. Court personnel can assist with questions about both District Court and County Court matters. Having specific case numbers or party names available when calling will help staff locate information efficiently.

The 9th Judicial District administration coordinates court operations across Garfield, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Moffat counties. The district court handles felony criminal prosecutions, civil cases with damages exceeding $25,000, divorce and custody proceedings, and probate matters. The county court oversees misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, and small claims disputes. Garfield County's diverse economy means the court handles cases ranging from ski resort liability matters to energy development disputes and agricultural issues.

Email communications for Garfield County court follow Colorado Judicial Branch conventions. The court actively utilizes the statewide e-filing system, allowing attorneys and self-represented parties to submit documents electronically. This system provides 24-hour filing capability and is especially valuable for attorneys serving clients across the expansive 9th Judicial District. E-filing reduces travel requirements and streamlines case management for all parties.

Garfield County Court Docket Search Online

The Garfield County docket search tool provides comprehensive online access to case schedules and court events through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. This statewide system allows users to search for Garfield County cases by party name, case number, or date range. The docket search displays upcoming hearings, filing deadlines, and case status information for both District and County Court matters.

When using the online docket search for Garfield County, users must apply at least one filter criterion in addition to the date range. Available search parameters include party name, case number, attorney name, and court type. The system provides real-time information about scheduled court events, though actual case documents are not displayed. To obtain copies of court filings, contact the Clerk's Office directly or submit a records request through the state's online system.

Effective search strategies for Garfield County court records include:

• Using complete last names for accurate search results
• Adding first names or initials to narrow common surnames
• Searching by case number when available for direct case access
• Trying alternative name spellings if initial searches are unsuccessful
• Utilizing date range filters to locate historical cases

The online docket system operates continuously at no cost. It offers the most efficient method for checking hearing dates, monitoring case progress, and verifying filing deadlines without visiting the courthouse. The system updates regularly to reflect new filings and schedule modifications.

Garfield County Court Records Policies

Garfield County court records are public documents under Colorado law, with access provided through the Clerk's Office and online systems. Certain case types have restricted access, including juvenile proceedings, certain family law matters involving children, protected probate cases, and sealed records. The Clerk's Office can explain access restrictions and the procedures for requesting records in restricted case types when authorized by law or court order.

The court maintains records according to Colorado Judicial Branch retention schedules, with most case files preserved for extended periods following case closure. The adoption of electronic filing has improved records management and accessibility. Current case documents are typically available through the e-filing system for attorneys and parties of record. Historical records remain available, though very old cases may require retrieval from state archives.

For proceedings requiring certified copies of court orders, judgments, or decrees, Garfield County charges standard fees established by state statute. Certified documents are commonly required for out-of-state proceedings, property transactions, financial account changes, and official name changes. The court processes records requests efficiently, with certified copies typically available within a few business days of request.

Requesting Copies of Garfield County Court Filings

Certified copies of court records from Garfield County cost $20 per document. This fee applies to certified copies of judgments, divorce decrees, probate orders, and other official court documents. Non-certified copies are available at $0.75 per page. Payment methods typically include cash, check, money order, and credit cards at most locations. Contact the Clerk's Office at 970-945-8635 to confirm current payment options before submitting your request.

To request copies, visit the Garfield County Clerk's Office during business hours or submit a written request by mail. Include complete case information including case number, party names, and specific document descriptions. Provide current contact information so staff can notify you regarding fees and document availability. For large requests or cases requiring research to locate documents, additional processing time may be necessary.

The Colorado Judicial Branch offers online records request capabilities for certain document types. This system allows parties to submit requests electronically and receive documents by mail or email. Visit the state judicial website to determine if your specific records request can be processed through the online system for Garfield County cases.

Garfield County Court Self-Help Resources

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides self-help resources for individuals representing themselves in Garfield County court matters. These resources include standardized forms, detailed instructions for court procedures, and information about legal aid services serving western Colorado. Many forms and guides are accessible online through the state judicial website, providing convenient access for residents throughout the county.

Commonly requested self-help materials cover divorce and legal separation, allocation of parental responsibilities, protection orders, name changes, and small claims cases. The court provides step-by-step instructions for completing forms and filing cases. While court staff cannot provide legal advice, they can explain procedures and direct individuals to appropriate resources for their situations.

Legal aid organizations serving Garfield County provide assistance to qualifying low-income residents. These services may include legal advice, limited scope representation, and referrals to private attorneys. Contact information for available legal assistance is available at the courthouse and on the Colorado Judicial Branch website. The 9th Judicial District's self-help center resources are also available to Garfield County residents.

Nearby Counties in the 9th Judicial District

Garfield County shares the 9th Judicial District with Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Moffat counties. This five-county district covers a large portion of northwestern Colorado, from the Continental Divide to the Utah border. Understanding the district's composition can be helpful when dealing with cases involving multiple jurisdictions or coordinating legal matters across county lines.

The 9th Judicial District serves a diverse region encompassing mountain resort communities, ranching and agricultural areas, and energy development zones. Judicial officers travel throughout the district to hear cases in various county courthouses. The district has developed expertise in handling cases related to ski resort operations, oil and gas development, water rights, and rural land use matters that characterize the region's unique legal landscape.