Adams County Court Records Search
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Adams County is part of Colorado’s 17th Judicial District and sits within the Denver metropolitan area, with the county seat in Brighton. The county’s trial court system operates from the Adams County Justice Center and handles a broad range of case types across its district and county court divisions. Municipal courts in cities such as Thornton, Westminster, Northglenn, Commerce City, and Federal Heights address local ordinance violations independently. Court records generated across these courts include case filings, motions, pleadings, orders, judgments, exhibits, and transcripts.
Individuals looking for court records in Colorado can use several official channels. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains a statewide records request form and directs the public to its Access Guide to Public Records page, which outlines the governing policies. Online case data is available through authorized commercial vendors rather than directly from the Judicial Branch website; however, a register of actions covering civil, domestic, criminal, small claims, and traffic cases can be searched by name or case number through those platforms. Additionally, the ColoradoCourts.us website may help users identify court locations and understand Colorado’s judicial structure. In-person public access terminals are available at the Adams County Justice Center, and the Records Unit can be contacted by phone at (303) 654-3239 or by email at AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Adams County?
There are several methods for locating a court case in Adams County, depending on whether you need basic case data, certified copies, or document-level access.
Online options:
- Colorado Courts Records Search — The Judicial Branch’s online records request form allows you to submit a request for specific case documents. Once submitted, the Adams County court will contact you with information about availability and costs.
- LexisNexis Colorado Courts — The Colorado Courts Record Search portal, operated by LexisNexis, provides real-time access to the register of actions from the Colorado Judicial Department’s electronic database. Users can search by name or case number. Charges apply; contact the vendor for pricing. Document copies are not available through this site and must be obtained directly from the court.
- Colorado State Courts Data Access — The public access site offers read-only electronic access to court data, including name indexes and registers of actions for county and district courts statewide. Denver County Court cases are excluded from this system.
- Landmark Web — The Adams County Clerk & Recorder’s official records search portal covers recorded documents such as deeds, marriage certificates, and other instruments filed with the Recording Department. This does not include court case filings.
- GIS QuickSearch — The county’s GIS QuickSearch tool allows property-related searches.
In-person access:
Adams County Combined Court — Clerk’s Office
Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601
Phone: (303) 659-1161
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed to the public on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.)
The Records Unit processes requests for court documents:
- Phone: (303) 654-3239
- Email: AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us
By mail:
Send written requests to 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601. An additional $5.00 fee applies to mail-in requests that do not include the case number.
Records request fees (set by Chief Justice Directive 06-01):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name search on current system (1980–present) | $5.00 |
| Specific records search, retrieval, or redaction | $30.00 |
| Offline records retrieval (up to 5 pages) | $5.00 |
| Offline file retrieval | $10.00 |
| Copies from paper files | $0.75 per page |
| Copies from e-filed cases | $0.25 per page |
| Authentication, certification, or exemplification | $20.00 |
| Postage handling (up to 1 oz.) | $0.75 |
Parties to a case are subject to a $15.00 maximum copy fee. There is no charge for viewing records at the courthouse.
Are Court Records Public in Adams County?
Court records in Adams County are presumptively public under two legal frameworks. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-203, mandates that government records be available for inspection at reasonable times. More specifically, the Colorado Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Directive 05-01 and the Public Access to Information and Records Rule (P.A.I.R.R.) govern how court records are made available and what restrictions apply.
Under these authorities, any person may inspect court records without needing to state a reason. Access encompasses both viewing and the right to obtain copies. However, several categories of records are excluded from public access:
- Juvenile records — Governed by the Children’s Code, C.R.S. § 19-1-301 et seq.; access is significantly restricted.
- Sealed or expunged records — Petitions to seal criminal records are filed under C.R.S. § 24-72-704 (conviction records, $224 filing fee) or § 24-72-705 (non-conviction records, no fee).
- Confidential personal information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and medical records within court files.
- Records barred by statute or court order — Including grand jury proceedings, trade secrets, attorney-client privileged materials, and records that could compromise ongoing investigations or national/state security.
The Criminal Justice Records Act, C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq., provides additional rules for criminal court records. Under § 24-72-305, a custodian may deny inspection if disclosure is prohibited by law, Supreme Court rule, or existing court order, or if it would be contrary to the public interest.
