Find Jackson County Public Records

Jackson County maintains public records through the clerk and recorder's office in Walden, the county seat. Anyone can access most government documents under the Colorado Open Records Act. Records include court filings, property deeds, marriage licenses, and other county documents. The clerk's office helps people search for records, request certified copies, and submit CORA requests. Most records are available during regular business hours. Some records may also be found online through state databases. Processing times vary based on the type of request and document availability in the county system.

Clerk and Recorder Office

The Jackson County Clerk and Recorder maintains official county records. This office handles property deeds, liens, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents. Staff can help with record searches and copy requests. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Jackson County Clerk and Recorder operates from the county courthouse in Walden. You can visit in person or call to ask about specific records. The office follows Colorado state law regarding record access and fees. Most documents are public unless exempted by law.

To request records, contact the clerk's office directly. Staff will need details about what you're looking for. Be as specific as possible. Include names, dates, and document types. This helps staff locate records faster. Payment is typically required before copies are released.

Court Records Access

Jackson County is part of the 8th Judicial District Court. This court handles civil cases, criminal matters, domestic relations, and probate cases. The district court clerk maintains court records for the county.

Court records can be searched through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. The state provides access guides for public records in court files. Some records are available through third-party vendors like LexisNexis Colorado Courts and Background Information Services.

Not all court records are public. Some are sealed by court order. Juvenile records and certain mental health records are confidential. Domestic violence protection orders may have limited access. Check with the court clerk if you have questions about sealed records.

The Larimer County Justice Center in Fort Collins serves the 8th Judicial District, which includes Jackson County. Contact information: 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Phone: 970-494-3508. Email: 08RecordRequest@judicial.state.co.us. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Property and Land Records

Property records in Jackson County are kept by the clerk and recorder. These records show who owns land and buildings. They also show mortgages, liens, and easements. Deeds must be recorded with the county to be official.

You can search for property records by owner name or legal description. The assessor's office has property tax records. These show assessed values and tax payments. Both offices work together to maintain accurate property information for the county.

Recording fees apply when filing new documents. Copy fees are charged for existing records. Standard copy fees in Colorado counties are twenty-five cents per page. Certified copies cost more. Ask the clerk's office for current fee schedules.

CORA Requests in Jackson County

The Colorado Open Records Act governs access to public records statewide. Under C.R.S. § 24-72-201, most government records are open for inspection. Jackson County must respond to CORA requests within three working days.

Submit CORA requests in writing to the appropriate custodian. Each department or office controls its own records. The county does not have a central records repository. Contact the specific office that created or maintains the records you want.

CORA allows agencies to charge fees. The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, counties can charge up to forty-one dollars per hour. Copy fees apply. Electronic records are often provided for free by email.

Agencies can extend response time by seven days if needed. This happens when records are voluminous or need legal review. Some records are exempt from disclosure. These include personnel files, medical records, and attorney-client communications.

Vital Records Information

Birth and death certificates are not kept by county offices in Colorado. Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for vital records. They maintain statewide birth and death records.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Jackson County Clerk and Recorder. The county keeps records of marriages performed in the county. You can request copies from the clerk's office. A fee applies for certified copies.

Divorce records are maintained by the court where the divorce was granted. The district court clerk has these records. For Jackson County divorces, contact the 8th Judicial District Court. The state vital records office only provides index verification, not copies.

Criminal Justice Records

Criminal records are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history records. Their database includes arrest records based on fingerprints.

You can run a background check through the CBI Internet Criminal History Check System. The online search costs five dollars. Mail-in requests cost thirteen dollars. CBI records only show Colorado arrests and convictions.

Local law enforcement agencies keep their own records. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office maintains incident reports and arrest records. These are subject to CCJRA rules. Some records may be withheld if release would jeopardize investigations.

Historical Records

The Colorado State Archives holds historical records from counties across the state. They have death records, probate files, and other old documents. Not all Jackson County records are in the state archives.

Archives are located in Denver. You must make an appointment before visiting. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, ten a.m. to four p.m. Many records can be searched online through the archives website.

Additional Resources

The Colorado Secretary of State provides CORA guidance and resources. Their website explains how to make effective records requests. They also maintain business entity records and UCC filings.

For complex requests, consider consulting an attorney. Legal aid organizations may help if you cannot afford a lawyer. Colorado's CORA statute is detailed and can be complicated. Knowing your rights helps when requesting records.