Colorado Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Colorado — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Colorado Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$7,500
Filing Fee
$31–$55
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (County Court)
Overview
Small Claims in Colorado
Colorado small claims court is a division of the County Court and handles civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $7,500. The court provides a simplified and affordable process for resolving monetary disputes without requiring attorney representation. Colorado limits filers to 18 small claims cases per year to prevent abuse of the system.
Filing fees in Colorado are $31 for claims under $500 and $55 for claims between $500.01 and $7,500. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you win your case. The informal proceedings are designed for self-represented litigants, and attorneys are not permitted to appear on behalf of parties.
Colorado small claims court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, resolving disputes over auto repairs, seeking compensation for property damage, and addressing breach of contract matters. The court can award monetary judgments but cannot grant equitable relief such as injunctions or specific performance.
To file, you must submit a complaint form to the County Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons that must be served on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days.
Where to File
File in the County Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the transaction took place.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is the most common and affordable method for small claims cases. The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 6 years. Oral contracts: 6 years. Property damage: 2 years. Personal injury: 2 years. Fraud: 3 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the District Court within 15 days. The case is retried de novo.
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