For data requests involving aggregate or compiled information rather than a specific case, the Colorado Judicial Branch requires completion of the Addendum A form under CJD 05-01, Section 4.40, submitted to courtdatarequests@judicial.state.co.us.
Adams County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Adams County are heard in two divisions. The District Court handles all felony prosecutions, sentencing hearings, and appeals, while the County Court addresses misdemeanor offenses and traffic matters. Municipal courts in Adams County handle violations of local ordinances. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, located at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Room 205, Brighton, CO 80601, Phone: (303) 659-7735, prosecutes criminal cases in both the district and county courts.
Searching criminal court records:
The Clerk’s Office at the Adams County Justice Center serves as the repository for both district and county criminal case files. Records can be searched by contacting the Records Unit at (303) 654-3239 or through the statewide commercial record search platforms, including the LexisNexis Colorado Courts portal and the Colorado State Courts Data Access site.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides an online name-based criminal background check service for individuals seeking a personal criminal history report.
Arrest records through the Sheriff’s Office:
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and inmate data. The office provides an online warrant search page for public use.
To request records from the Sheriff’s Office, download the Records Request Form from the records request page, complete it, and email it to recordsrequest@adcogov.org. Requests must include payment and completed records must be picked up within 30 days. The Sheriff’s Office can also be reached at (303) 655-3490.
Sheriff’s Office records fees:
| Request Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Case report search | $5.00 per report + $0.25 per page |
| Calls for service | $5.00 per address + $0.25 per page |
| Mugshot | $2.00 each |
| Case photographs | $5.00 (if available) |
| Audio/video redaction and processing | $30.00 per hour + media cost |
| Removable media | $20.00 each |
| Jail/medical records search | $5.00 per search + $0.25 per page |
| Background and custody letters | $10.00 |
| Custom request | $30.00 per hour (first hour free) |
Cash payments require exact change. The Sheriff’s Office does not accept outside removable media.
Adams County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Adams County are divided between the District Court and County Court based on the amount in controversy. The District Court handles civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000, while the County Court hears cases with amounts up to $25,000. Small claims matters — heard in the County Court — are capped at $7,500.
Filing fees for civil cases (effective January 1, 2025, per HB 2024-1286):
| Case Type | Plaintiff Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| District civil (money/general) | $265 | C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(d) |
| District civil name change | $268 | C.R.S. 13-15-101 |
| Foreclosure (Rule 120) | $224 | C.R.S. 13-32-103(3)(a) |
| Register foreign judgment | $201 | C.R.S. 13-53-106(a) |
| County civil ($0–$999.99) | $95 | C.R.S. 13-32-101 |
| County civil ($1,000–$14,999.99) | $115 | C.R.S. 13-32-101 |
| County civil ($15,000–$25,000) | $145 | C.R.S. 13-32-101 |
| Small claims ($0–$500) | $31 | C.R.S. 13-32-101 |
| Small claims ($500.01–$7,500) | $55 | C.R.S. 13-32-101 |
A comprehensive list of fees is published on the Colorado Judicial Branch website and includes response fees, counterclaim fees, jury demand fees ($231 in district court, $98 in county court), and miscellaneous charges.
Requesting civil court records:
Civil case records are available through the Adams County Combined Court Clerk’s Office. Requesters can contact the office by phone at (303) 654-3239, email AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us, or visit the courthouse during business hours. Copy fees are $0.75 per page from paper files and $0.25 per page from electronically filed cases. Certification of any document costs $20.00. Fee waivers are available; forms and instructions are on the Fee Waiver page.
Property-related recorded documents — including deeds, liens, and plat maps — are maintained separately by the Adams County Clerk & Recorder and can be searched through the Landmark Web portal. The Adams County Assessor’s GIS Property Search provides property ownership and valuation data. The Assessor’s office is located at 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C2431, Brighton, CO 80601, Phone: (720) 523-6038
Adams County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Adams County are adjudicated in the District Court division of the 17th Judicial District. The court handles dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, annulment, allocation of parental responsibilities (custody), paternity, adoption, dependency and neglect, juvenile delinquency, mental health proceedings, and protection orders.
