Colorado small claims court operates as a division of the County Court in each of the state’s 64 counties, handling civil disputes up to $7,500 under C.R.S. § 13-6-403 — plus a separate, higher $25,000 limit specifically carved out for residential construction defect claims under the Colorado Construction Defect Action Reform Act. What sets Colorado apart from every other state in this guide series is its distinctive approach to attorney representation: rather than a blanket ban (as in California or Michigan) or a judge’s-discretion exception (as in Washington), Colorado uses a matched-representation rule under C.R.S. § 13-6-407. Neither side may have an attorney unless the other side does too — meaning if the defendant shows up with a lawyer, you become entitled to hire one as well, and vice versa.
Colorado also has one of the more genuinely complex statute of limitations structures in this guide series, splitting contract claims into a 6-year “debt or money owed” category and a 3-year general contract category — and, counterintuitively, giving motor vehicle personal injury claims a full year longer than ordinary personal injury claims. This guide covers the complete Colorado process — filing, the matched-representation rule, the record-review appeal (not a new trial, unlike most states covered so far), and the specific collection tools that turn a Colorado judgment into actual payment.
Colorado Small Claims — Fast Facts (2026)
- Claim Limit
- Up to $7,500 ($25,000 for construction defects)
- Court Name
- County Court — Small Claims Division
- Attorneys
- Matched only — both sides or neither, C.R.S. § 13-6-407
- Filing Fee
- $31 (≤$500) / $55 ($500–$7,500)
- Statute of Limitations
- 6 years (debt) / 3 years (other contracts) / 2 years (general injury)
- Appeal Window
- 14 calendar days — record review, not de novo
- Post-Judgment Interest
- 8% per year, compounded annually — § 5-12-102
- Real Property Lien Duration
- 20 years
- Wage Garnishment Cap
- Lesser of 20% disposable income or 40x minimum wage
- Security Deposit Return
- 30 days (60 if lease specifies)
What Makes Colorado Small Claims Different
1. Matched Attorney Representation — Not a Blanket Ban
Under C.R.S. § 13-6-407, neither party may be represented by an attorney at a Colorado small claims hearing unless the opposing party is also represented. This is meaningfully different from a state like California, which bans attorneys entirely, or Washington, where a judge decides case by case. In Colorado, the rule is reciprocal: if you show up without a lawyer and the defendant does too, that’s how the hearing proceeds. But if the defendant retains counsel, you become entitled to retain one as well — and the reverse is equally true. If you are a business defendant considering hiring an attorney for a small claims matter, understand that doing so opens the door for the plaintiff to do the same, potentially changing the entire dynamic of what was meant to be an informal, low-cost proceeding.
2. A Genuinely Complex, Split Statute of Limitations
Colorado’s contract limitations periods are split in a way that trips up even careful filers:
- Debt or money owed — including promissory notes and credit contracts — carries a 6-year period under C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5
- Other general contract claims carry only 3 years under § 13-80-101
- Motor vehicle personal injury claims carry 3 years under § 13-80-101(1)(n) — notably one year longer than ordinary negligence and personal injury claims
- General negligence and personal injury claims carry only 2 years under § 13-80-102
The motor vehicle carve-out is worth flagging specifically because it runs counter to the pattern in most other categories — usually a more specific carve-out shortens the period rather than lengthening it. If your claim involves an auto accident injury specifically, you have a full extra year compared to a general personal injury claim in Colorado.
3. Appeal Is a Record Review, Not a New Trial
Unlike California, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina — all of which give the losing party a fresh trial on appeal — Colorado’s small claims appeal to District Court is a review of the existing record, not a new trial. A transcript of the original hearing is required, and the appeal focuses on legal errors the original judge or magistrate may have made rather than allowing new evidence or witnesses. This makes your original small claims hearing considerably more consequential — there is no meaningful second chance to fix a weak presentation of your evidence on appeal.
4. Parties Can Voluntarily Waive Appeal Rights Entirely
If both the plaintiff and defendant agree in advance that they will be bound by whatever the judge or referee decides, no formal record of the trial is made at all, and neither side may appeal — the decision becomes immediately final and binding. This option can save meaningful time and cost if both sides genuinely want a quick, conclusive resolution, but it should not be agreed to lightly, since it forecloses any recourse even if the outcome turns out to be based on a clear legal error.
5. Mediation With a Binding Stipulation Bypasses the Appeal Window Entirely
Colorado courts frequently offer mediation before a contested hearing. If you and the other party reach an agreement, it is documented on Form JDF 75 (Stipulation) along with Form JDF 106 (Stipulation Order) and filed with the court. Once entered as a court order, this settlement is immediately binding and enforceable — it avoids the 14-day appeal window altogether and removes the uncertainty of a contested judgment potentially being appealed. If your case is offered mediation, treat it as a genuine opportunity rather than a delay tactic.
