Court records in Garfield County, Colorado can be searched through several channels. GarfieldCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also use official resources through the Colorado Judicial Branch, visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Garfield County Courthouse, or use public access terminals available on-site. These tools allow searches by party name, case number, or date.
Garfield Court System & Jurisdictions
Garfield County is part of Colorado's 9th Judicial District, which also includes Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties. Court operations are housed at the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs.
Garfield County Combined Court
Colorado's trial courts are organized as combined courts, meaning District Court and County Court operate under one roof. Here is how case types break down:
- District Court — felony criminal cases, civil cases with amounts over $15,000, domestic relations (divorce, custody, parental responsibilities), juvenile matters, mental health proceedings, and probate/estate cases.
- County Court — misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $15,000, small claims (up to $7,500), traffic infractions, and DUI/DWAI offenses.
- Small Claims — a division of County Court handling disputes up to $7,500. Attorneys are generally not required.
- Water Court — water rights cases for Division 5 are handled separately through the District Court system, though filings may appear on Garfield County dockets when the case originates there.
If you are unsure which court division handled your case, the Clerk of Court at the Garfield County Courthouse can help direct your search.
Garfield Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a statewide docket search tool that covers Garfield County hearings. To look up today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court calendar:
- Go to the Docket Search page on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
- Select the county or enter a party name, case number, or attorney name. At least one filter in addition to the date is required.
- Choose the date or date range you want to view.
- Review the results, which list hearing times, courtroom assignments, case numbers, and judge names.
You can also check the Garfield County court page for announcements about first-appearance advisements in criminal proceedings and other scheduling updates specific to the 9th Judicial District. For real-time changes — such as a hearing moved to a different courtroom — contact the Clerk of Court directly or check posted schedules at the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Garfield Court Document
Court documents in Garfield County can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies carry the court's official seal and are typically needed for legal proceedings, while uncertified copies work for personal reference.
Request Channels
- Online — Submit a Record/Document Request Form through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Be aware that the Clerk of Court may restrict access to certain files or portions of files.
- In person — Visit the Garfield County Courthouse Clerk's office during business hours. Bring the case number if you have it; a party name and approximate filing date can also help staff locate records.
- By mail — Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address below. Include the case number, document title, whether you need certified or uncertified copies, and a return address.
Some records are restricted by law or court order. Sealed cases, juvenile records, mental health proceedings, and certain domestic relations filings may not be available to the general public. The clerk can advise whether a specific record is accessible.
For recorded documents that are not court case records — such as deeds, liens, or other instruments — the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder's online portal allows searches of documents recorded since 1883.
Garfield Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Colorado are set by statute and Chief Justice Directive. The following table reflects standard fees that apply at the Garfield County Courthouse. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Court, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.75 |
| Certification of a document | $20.00 per document |
| Search fee (per name or case) | Varies — contact clerk |
| Exemplified copy | $30.00 |
| Audio recording of proceedings (CD/digital) | $20.00 and up |
Payment is typically accepted in person by cash, check, or money order payable to the Clerk of Court. For mail requests, include a check or money order. Contact the clerk's office to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted for record requests.
The Access Guide to Public Records on the Colorado Judicial Branch website lists approved vendors for electronic record searches. These third-party services may charge additional fees beyond what the court itself charges.
If you are unsure of the total cost for your request, call the Garfield County Courthouse clerk's office before submitting payment. Staff can estimate fees based on the number of pages and type of certification needed.