Routt County Court Records Search
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Routt County, Colorado is a mountain county in the northwest part of the state, with Steamboat Springs as the county seat. The county's courts — anchored by the Routt County Combined Court, which merges district and county court functions under one roof — handle everything from felony prosecutions and civil litigation to domestic relations, probate, and small claims matters. Court records from these proceedings document the full arc of a case, from initial filings and motions through hearings, orders, and final judgments.
If you're searching for court records in Colorado, you have several practical options: the clerk's office at the courthouse, public-access terminals, and online tools. ColoradoCourts.us can help you locate court locations across the state, find case information, and navigate publicly available records maintained by Colorado's trial courts.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Routt County?
Routt County's combined court structure means that both district court and county court records are maintained by the same clerk's office in Steamboat Springs. Three main search methods are available: online docket search, in-person requests, and electronic or mail submissions.
Online — Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search
The Colorado Judicial Branch offers a free Docket Search tool covering Routt County cases. To find Routt County records:
- Navigate to the Docket Search tool.
- Set the county field to "Routt County".
- Set the judicial district to "14th".
- Select the courthouse as "Routt Combined Court".
- Choose court type: County, District, or Both.
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney details.
This tool covers civil, criminal, domestic relations, traffic, and probate dockets.
In Person or by Mail — Combined Court Clerk's Office
Clerk of Court — Routt County Combined Court
1955 Shield Drive, Unit 200
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-5020 (Ext. 7)
Email: routtclerk@judicial.state.co.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
For formal record and document requests, submit a completed Record/Document Request Form to the clerk's office, either in person, by mail, or by email. Pro-se filers submitting documents by email must include a legible, signed document with the case number (for existing cases) and, where required, a copy of their ID.
Self-Help Litigant Coordinator
If you're representing yourself in Routt County, you can schedule an appointment with a Self-Help Litigant Coordinator by calling (970) 879-5020 Ext. 7 or by emailing 14SelfHelp@judicial.state.co.us. Virtual appointments via Webex are also available. Keep in mind that self-help staff cannot provide legal advice or assist with traffic or criminal case questions.
Are Court Records Public in Routt County?
Colorado law establishes a strong presumption of public access to government records. Under the Colorado Public (Open) Records Act, C.R.S. § 24-72-201, et seq. (CORA), all public records — including court records — must be open for inspection and copying by any person at reasonable times. Access to court records is further shaped by Chief Justice Directive 05-01, which sets out specific rules for how Colorado courts manage, disclose, and restrict access to case files.
Certain categories of records are restricted or exempt from public disclosure by statute or court rule. In Routt County, the following types of records are generally not available for public inspection:
- Juvenile court records — protected by statute
- Adoption and paternity case records — sealed under Colorado law
- Mental health proceedings — confidential by statute
- Victim information in domestic violence or sexual offense cases
- Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other sensitive personal identifiers
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Medical records submitted in court proceedings
- Confidential informant and witness information
- Sealed and expunged records — closed by court order
When producing records that contain restricted information, clerks redact those elements before release. The Colorado Judicial Branch's access guide outlines in detail what is and is not available to the public.
Routt County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Routt County are split between two court levels depending on the severity of the offense. The Routt County District Court handles all felony matters, while the County Court processes misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and felony complaints at the initial stage. Both operate through the Routt County Combined Court at the same address.
Routt County Combined Court — Criminal Division
Address: 1955 Shield Drive, Unit 200, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-5020
Criminal case dockets — including charge information, hearing dates, and dispositions — are searchable online through the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search. For certified copies of criminal judgments, sentencing orders, or case documents, submit the Record/Document Request Form to the Combined Court Clerk.
Municipal Courts — Ordinance Violations
Routt County's two municipal courts handle city and town ordinance violations and traffic matters within their cities:
Hayden Municipal Court
Address: 178 West Jefferson Avenue, P.O. Box 190, Hayden, CO 81639
Phone: (970) 276-3741 Ext. 45 | Fax: (970) 276-3644
Court is held the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Hayden Town Hall.
Steamboat Springs Municipal Court
Address: 124 10th Street (Centennial Hall), Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
Mailing: P.O. Box 775088, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
Phone: (970) 871-8277 | Fax: (970) 879-8851
Presiding Judge: Paul Sachs | Deputy Judge: Jonathan Melvin
Tickets for the Steamboat Springs Municipal Court can be paid online, by phone, or in person at City Hall. Evidence and case discovery can be requested by emailing the court clerk.
