Larimer County Court Records Search
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Larimer County, situated in northern Colorado and home to Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, operates a combined court system that processes thousands of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters each year. The county’s courts fall under the 8th Judicial District, which also serves Jackson County. Whether you need to review a pending case, obtain copies of court filings, or research historical records, Larimer County provides multiple avenues for accessing judicial information — including in-person visits, online portals, and written requests directed to the appropriate clerk’s office.
Residents and attorneys looking for court records in Colorado can begin by checking official clerk offices and public-access terminals at the courthouse. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains an online case-search tool that covers courts statewide, and additional resources are available through ColoradoCourts.us. These tools allow users to look up case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries. For records that are not digitized or require certified copies, contacting the Larimer County clerk’s office directly remains the most reliable method.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Larimer County?
Larimer County court cases can be searched through several methods depending on the type of record and how quickly you need it.
Online Search
The Colorado Judicial Branch operates Colorado Courts E-Filing, which also provides public access to certain case information. The statewide docket search allows queries by party name, case number, or attorney name across all Colorado district and county courts, including Larimer County.
To search online:
- Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
- Navigate to the case search or docket lookup tool.
- Select “Larimer” or the 8th Judicial District from the court dropdown.
- Enter a party name, case number, or date range.
- Review the results, which typically include docket entries, hearing dates, and case status.
Not all documents are viewable online. Sealed, suppressed, or confidential filings will not appear in public search results.
In-Person Search
The Larimer County Justice Center houses the primary clerk’s office for the 8th Judicial District. Public-access terminals are available during business hours for those who prefer to search records on-site.
Larimer County Justice Center
Address: 201 LaPorte Ave, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: (970) 494-3500
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Loveland Courthouse
Address: 810 Cleveland Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: (970) 494-3500
By Mail or Written Request
You may submit a written records request to the Clerk of the Combined Courts at the Fort Collins address above. Include the full case number (if known), party names, date range, and a return envelope. Copy fees apply — single-sided copies are $0.25 per page and double-sided copies are $0.50 per page. Certification of any document costs $20. Payments can be made by check or money order payable to the Larimer County Combined Court.
Are Court Records Public in Larimer County?
Colorado law establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to court records. Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration — note: Colorado’s equivalent is Colorado Chief Justice Directive 05-01 — governs access to court records throughout the state. Under this directive and Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201 et seq. (the Colorado Open Records Act, or CORA), most court filings are available for public inspection.
Records that are generally accessible include civil complaints, answers, motions, court orders, judgments, criminal charging documents, sentencing records, and probate filings. Anyone may request copies, and no explanation of purpose is required.
Restricted and Confidential Records
Certain categories of records are shielded from public view by statute or court order:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency/neglect case files (C.R.S. § 19-1-304)
- Mental health proceedings (C.R.S. § 27-65-101 et seq.)
- Sealed arrest and conviction records following a successful sealing petition
- Adoption records (C.R.S. § 19-5-305)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information filed under protective order
- Victim identifying information in certain sexual assault or domestic violence cases
- Records subject to a court-issued suppression or sealing order
When records contain both public and confidential information, the clerk’s office will redact the restricted portions and provide the remainder. Fee waivers are available for individuals who cannot afford the cost of copies or filings and who meet the financial eligibility criteria established by the Colorado Judicial Branch.
If a request is denied, the requester may file a motion with the court asking for access, and the judge will balance the public’s right to know against any privacy or safety concerns.
Larimer County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Larimer County are handled by the District Court (8th Judicial District) for felonies and by the County Court for misdemeanors, petty offenses, and traffic matters. Both courts operate out of the Larimer County Justice Center in Fort Collins.
Types of Criminal Records Available
Criminal court files typically include charging documents (complaints, informations, indictments), arrest warrants, bond records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, probation conditions, and appellate filings. Docket sheets showing all activity in a case are also public unless the case has been sealed.
Searching Criminal Records
The statewide Colorado Judicial Branch docket search covers criminal cases filed in Larimer County. Enter the defendant’s name or case number to retrieve docket information, charges, and disposition status.
For official criminal history reports that include arrests and dispositions beyond court filings, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers background checks. The CBI charges a fee for name-based criminal history searches, and results include records from law enforcement agencies statewide.
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office maintains booking records, inmate information, and arrest logs. Contact information:
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 2501 Midpoint Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: (970) 416-1985
The sheriff’s office provides an online inmate search tool and publishes recent booking information. Requests for arrest records or incident reports can be directed to the records division.
Record Sealing
Colorado law permits individuals to petition for the sealing of certain criminal records under C.R.S. § 24-72-706. Eligible offenses include dismissed cases, acquittals, certain drug offenses, and convictions after a waiting period. Once sealed, the records are no longer visible through public searches. The filing fee for a record sealing petition in district court is $65, though fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals.
Criminal Conviction Fees (County Court)
When a defendant is convicted in Larimer County Court, the court imposes statutory surcharges in addition to any fine. Representative amounts include:
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base conviction cost (non-infraction) | $21.00 |
| Infraction surcharge | $5.00 |
| Probation supervision | $50.00/month |
| Time payment fee | $25.00 |
| Late penalty | $10.00 |
| Offender identification fund | $128.00 |
| Victim compensation (felony) | $125.00 |
| Victim compensation (misdemeanor) | $60.00 |
| LEAF surcharge | $90.00 |
These fees are established by statute and are current as of the January 2025 Colorado court fee schedule published by the Colorado Judicial Branch.
