Want it written for you? Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim laid out so you can copy each field onto the official JDF 250 Notice, Claim and Summons, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Colorado claim qualifiesThe Colorado Small Claims Form
📄 JDF 250 Notice, Claim and Summons
The form that opens your case. Download it free from coloradojudicial.gov.
Colorado Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Court (County Court div.) |
| Claim limit | $7,500 |
| Claim form | JDF 250 Notice, Claim and Summons |
| Filing fee | $31 (≤$500) / $55 (>$500) — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing |
| Serving the defendant | Personal/substituted via sheriff or private server; NO mail service (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
Filing Deadlines in Colorado
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 3 years — 6 years where the claim is for a liquidated debt or an unliquidated but determinable amount of money due — C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5(1)(a). Arrears of rent are also 6 years under (1)(b). | C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 3 years — 6 years where the claim is for a liquidated debt or an unliquidated but determinable amount of money due — C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5(1)(a). Arrears of rent are also 6 years under (1)(b). | C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a) |
| Damage to property | 2 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a) |
| Personal injury | 2 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a) |
| Unpaid debt or account | 6 years — 3 years if the sum owed is neither liquidated nor determinable, in which case the general contract period in C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(a) applies instead. | C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5(1)(a) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Colorado Instead?
Do you file an answer? You must file a written, signed response on or before the trial date. (C.R.C.P. 507)
If they owe you money: To keep a counterclaim that is over the small-claims limit in a higher court, file it with your answer at least 7 days before the first trial date and ask in the answer that the case be removed to county or district court. (C.R.C.P. 508(c))
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Colorado Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — coloradojudicial.gov
- Official source — coloradojudicial.gov
- Official source — coloradojudicial.gov
- The clerk of the Small Claims Court (County Court div.) — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Colorado compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Colorado Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Colorado?
The form that opens the case is the JDF 250 Notice, Claim and Summons. The official source is coloradojudicial.gov. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Colorado small claims court?
In Colorado you can claim up to $7,500 in the Small Claims Court (County Court div.). If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in Colorado?
The filing fee is $31 (≤$500) / $55 (>$500) — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Colorado small claims form for me?
We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto the official JDF 250 Notice, Claim and Summons yourself — we do not produce the form itself. It comes with a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Colorado case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Colorado claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.