Filing a small claims case in Colorado means using Colorado's own forms and following its court's procedure. This guide covers the core documents a typical case uses, the claim limit, and where to get the official Colorado forms — without paying for something your court provides free.
The short version: file your claim in Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court), serve the defendant, and prepare your evidence for the hearing. You can claim up to $7,500. Get the official forms free from coloradojudicial.gov.
What Forms Do You Need in Colorado?
Form names and numbers differ by state, but a Colorado small claims case generally uses the same core documents:
📄 JDF 250 - Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial
The document that opens your case — it names the parties, the amount you're claiming, and the basis of the claim. Get the current version from coloradojudicial.gov.
📬 Serving the defendant
Personal service by the sheriff, a private process server, or any non-party age 18+, at least 15 days before trial; or certified mail by the Clerk of Court. Proof of personal service is filed on JDF 98 (Affidavit of Service).
💵 Fee waiver
JDF 205 - Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (with JDF 206 Order) Ask the clerk for the current fee-waiver form.
⚖️ Default judgment
If the defendant is properly served but doesn't respond or appear, you can ask the court to enter a judgment in your favor by default.
Where to Get Official Colorado Forms
Colorado small claims forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- Colorado court forms — coloradojudicial.gov
- Official source — coloradojudicial.gov
- Official source — coloradojudicial.gov
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
Colorado Small Claims Limit & Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court) |
| Claim limit | $7,500 |
| Filing fee | $31 for claims $0.00-$500.00; $55 for claims $500.01-$7,500.00. |
| Fee waiver | JDF 205 - Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (with JDF 206 Order) |
Per individual claim; a party may waive amounts over $7,500 to remain in small claims (waived amount cannot be collected). Limits and fees change over time and can vary by county — confirm the current figures with your Colorado court before you file.
Colorado Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in Colorado?
A Colorado small claims case is filed in Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court). You generally need a claim/complaint form to open the case, a way to serve the defendant with proof of service, and — if you can't afford the fee — a fee-waiver form. Form names and numbers are set by the court, so download the current official versions from coloradojudicial.gov before you file.
❓ How much can you sue for in Colorado small claims court?
In Colorado you can claim up to $7,500. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit to stay in small claims or file in a higher court instead.
❓ Where do I get official Colorado small claims forms?
From your state court — Colorado's judiciary publishes the official forms, and the Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court) clerk can provide the current versions and tell you which ones your court requires. Court-issued forms are free; you only pay the filing fee.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in Colorado?
No. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves without an attorney, and Colorado is no exception. The forms and procedure are simplified so you can file, serve, and present your own case.
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Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. Colorado small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.