Filing fees for family and juvenile matters:
| Case Type | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce, separation, annulment | $260 | C.R.S. 13-32-101 |
| Allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) | $252 | C.R.S. 13-32-101 |
| Prevent removal of a child | $265 | C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(d) |
| Response (any family case) | $146 | C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(b) |
| Motion to modify decree (after 60 days) | $105 | C.R.S. 13-32-101(2) |
| Adoption petition | $197 | C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(g) |
| Parentage action | $268 | C.R.S. 13-32-101(1)(d) |
| Register foreign custody/support order | $166 | C.R.S. 13-53-106 |
No filing fees are charged for dependency and neglect, relinquishment, juvenile delinquency, or mental health proceedings.
Protection orders: Hearings are held daily at 1:30 p.m. at the Adams County Justice Center. Paperwork must be completed and filed at service windows 3–6 by 11:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing.
Parenting classes: All parties with minor children seeking a divorce, legal separation, or custody allocation must complete a court-approved parenting class and file a certificate of completion.
Accessing family court records:
Due to the sensitive nature of many family law matters, certain records — particularly adoption files, juvenile cases, dependency and neglect proceedings, and financial agreements — may be sealed or restricted. Non-parties typically require a court order to access restricted family records.
To request family case documents, use the online records request form, email AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us, or visit the Clerk’s Office in person at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Adams County Clerk & Recorder at the Government Center, 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C2455, Brighton, CO 80601, Phone: (720) 523-6020 Licenses cost $30; certified copies are $1.25 each. Both applicants must appear in person with government-issued identification. Appointments are mandatory and can be scheduled online after completing the county’s application. The license is valid for 35 days to complete the certificate portion, and the completed document must be returned to the Recording Department within 63 days for recording. Access to marriage applications is restricted; a “Request for Copy or Inspection” form and photo ID are required.
Divorce records are maintained by the District Court and can be requested through the Clerk’s Office. Dissolution records that do not contain parenting or financial agreement information are generally public. For divorces from 1900–1930 and 1975–present, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Vital Records Office, Phone: (303) 692-2200, can provide verification. The Colorado State Archives holds indexes for divorces from 1904 to 1992.
Birth and death records are issued through the Adams County Department of Health, Vital Records office at 7190 Colorado Boulevard, Suite 170, Commerce City, CO 80022. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch). The non-refundable processing fee is $25 per certificate. Orders can be placed in person by appointment, by email to VitalRecords@adamscountyco.gov, by mail with a completed application, or online through GoCerts (additional $9 fee) or VitalChek (additional $13.95 fee). Birth records are restricted to the person named on the certificate, immediate family, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest.
Adams County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Adams County — including estates of decedents, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and personal injury settlements — are handled by the District Court. The Clerk’s Office at the Adams County Justice Center maintains probate case records.
Probate filing fees:
| Filing Type | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Decedent’s estate (not small), guardianship/conservatorship, personal injury settlement | $229 | C.R.S. 13-32-102(1)(b) |
| Small estate | $113 | C.R.S. 13-32-102(1)(a) |
| Supervised administration | $198 | C.R.S. 13-32-102(1)© |
| Allowance/contested claim | $198 | C.R.S. 13-32-102(1)(d) |
| Trust registration statement | $198 | C.R.S. 13-32-102(1)(e) |
| Trust action petition | $229 | C.R.S. 13-32-102(1)(f) |
| Register foreign guardianship/conservatorship | $201 | C.R.S. 15-14.5-401 |
| Deposit of will | $18 | C.R.S. 15-12-204 |
| Demand for notice | $36 | C.R.S. 15-12-204 |
How to search and request probate records:
- Online — The Colorado State Archives holds probate records from courts across various counties. Records older than 1985 are fully searchable through the Archives Search database by the decedent’s name. For cases more recent than 1985, the Archives may hold some records, but if a search yields no results, the Adams County District Court is the custodian.
- In person — Visit the Clerk’s Office at the Adams County Justice Center during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) to inspect probate files. There is no charge for viewing records. Copy fees are $0.75 per page from paper files or $0.25 per page from electronic files. Certification costs $20.00 per document.
- By mail or email — Submit a request using the online records request form or email AdamsRecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us with the case number, estate name, and a description of the documents needed. Payment and delivery details will be provided by the court upon processing the request.
Probate records — including estate inventories, wills, letters of administration, guardianship orders, and court decrees — are generally public. However, certain financial information or sealed guardianship records may be restricted by court order. Self-help resources for probate filings are available through the Court Resource Center at the Adams County Justice Center, Phone: (303) 654-3213, email 17shrc@judicial.state.co.us.