Larimer County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Larimer County are divided between County Court (cases involving claims up to $25,000 and small claims up to $7,500) and District Court (cases exceeding $25,000 and those involving equitable relief, injunctions, and real property disputes).
Filing Fees — County Court Civil Cases
| Claim Amount | Plaintiff Fee | Defendant (No Counterclaim) | Defendant (With Counterclaim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0–$999.99 | $95.00 | $90.00 | $95.00 |
| $1,000–$14,999.99 | $115.00 | $110.00 | $115.00 |
| $15,000–$25,000 | $145.00 | $140.00 | $145.00 |
Filing Fees — Small Claims
| Claim Amount | Plaintiff Fee | Defendant (No Counterclaim) | Defendant (With Counterclaim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0–$500 | $31.00 | $26.00 | $31.00 |
| $500.01–$7,500 | $55.00 | $26.00 | $55.00 |
Filing Fees — District Court Civil Cases
A standard civil filing in District Court costs $265 for the plaintiff. The defendant’s response fee is $222 without a counterclaim or $265 with a counterclaim. Registering a foreign judgment is $201. A jury demand adds $98 in County Court or $231 in District Court.
How to Access Civil Records
Civil case files — including complaints, motions, discovery disputes, orders, and judgments — are available at the Larimer County Justice Center clerk’s office. The Colorado Judicial Branch online search tool covers civil dockets in both County and District Court. E-filed documents are increasingly available digitally, though some older files exist only on paper or microfilm.
Additional Civil Fees
Miscellaneous fees that apply to civil matters include execution docketing ($45), garnishment writs ($45), attachment writs ($65), certification of documents ($20), and name change petitions ($98 in County Court or $268 in District Court). These amounts are set by Colorado House Bill 24-1286 and take effect as updated by the General Assembly.
Larimer County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Larimer County — including divorce, legal separation, child custody, parental responsibility, child support modifications, and protective orders — are filed in the District Court of the 8th Judicial District. The Larimer County Justice Center serves as the primary venue for family proceedings.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage / legal separation / annulment | $260.00 |
| Allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) | $252.00 |
| Petition to prevent removal of a child | $265.00 |
| Registration of a foreign custody/support order | $166.00 |
| Registration of a foreign decree | $201.00 |
| Response to petition | $146.00 |
| Motion to modify decree or final order | $105.00 |
| Motion to modify parentage order (with DNA request) | $70.00 |
| Intervenor | $264.00 |
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Temporary and permanent protection orders under C.R.S. § 13-14-104.5 are filed in County or District Court. There is no filing fee for the petitioner seeking a civil protection order. Respondents who wish to contest the order may be assessed fees upon filing a response. Protection order case information is searchable through the statewide docket system, though specific victim-identifying details may be redacted.
Accessing Family Records
Most family court filings are public, but several categories receive heightened protection. Financial disclosures (sworn financial statements), parenting evaluator reports, child and family investigator (CFI) reports, and mediation documents are typically restricted from public inspection. Adoption records are sealed under C.R.S. § 19-5-305 and require a court order to access.
Requests for certified copies of divorce decrees or custody orders should be directed to the clerk’s office at (970) 494-3500. The Larimer County Justice Center handles all family division filings for the county.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder, not the courts. The clerk’s office is located at:
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder
Address: 200 W. Oak Street, First Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: (970) 498-7878
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Colorado does not require a waiting period or blood test for marriage licenses. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification.
Larimer County Probate Court Records
Probate and estate matters in Larimer County are adjudicated by the District Court under Colorado’s Uniform Probate Code (C.R.S. Title 15). Cases involving the administration of decedent estates, will contests, trust disputes, conservatorships, and guardianships are all filed at the Larimer County Justice Center.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| First filing — decedent’s estate, guardianship, or conservatorship | $229.00 |
| Small estate affidavit | $113.00 |
| Supervised administration | $198.00 |
| Petition for allowance / contested claim | $198.00 |
| Trust registration statement | $198.00 |
| Deposit of will (no probate opened) | $18.00 |
| Demand for notice | $36.00 |
| Jury demand | $231.00 |
These fees are established by C.R.S. § 13-32-101 and are current as of the January 2025 schedule.
What Probate Records Include
A typical probate file contains the petition for probate or administration, the last will and testament (if one exists), letters testamentary or letters of administration, inventories of estate assets, accountings, creditor claims, distribution orders, and the final decree closing the estate. Guardianship and conservatorship files include the petition, investigation reports, court-appointed attorney filings, and annual reports.
How to Search Probate Records
Probate cases can be searched through the Colorado Judicial Branch’s statewide docket tool using the decedent’s name or case number. In-person searches are available at the clerk’s office during regular hours. Certified copies of wills, letters testamentary, or estate orders cost $20 per certification plus the per-page copy fee.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Colorado distinguishes between guardianship (authority over the person) and conservatorship (authority over the estate). Both require court supervision and periodic reporting. Interested parties may review guardianship and conservatorship filings at the clerk’s office, though certain medical or financial records within the file may be restricted. A petition to appoint a guardian or conservator carries the $229 first-filing fee plus service costs, which vary depending on whether the respondent is served by the Larimer County Sheriff or by certified mail.
For questions about pending or closed probate matters, contact the Larimer County Combined Courts clerk’s office at (970) 494-3500 or visit the Larimer County Justice Center during business hours.