Court records in Arapahoe County, Colorado can be searched through several channels. ArapahoeCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Colorado Judicial Branch's Arapahoe County page, the Clerk of Court's offices at either courthouse, and public-access terminals available on site during business hours.
Arapahoe Court System & Jurisdictions
Arapahoe County operates as a combined court under the Colorado Judicial Branch, meaning District Court and County Court functions are administered together. Cases are heard at two locations: the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial and the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Littleton.
Understanding which court level handles your case type is key to searching the right docket:
- District Court — Felony criminal cases, civil cases with amounts in controversy above $15,000, domestic relations (divorce, custody, child support), juvenile matters, probate and estate proceedings, mental health cases, and appeals from County Court.
- County Court — Misdemeanor and petty offenses, traffic infractions, DUI/DWAI cases, civil cases up to $15,000, small claims (up to $7,500), and protection orders.
- Small Claims — A division of County Court for disputes up to $7,500. Simplified procedures; attorneys are generally not required.
- Family / Domestic Relations — Handled within District Court. Includes dissolution of marriage, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support enforcement. The county's Child Support Services page provides additional resources for active support cases.
- Probate — Also within District Court. Covers wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
- Traffic — Most traffic matters are filed in County Court. Summonses issued by state or local law enforcement within Arapahoe County are docketed here.
Both courthouse locations share the same case management system, so a docket search will return results regardless of which building the case is assigned to.
Arapahoe Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes daily court calendars through its Docket Search tool. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings in Arapahoe County:
- Go to the Docket Search page on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
- Select either Arapahoe County Justice Center or Arapahoe County Courthouse – Littleton from the location dropdown.
- Choose the date or date range you want to view.
- Optionally filter by division, courtroom, or case number.
- Click search to view scheduled hearings, including case numbers, party names, hearing types, and assigned courtrooms.
Docket information is typically updated each business day. If you need to confirm a specific hearing time or check for last-minute changes, contact the Clerk of Court's office directly.
Arapahoe County Justice Center
Arapahoe County Courthouse – Littleton
How to Get a Copy of a Arapahoe Court Document
Arapahoe County Government does not maintain court documents — those are held by the Clerk of Court under the Colorado Judicial Branch. You can request copies through several channels:
Online
Submit a request using the Record/Document Request Form on the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Select Arapahoe County, provide the case number or party names, and specify the documents you need. The Clerk's office will respond with availability and any applicable fees.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's office at either the Justice Center in Centennial or the Courthouse in Littleton during business hours. Bring as much identifying information as possible — case number, party names, and approximate filing date. Public-access terminals at both locations let you look up docket entries before requesting copies.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Include the case number, document title, your return mailing address, and a check or money order for the estimated fees.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference or informal use.
- Certified copies bear the court's seal and the Clerk's signature, confirming authenticity. These are often required for legal proceedings, government applications, or filings in other jurisdictions.
Note that the Clerk of Court can restrict access to certain files or portions of files — sealed records, juvenile cases, and some domestic relations documents may not be available. For records from closed criminal cases held by the District Attorney, you can submit a request through the Arapahoe District Attorney's records request page, subject to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.
Arapahoe Court Records Fees & Payment
Court record fees in Colorado are set by statute and Chief Justice Directive. The following schedule reflects standard fees charged by the Clerk of Court. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office, 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) | $20.00 |
| Exemplified copy (includes certification) | $25.00 |
| Audio recording of court proceedings (per disc/file) | $20.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Court generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit and debit card acceptance varies — ask the clerk's office about current options. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court.
Fee source: Fees are established under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-32-104 and applicable Chief Justice Directives. Contact the Clerk of Court at either Arapahoe County courthouse location to verify the current fee schedule before submitting payment.