Colorado Small Claims Court Guide

$7500 Maximum Claim (Individuals)
$7500 Maximum Claim (Businesses)
30-60 days Typical Wait Time
No Lawyers Allowed

Colorado Small Claims Court Limits

Colorado small claims court limit is $7,500 for all plaintiffs. Cases are heard in County Court.

Court Name: Small Claims Division of County Court

Official Website: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/taxonomy/term/457

Filing Fees in Colorado

Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:

Claim Amount Filing Fee
$100 - $500$31

Filing fees based on claim amount. Additional fees for service. Fee waivers available.

Serving the Defendant

Service must be completed at least 15 days before the trial date.

Allowed Service Methods:

Important: You must serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing date.

What to Expect at Your Hearing

After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.

No Lawyers Required: Attorneys are generally NOT allowed to represent parties in Colorado small claims court, with limited exceptions for corporations.

Appeals

Either party may request a new trial in County Court within 14 days.

Colorado Statute of Limitations

You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:

Type of Claim Time Limit
Written Contract years
Oral Contract years
Property Damage years
Personal Injury years

Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?

Colorado courts recommend sending a demand letter before filing to demonstrate you attempted to resolve the dispute.

Create Your Free Demand Letter

Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.

Create Free Demand Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims court limit in Colorado?

The Colorado small claims court limit is $7,500 for all plaintiffs. Cases are heard in the Small Claims Division of County Court.

Can I have a lawyer in Colorado small claims court?

Generally no. Colorado small claims court does not allow attorney representation, with limited exceptions for corporations and other entities.

How much does it cost to file in Colorado small claims court?

Filing fees are $31 for claims under $500 and $55 for claims up to $7,500. Service fees are additional.

How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Colorado?

In Colorado, you have 6 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract from the date of breach.