Colorado Small Claims

Small claims court is a simple legal process for resolving low-value civil disputes without the expense and formality of full litigation. Each state in the country sets its own rules. Colorado’s framework on small claims helps consumers, tenants, landlords, and small businesses to enforce rights, recover money, and resolve conflicts.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Colorado?

Colorado small claims matters are heard in County Court. The court is designed for disputes seeking money, return of property, simple contract performance/avoidance, or compliance with restrictive covenants. The Small Claims Rules allow parties to tell their story and submit basic documentation (receipts, photos, texts, contracts, witnesses) without complex motion practice.

No jury trial is allowed in a court proceeding. The rule allows an attorney to appear for a party in small claims if the defendant files a written notice at least seven days before trial. Then, both sides may allow attorneys to represent them. Businesses are permitted by the court to be represented by specified non-legal representatives (such as full-time officers or employees).

Small Claims Court Limits in Colorado

Colorado’s small claims financial limit is capped at $7,500, exclusive of costs and interest. A plaintiff with a larger controversy may waive the excess amount to stay in small claims, or file in county/district civil. An individual is limited to two Small Claims a month, and no more than 18 cases a year per county. Matters that involve libel/slander, evictions, traffic/criminal cases, and other excluded categories are not suited for Small Claims Court.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Colorado

Individuals may file small claims cases by taking the following steps:

• Confirm eligibility and venue. They must ensure the amount of damage is $7,500 or less. The claim must be filed where any defendant lives, works, has an office to transact business, or where the property is located.
• File their claim. The plaintiff must take a completed Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial Form (JFD 250) to the clerk for filing. They are required to pay a filing fee of $31 for claims up to $500 and $55 for claims between $500.01 and $7,500. Fee waivers are available through the File Without Payment page.
• Serve the defendant. The plaintiff must serve the defendant with a copy of the completed JFD 250 form at least 15 days before the trial date. They may serve the form through personal service or by certified mail performed by the clerk of court. A Proof of Service must be filed at least 15 days before the scheduled date on your case management order.
• Mediation. Mediation is an effective way to resolve disputes.The court may order the case to mediation through third parties or the government. The parties may seek mediation services from the Colorado Office of Dispute Resolution.
• Prepare for Trial. Try to observe a small claims court trial, as they are generally open to the public. Individuals must determine what evidence is needed, if they need any witnesses to testify, or prepare their trial testimony.

Small Claims Courts in Major Colorado Cities (Examples)

In Colorado, individuals may contact the local County Court in their county for small claims matters. They may visit top counties such as:

• Denver County Court (Civil Division): The court is located at 1437 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202. It provides online case lookup to the public.
• Colorado Springs (El Paso County – El Paso County Judicial Building): Located at 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Individuals may visit the clerk of the court to obtain additional information about small claim cases.
• Boulder County Combined Court (Boulder Justice Center): 1777 6th St., Boulder, CO 80302. The court provides a Self-Help Center to the public.
• Arapahoe County (Littleton Courthouse): 1790 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO 80120, with a second location at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial, CO 80112. The Court allows the public to view the Public Livestreaming for court proceedings.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Colorado

Individuals must get to the courts on time. Some courts may order both parties to attend mediation before trial in some counties. On the trial date, a judge or magistrate presides over the trial. All court proceedings are informal, and the rules of evidence are not strictly applied to the cases. Judges may announce decisions immediately at the close of the hearing and direct entry of judgment.

The plaintiff or defendant may appeal small claims judgments in line with county court rules and the applicable appeal procedures.

If the plaintiff wins their case, they must collect their judgment. If the debtor does not pay, the prevailing party may pursue writs of garnishment or execution. They may require the debtor to disclose assets, using county-court civil procedures and fee schedules.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Colorado

Small claims case information is available to the public unless it is sealed by law or court order. Individuals may expect to find the register of actions (case number, parties, filings, settings, and disposition/judgment). They may access the records through:

• Colorado Judicial Branch tools.TheColorado Judicial Branch provides a Docket Search that lets individuals filter and view daily dockets by county/date. For specific files or compiled data, they may use the Access Guide to Public Records to request records from the court where the case was filed.
• CoCourts.com (statewide, paid portal).An initiative of the Colorado Judicial Branch with an affiliated vendor to provide a real-time register of actions for county and district courts (including small claims). Individuals may also access Denver County Court records.
• County/Court portals.
  • Denver County Court Public Portal supports case lookups by name or number and provides civil/small-claims calendars.
  • Some commercial sites provide indexes for the public. Individuals may request certified copies and full documents from the local clerk.