Colorado Small Claims Filing Fees (2026)
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $500 | $31 |
| $500.01 – $7,500 | $55 |
Service adds additional cost: sheriff service typically runs $30 to $60, while certified mail with Restricted Delivery is available as a lower-cost alternative — the mail must specifically be marked Restricted Delivery to ensure the defendant personally signs for it. Service must be completed at least 15 days before the trial date, and proof of service must be filed with the court before trial under Colo. R. Sm. Cl. 506.
Fee waiver: If you cannot afford the filing fee, submit Form JDF 205 (Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit) along with JDF 206 for the court’s ruling.
Step-by-Step: How to File in Colorado
Step 1 — Send a Demand Letter
Colorado does not require a demand letter before filing, but sending one strengthens your case and demonstrates good faith. State the total amount owed, attach supporting proof, set a firm payment deadline (commonly 10 to 14 days), and explain what happens next if the debt remains unpaid. Keep proof of mailing.
Step 2 — Confirm the Correct County
File at the County Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the cause of action arose.
Step 3 — Complete the Notice, Claim, and Summons
Obtain the Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial form (also referenced as Form JDF 250) from the court clerk’s office. Include:
- Your name and address
- The defendant’s exact legal name and address
- The specific dollar amount claimed (up to $7,500, or $25,000 for a qualifying construction defect claim)
- A clear statement of the facts supporting your claim
Step 4 — File and Pay the Fee
File at the clerk’s counter and pay the applicable fee ($31 or $55). Colorado offers e-filing through Colorado Courts eFiling at courts.state.co.us for County Court Small Claims Division cases statewide, though availability and how the multi-part form is processed electronically can vary by county — confirm with your specific court before assuming full e-filing is available. Pro se (self-represented) litigants can register for a Self-Represented Litigant account.
Step 5 — Serve the Defendant
Service is completed by the sheriff or by certified mail with Restricted Delivery — you cannot serve the defendant yourself. Service must occur at least 15 days before the trial date. File proof of service with the court before trial under Colo. R. Sm. Cl. 506; without it, the hearing cannot proceed.
Step 6 — Prepare Your Evidence
Colorado Rules of Small Claims Procedure (Colo. R. Sm. Cl. 501–525) explicitly favor informality — the object is to dispense justice promptly and economically, and rules of evidence do not apply strictly. This does not mean preparation is unimportant: bring three complete copies of every document, calculate your damages precisely with a numbered list of every loss including dates and dollar amounts, and gather supporting evidence — dated photographs, saved texts and emails, witness statements, and one or two independent repair or replacement estimates where relevant.
Step 7 — Attend the Hearing
Trials are public and informal under Colo. R. Sm. Cl. 508. Arrive early, dress neatly, and address the judge as “Your Honor.” Open with a one-sentence summary of your claim — for example, “I am asking for $1,200 for unpaid repair work” — then walk through a clear timeline supported by your organized, labeled exhibits. The judge or magistrate typically asks how you calculated your damages, whether you attempted to settle beforehand, and what specific outcome you are seeking. Answer briefly and stick to the facts. The decision must be stated the same day.
How to Collect Your Colorado Small Claims Judgment
Once you have a judgment and the 14-day appeal window closes without an appeal being filed, you can begin collection. Post-judgment interest accrues at 8% per year, compounded annually, under C.R.S. § 5-12-102. If the defendant appeared at the hearing, start by contacting them directly and demanding payment — many defendants pay voluntarily once the judgment is final rather than face garnishment or a lien.
Step 1 — Compel Asset Disclosure If Needed
If you do not know where the defendant works or banks, you can ask the court to require the losing party to disclose their assets and property — either by answering written interrogatories or by appearing in court to testify. If the losing party fails to comply with the court’s order, the judge may hold them in contempt. Use the disclosed information to direct your garnishment or execution efforts.
Step 2 — Wage Garnishment
Governed by C.R.S. § 13-54.5-101 et seq. Fill in the garnishment form, take the original and required copies to the clerk and then to the sheriff of the county where the defendant works, and ask the sheriff to serve the garnishment on the employer. Colorado caps wage garnishment at the lesser of 20% of disposable income or 40 times the state minimum wage — meaningfully more protective of the debtor than the federal 25% default used in many other states.
Step 3 — Bank Account Garnishment
Follow the same basic garnishment process directed at the defendant’s bank rather than (or in addition to) their employer. If the garnishment targets a bank account, the defendant must also be separately served with a copy of the garnishment, which triggers procedures for the defendant to claim exemptions and for the bank to pay out non-exempt funds.
Step 4 — Writ of Execution (Personal Property)
Governed by C.R.S. § 13-52-101. Authorizes seizure and sale of the defendant’s non-exempt personal property. Be aware that Colorado exempts a wide range of everyday property from execution under C.R.S. § 13-54-102 — homes (up to a homestead exemption amount), household appliances, jewelry, and vehicles are commonly exempt, at least in part. Execution against personal property is often complicated in practice and should be approached carefully.
