Small Claims Court in Colorado: Filing Limits and Procedures

By / April 9, 2026

Small Claims Court in Colorado: Filing Limits and Procedures

Key Takeaways:

• The maximum amount you can claim in Colorado small claims court is $7,500.
• You have one year from the date of the incident to file a small claims case in Colorado.
• Filing fees for small claims court in Colorado are $64 for claims up to $2,500 and $120 for claims above $2,500.
• Small claims court in Colorado is designed to be a faster and more informal process than traditional civil court.
• You do not need an attorney to represent you in small claims court in Colorado, but it is highly recommended.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

#Step 1: Determine if You Can File in Small Claims Court

  • Check the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 13-6-403.5 to see if your case falls within the jurisdiction of the small claims court.
  • The maximum amount you can claim in small claims court is $7,500 (C.R.S. § 13-6-403.5).
  • If your case is worth more than $7,500, you will need to file in traditional civil court.

#Step 2: Gather Evidence and Documents

  • Collect any evidence related to your case, such as receipts, contracts, and witness statements.
  • Make sure you have all necessary documents, including a written statement of your claim and any supporting documentation.

#Step 3: Fill Out the Small Claims Court Form

  • Obtain a small claims court form from the court clerk’s office or online at .
  • Fill out the form accurately and completely, making sure to include all necessary information.
  • Sign the form in front of a notary public, if required.

#Step 4: File the Small Claims Court Form and Pay the Filing Fee

  • Take the completed form to the court clerk’s office and submit it for filing.
  • Pay the required filing fee, which is $64 for claims up to $2,500 and $120 for claims above $2,500 (C.R.S. § 13-6-403.5).
  • Make sure to keep a copy of the filed form and any supporting documents.

#Step 5: Serve the Defendant

  • Serve the defendant with a copy of the small claims court form and any supporting documents.
  • Use a process server or mail the documents to the defendant, depending on the court’s requirements.
  • Make sure to keep a record of the service, including the date, time, and method of service.

#Step 6: Attend the Hearing

  • Show up to the scheduled hearing date and time, dressed professionally and prepared to present your case.
  • Bring any necessary evidence and supporting documents to the hearing.
  • Be prepared to answer questions from the judge and respond to the defendant’s arguments.

Filing Fees:

  • Filing fee for claims up to $2,500: $64
  • Filing fee for claims above $2,500: $120
  • Service fee for process server: varies

Deadlines:

  • You have one year from the date of the incident to file a small claims case in Colorado (C.R.S. § 13-80-101).
  • You must file the small claims court form within 30 days of the incident (C.R.S. § 13-6-403.5).

Additional Resources:

  • Colorado State Bar:
  • Courts.gov:
  • USA.gov:
  • LawHelp.org:

How to Find a Colorado Attorney:

  • Contact the Colorado State Bar for a referral to a qualified attorney (1-800-332-6736).
  • Check online directories, such as Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell, for a list of qualified attorneys.
  • Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Q: Do I need an attorney to file in small claims court?
A: No, you do not need an attorney to represent you in small claims court in Colorado, but it is highly recommended.
2. Q: What is the maximum amount I can claim in small claims court?
A: The maximum amount you can claim in small claims court is $7,500 (C.R.S. § 13-6-403.5).
3. Q: How long do I have to file a small claims case in Colorado?
A: You have one year from the date of the incident to file a small claims case in Colorado (C.R.S. § 13-80-101).
4. Q: What is the filing fee for small claims court in Colorado?
A: The filing fee for small claims court in Colorado is $64 for claims up to $2,500 and $120 for claims above $2,500 (C.R.S. § 13-6-403.5).
5. Q: Do I need to serve the defendant with a copy of the small claims court form?
A: Yes, you must serve the defendant with a copy of the small claims court form and any supporting documents.

Legal Disclaimer:

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. Small claims court procedures and laws can change, so it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney or the court clerk’s office for the most up-to-date information. The Colorado State Bar and other resources listed above can provide additional guidance and support.

Official Resources

Visit our Find a Lawyer page for more resources.

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