Privacy can be one of the most overlooked concerns during divorce.
If you’re thinking about ending a marriage in Colorado, one question that often comes up is whether your divorce records will be made public. For many couples, especially those with children, shared finances, or simply a desire to move on quietly, the idea of personal details being on record can feel uncomfortable.
Let’s break down what information is typically public and how collaborative divorce gives you more control over what stays private.
What Divorce Information Is Public in Colorado?
In most cases, divorce records in Colorado are considered public documents. That means anyone can request access to them through the court system. These records may include filings like the initial petition for divorce, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final settlement agreements.
While certain sensitive details, such as Social Security numbers or specific child information, may be redacted, much of the remaining information is open to the public. This includes things like spousal support amounts, division of property, and timelines for child custody arrangements.
It’s not about being famous or having something to hide; most people simply don’t want their private lives available in a searchable file.
Can You Seal Divorce Records in Colorado?
In rare situations, a judge can approve a motion to seal parts of a divorce record, especially when there are compelling reasons like safety or child protection. But sealing records isn’t guaranteed, and it requires a formal process that may not be granted.
Even if a record is sealed, that doesn’t always mean the entire case is hidden from view. It may only apply to specific documents. For most couples, sealing records isn’t a realistic or full solution for privacy concerns.
How Collaborative Divorce Keeps Your Details Private
If privacy is important to you, collaborative divorce offers a path forward without court filings becoming public. In a collaborative process, you and your spouse resolve your divorce outside of court with the help of trained professionals like attorneys, financial neutrals, and mental health specialists.
Since your agreement is reached outside the courtroom, there’s often no need to file detailed disputes or supporting evidence as part of the public court record. This approach protects your personal information and keeps sensitive details within your team, not available for public view.
What Are the Benefits of Keeping Your Divorce Private?
Keeping your divorce details off the public record can offer a range of benefits:
- It protects your financial and personal information
- It shields your children from public exposure
- It reduces the risk of future disputes being based on public documents
- It allows for a more respectful, solution-focused process
Privacy creates a safer emotional space for both spouses to work through important decisions without added pressure or outside judgment.
Is Collaborative Divorce a Good Fit for You?
Not everyone needs or wants a fully private divorce, but if you’re hoping to avoid court battles, protect your family, and move forward more peacefully, collaborative divorce may be a better option.
This process puts you and your spouse in control, not the court. It’s designed to prioritize communication, respect, and long-term solutions instead of short-term wins. And it lets you decide what works best for your family, not what gets filed in the public record.
If privacy matters to you, it's worth considering.
Why Collaborative Divorce Professionals Make a Difference
Working with trained collaborative divorce professionals gives you access to a team that’s committed to preserving your dignity and your privacy. These professionals are focused on resolution, not confrontation, and that difference can change the entire experience.
From attorneys to child specialists, your team will help you stay focused on your values and personal goals.
Ready to Move Forward with Less Stress?
Collaborative divorce is more than a private alternative, it’s a better way to work through a tough time without making it tougher. If you’re concerned about what may become public, know that there are ways to keep your details out of the courtroom.
Let’s find a better path, together. Find a family law professional today.
