Chief Judge
Scott Moore
Associate Judge
Paul Whistler
Southern Ute Tribal Court
Phone: 970-563-0240
Fax: 970-563-9570
Mission
The Tribal Court exercises and protects the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, providing a forum for the enforcement of Tribal law and the administration of justice, while honoring its culture.
Hours of Operations
Beginning August 9, 2021
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Tribal Court:
(970) 563 – 0240
Probation:
(970) 563 – 0267
Family Court:
(970) 563 – 2882 Office visits by appointment only
Administrative Orders & COVID-19
Administrative Order
- Tribal Court Administrative Order 2021-04 COVID
- Tribal Court Administrative Order 2022-01 COVID Order Resuming Normal Operations
Notice to the Public – Tribal Court
The Tribal Court is following the guidance and directives of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, except the Tribal Court may issue specific directives for jury trials to protect the health of our elders and vulnerable Tribal members.
Attend Hearings by Zoom
How To Attend Zoom Hearing
Court Forms
Civil Forms
- Civil Motion and Order
- Claim and Summons
- Determining Paternity Pamphlet
- Interrogatories
- Last Will and Testament
- Petition for Adoption
- Petition for Child Support
- Petition For Custody
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Petition to Execute on Judgement
- Petition for Grandparent Visitation
- Petition for Guardianship-Adult Protection
- Petition for Guardianship
- Petition for Involuntary Commitment
- Petition for Name Change – Adult
- Petition for Name Change – Minor
- Petition to Probate
- Petition and Affidavit to Recognize Foreign Court Order
- Petition for Termination of Parental Rights
- Satisfaction Of Judgement
- Verified Complaint for Protection Order
Criminal Forms
- Demand for Jury Trial
- Application For Court-Appointed Counsel
- Criminal Motion and Order
- Extension of Time
- Irrevocable Pledge
- Motion to Waive Fees
- Request for Exemption from Jury Duty
Financial Forms
- Common Court Costs Fees
- Customer Service Form
- Direct Deposit Authorization
- IRS Form W9 – Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
- Request for Electronic Recording
Probation Forms
Filing Fees
Filing Fee
Pay Fines & Fees
Criminal & Traffic Cases
| Online: | www.citepayusa.com – Processing fee may apply | |
Court Window |
Cash Credit/Debit Card – Processing fee may apply Cashier’s Check or Money Order made payable to: Southern Ute Tribal Court
(Personal checks are not accepted) |
|
Phone: |
Credit/Debit Card – Processing fee may apply | |
Mail: |
Cashier’s Check or Money Order made payable to:
Southern Ute Tribal Court or Restitution Party
P.O. Box 737 #18 Ignacio, CO 81137 (Personal checks are not accepted) |
Civil Cases
Court Window |
Cash Credit/Debit Card – Processing fee may apply Cashier’s Check or Money Order made payable to: Southern Ute Tribal Court or Restitution Party
(Personal checks are not accepted) |
|
Phone: |
Credit/Debit Card – Processing fee may apply | |
Mail: |
Cashier’s Check or Money Order made payable to:
Southern Ute Tribal Court or Restitution Party
P.O. Box 737 #18 Ignacio, CO 81137 (Personal checks are not accepted) |
**Victim Restitution Parties: Cashier’s Check/Money Order made payable to the Victim and should include the case number.
For questions about a payment, assistance with online payments, or to set up a payment plan, please call 970-563-0240.
e-File
Submit electronic filings to: tribalcourt@southernute-nsn.gov
For Petitions or Forms requiring the filer to be sworn in and/or payment at the time of filing, please call the Clerk’s Office at 970-563-0240 for further instructions.
Attorneys
Attorney List
Attorney information
All practicing lawyers must have an entry of admittance with the southern Ute tribal court to practice here.
Attorney Requirements
- Copy of Current Bar Card
- Letter of Good Standing
- Photo ID
- $100 Admittance Fee ($100 annual renewal fee to remain active)
Lay Advocate Requirements
- Letter of Intent to practice in Tribal Court
- Photo ID
- $100 Admittance Fee
Once all information is received Attorney/Lay Advocate will need to be sworn in if new admittance
- It is the Attorney/Lay Advocate responsibility to check with the court for an appointment with the Judge.
- If time allows Attorney/Lay Advocate may be sworn in right before the Court appearance.
- Filings cannot be accepted if the Attorney/Lay Advocate is not admitted to practice in Southern Ute Tribal Court and/or not done an Entry of Appearance on representing parties.
Phone Directory
Phone Directory
Emergency Hearing Procedures
The court will hear any matters requiring immediate attention. The Tribal Court has implemental new procedures to safeguard the Southern Ute Tribal community. Please expect the following changes:
- Cases will be heard one at a time. Tribal Court staff will sanitize as best as possible after each hearing.
- The court will limit the number of people allowed in court to minimize the possible spread of COVID 19.
- The court encourages telephonic participation in any hearing where that is feasible.
- The bailiffs will direct anyone in the court hearing to maintain “social distancing” (i.e. 6 feet).
Probation
Probation shall maintain services, but will be providing instructions to probationers on any changes. The changes will reflect the need to maintain community safety, while minimizing possible contact.
Phone: 970-563-0267
Family Court Support Office
The Family Court Support Office offers various successful treatment programs and services for Court clients or others.
Phone: 970-563-0268
Wellness Court
The Southern Ute tüüÇai Court is a special court that gets involved when someone is repeatedly being arrested and charged with criminal offenses, is not following court conditions, and/or continues to abuse alcohol or drugs.
Custody Cases
The Family Court Support Office is available for custody cases. Custody orders shall remain in place, unless modified by court order.
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