Step 5 — Real Property Lien
Obtain a transcript of the judgment from the court clerk, take it to the clerk and recorder of the county where the defendant owns real estate, and ask them to record it (a recording fee applies). Once recorded, the property cannot be sold or refinanced until the judgment is paid in full and a release of the lien is obtained. This lien is valid for 20 years — among the longest real property lien durations in this guide series.
Satisfaction of Judgment
Once the judgment has been paid in full, Colorado law requires you to send written notice to the court confirming satisfaction — this is a legal obligation, not optional. File the satisfaction notice promptly once payment is received.
Appeals in Colorado Small Claims Court
| Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who can appeal | Either party (unless both agreed in advance to a binding decision) |
| Deadline | 14 calendar days from judgment |
| Where it goes | District Court of the same county |
| Type of review | Record review — no new trial; transcript required |
| Bond required | Yes — appeal bond to secure payment of judgment costs |
| Attorneys | Permitted at the District Court appeal level |
| Governing rule | C.R.C.P. 411 |
Colorado Statute of Limitations
| Claim Type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Debt or money owed (promissory notes, credit contracts) | 6 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5 |
| Other general contract claims | 3 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-101 |
| Motor vehicle personal injury | 3 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n) |
| General negligence / personal injury | 2 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-102 |
Because Colorado does not use one uniform contract period the way some states do, identify precisely which category your claim falls into before calculating your filing deadline. A claim for an unpaid personal loan (debt or money owed) has a materially longer window than a general breach of a service contract, even though both might feel like similar “someone owes me money” situations.
Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Small Claims Court
What is the small claims limit in Colorado in 2026?
$7,500 under C.R.S. § 13-6-403, with a separate $25,000 limit for residential construction defect claims under the Colorado Construction Defect Action Reform Act.
Are attorneys allowed in Colorado small claims court?
Only if both sides have one. Under C.R.S. § 13-6-407, neither party may be represented unless the opposing party is also represented — a reciprocal, matched rule rather than a blanket ban.
How much does it cost to file in Colorado?
$31 for claims up to $500, $55 for claims between $500 and $7,500. Sheriff service adds $30–$60; certified mail with Restricted Delivery is a lower-cost alternative.
What is the statute of limitations for small claims in Colorado?
6 years for debt or money owed (promissory notes, credit contracts). 3 years for other general contract claims and motor vehicle personal injury claims specifically. 2 years for general negligence and personal injury.
Can either party appeal a Colorado small claims judgment?
Yes, within 14 calendar days, to District Court, under C.R.C.P. 411 — but this is a record review, not a new trial. A transcript and appeal bond are required.
Can both parties agree to skip the appeal process?
Yes — if both sides agree in advance to be bound by the judge’s decision, no record is made and the decision is final immediately, with no appeal available.
How do I collect a judgment in Colorado?
Wage garnishment (capped at the lesser of 20% disposable income or 40x minimum wage), bank levy, a writ of execution on non-exempt personal property, or a real property lien valid for 20 years. Post-judgment interest accrues at 8% per year, compounded annually.
How long does it take to get a hearing in Colorado?
Typically 14 to 63 days from filing depending on the county’s calendar. The hearing itself usually runs 20 to 45 minutes.
What is Colorado’s security deposit return deadline?
30 days after the lease ends, or up to 60 days if the lease specifically allows for the longer period, under C.R.S. § 38-12-103.
Can I force the losing party to disclose their assets?
Yes — the court can require the losing party to answer written interrogatories or appear in court to disclose assets and property. Non-compliance can result in a contempt finding.
Next Steps
- How to Write a Demand Letter
- How to Collect Money After Winning
- What Evidence to Bring to Small Claims Court
- What to Say in Small Claims Court
- Browse All 50 State Guides
Sources
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Small Claims: coloradojudicial.gov
- C.R.S. §§ 13-6-401 to 13-6-415 (Small Claims Court)
- C.R.S. § 13-6-403 (Jurisdictional limit — $7,500)
- C.R.S. § 13-6-407 (Matched attorney representation rule)
- Colorado Rules for Small Claims Courts, Colo. R. Sm. Cl. 501–525
- C.R.C.P. 411 (Appeal to District Court — 14 days, record review)
- C.R.S. § 13-80-101 (3-year general contract SOL; motor vehicle PI carve-out)
- C.R.S. § 13-80-102 (2-year general negligence/personal injury SOL)
- C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5 (6-year debt/money owed SOL)
- C.R.S. § 5-12-102 (8% post-judgment interest, compounded annually)
- C.R.S. § 13-54.5-101 et seq. (Wage garnishment)
- C.R.S. § 13-52-101 (Writ of execution)
- C.R.S. § 13-54-102 (Property exemptions)
- C.R.S. § 38-12-103 (Security deposit — 30/60-day return)
- Colorado Construction Defect Action Reform Act ($25,000 small claims limit for construction defects)
- Colorado Courts eFiling — courts.state.co.us