Sheriff's Office — Arrest Records and Criminal History
The Routt County Sheriff's Office releases criminal justice records under C.R.S. § 24-72-304. To request a report:
- Email: rcsorecords@co.routt.co.us (attach the completed Records Request Form, a copy of your ID, and pay fees online at allpaid.com/plc/a005zj)
- Mail or in person: Routt County Sheriff's Office Records, 2027 Shield Drive, Suite 1, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
- Crash reports can be obtained through CARFAX at crashdocs.org
Records are typically made available within three business days. High-volume or complex redaction requests may require additional time. The Routt County Detention Center — located at 111 S. Second St., Steamboat Springs — houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates for all Routt County law enforcement agencies.
Routt County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Routt County are divided by dollar amount. The District Court has jurisdiction over civil cases of any amount, including those involving land, appeals, injunctions, and equity matters. The County Court handles civil claims under $25,000, including small claims matters.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case dockets, parties, attorneys, and hearing dates can be searched through the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search. Set the court type to "County" for small claims and lower-value civil matters, or "District" for larger civil actions.
For copies of civil filings, judgments, or orders, use the Record/Document Request Form or contact the Clerk's Office directly.
Court Record Copy Fees
All fees are assessed under Chief Justice Directive 06-01:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy per page (max $15 for parties/attorneys) | $0.25 |
| Transcript of Judgment | $25.00 |
| Certificate of Satisfaction | $20.00 |
| Certified/Exemplified Copy (per document) | $20.00 |
| Name Search | $5.00 |
| Off-Site Case File Retrieval | Actual cost of retrieval |
| Research/Redaction Fee (after first hour, per 15 min) | $30.00/hour |
For small claims matters, summons return dates are scheduled on Wednesdays in person in Courtroom 1A at the Routt County Combined Court. District court civil settings are scheduled every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and can be joined by calling (970) 870-2360, bridge number 32323.
Routt County Family Court Records
Domestic relations matters — including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, and protection orders — are heard in the District Court division of the Routt County Combined Court. Juvenile cases, name changes, adoptions, and emancipations fall under the Family Division of the Circuit Court.
Divorce Records
Under C.R.S. § 25-2-117, certified divorce records are not public. Access is restricted to the individuals named in the proceeding, their immediate family members, and legal representatives. A valid government-issued ID is typically required when requesting certified copies. Eligible individuals can request Routt County divorce decrees and related case documents through the Combined Court Clerk's Office at (970) 879-5020 or by submitting the Record/Document Request Form online. Docket information for domestic cases is searchable through the Docket Search portal.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the Routt County Clerk and Recorder at 522 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 21, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. Certified copies can be requested in person (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), by mail, or by email at clerks@co.routt.co.us. A certified copy of a marriage license costs $1.25. Submit a completed CORA Request Form and specify both spouses' full names, the marriage date, and location. Records can also be searched through the Clerk & Recorder's Records Search portal — select "marriage" from the dropdown and use the advanced search to retrieve specific records.
Birth and Death Certificates
Birth and death records are confidential under C.R.S. § 25-2-117. Access is restricted to the registrant, legal guardians, legal representatives, and qualifying family members. Effective January 1, 2026, fees increased to $25.00 for the first certificate and $20.00 for each additional certificate ordered in the same transaction.
Requests can be made in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office, by mail, or online through the county's online certificate application portal (processed through GoCertificates, which charges a $12.00 processing fee). Routt County death records go back to 1903. Mail applications should follow the CDPHE process and be sent to:
Vital Record Mail Services
ATTN: Colorado Vital Records
P.O. Box 222130, El Paso, TX 79913
Adoption Records
Adoption case records are sealed under Colorado law and are not publicly accessible. These files are maintained within the Family Division of the Combined Court.
Routt County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Routt County sits within the District Court division of the Routt County Combined Court. The District Court oversees estate administration, will validation, trust proceedings, and the appointment of guardians and conservators for minors and incapacitated adults.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case dockets are available through the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search. Select "District" as the court type, set the county to Routt, and search by the decedent's or ward's name or the estate case number.
Requesting Probate Documents
For certified copies of wills admitted to probate, letters testamentary, guardianship orders, conservatorship appointments, or final distribution orders, submit a Record/Document Request Form to the Combined Court Clerk or contact the office directly:
Routt County Combined Court Clerk
1955 Shield Drive, Unit 200
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Phone: (970) 879-5020 Ext. 7
Email: routtclerk@judicial.state.co.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Written requests by mail should include the decedent's full name, case number if available, and a description of the specific records needed. Copy fees apply as listed in the fee schedule above. The Colorado State Archives also holds some historical Routt County probate records for genealogical and legal research purposes.