Adams County Genealogy Records

Adams County holds many records that help people trace their family roots. The county sits northeast of Denver. It has grown fast over the years. Today it ranks as one of the most populous counties in Colorado. Family historians come here to find vital records, land deeds, and probate files. The County Clerk and Recorder keeps most of these records. Their office sits in Brighton, the county seat.

Adams County Clerk and Recorder

The Adams County Clerk and Recorder keeps records for the public. This office files and stores many kinds of documents. They handle land records, marriage licenses, and some birth and death records. Josh Zygielbaum serves as the current Clerk and Recorder. The staff can help you find what you need. They know the records well. Call or visit to get help with your search.

Land records go back many years in Adams County. You can search these online. The office has a web portal for this. You can look up deeds and other property papers from home. For older records, you may need to visit in person. Staff can pull files from the archives. Plan ahead if you need many records. Some files take time to find.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Adams County

You have many places to look for records in Adams County. The Clerk and Recorder office should be your first stop. They keep land and marriage records. For birth and death records, you have more options. The county may have some older records. The state has most vital records under C.R.S. 25-2-103.

The Colorado State Archives holds older records too. They have documents from many counties. You can visit them in Denver. Their staff knows genealogy research. They can guide you to the right records. Many of their holdings date back to the 1800s.

Here are the main places to search:

• Adams County Clerk and Recorder for land and marriage records
• Colorado State Archives for historical vital records
• CDPHE Vital Records for birth and death certificates
• Local libraries with genealogy sections
• Family History Centers in the area

Online Databases and Resources

The internet makes genealogy easier today. You can search many records from home. Adams County offers some online tools. The state also has databases. These save you time and travel. You can find names, dates, and places with a few clicks.

FamilySearch offers free access to many Colorado records. Their site has a wiki page for Adams County. It lists what records exist and where to find them. The Archives Search Database lets you look up state records. You can search by name or record type. This helps you plan your in-person visits.

Key online resources include:

• Colorado State Archives - Historical records database
• Archives Search Database - Search state holdings
• FamilySearch - Free genealogy records
• CDPHE Vital Records - Order certificates online
• VitalChek - Fast certificate ordering

Records Available in Adams County

Adams County holds many types of genealogy records. Each type tells a different story. Some records prove family ties. Others show where people lived or what they owned. Knowing what exists helps you plan your search.

Birth records in Colorado are confidential for 100 years under C.R.S. 25-2-117. After that, anyone can request them. Death records have a 75-year closure. Marriage records are public after they are filed. Divorce records have some restrictions too.

Land records stay public forever. Deeds show property transfers. They often name family members. Probate records settle estates. These list heirs and assets. Court records may hold criminal or civil cases. Each record adds a piece to your family puzzle.

Fees for Records in Adams County

Getting copies of records usually costs money. Each office sets its own fees. State law governs some charges. Know the costs before you order. This helps you budget for your research.

The Colorado State Archives charges for copies and research. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. The CDPHE has fees for vital records too. These change based on what you need and how fast you need it. VitalChek adds a service fee for online orders.

Typical fees include:

• Birth certificate: $20.00 from CDPHE
• Death certificate: $13.00 for first copy
• Marriage record copy: Varies by county
• Land record copy: Usually $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: Add $5.00 to $10.00

Call ahead to confirm current fees. They may change. Bring exact change if paying in person. Some offices take cards. Others are cash only.

Nearby Counties for Research

Your ancestors may have lived in nearby counties. People moved often in the past. They went where land was open. They followed jobs and family. Check surrounding areas if you hit a dead end in Adams County.

Other nearby counties include Washington and Logan to the east. Many families spread across these areas over time.