How to file small claims in Colorado

Sue for up to $7,500 in the County Court (small-claims division); filing fee around $55.

Colorado County Courts hear small claims up to $7,500 with lawyers generally barred; either party can appeal to District Court.

• Dollar limit: $7,500 — $7,500 in the small-claims division of County Court.
• Filing fee: $55 — About $31–$55 depending on amount, plus service costs.
• Where to file: County Court (small-claims division)
• Lawyers at the hearing: not allowed — you represent yourself

1. Confirm your claim is at or under the dollar limit and within the statute of limitations for your claim type.
2. Send a written demand letter first — most courts expect it, and it often gets you paid without filing.
3. Get the correct filing form (often a "Statement of Claim" or "Plaintiff's Claim") from the County Court clerk or the court's website.
4. File the form with the County Court for the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened, and pay the filing fee.
5. Arrange service of process so the defendant is officially notified (by the sheriff, certified mail, or a process server, per local rules).
6. Gather your evidence — contract, texts, photos, receipts, the demand letter — and bring organized copies to your hearing.
7. Show up on your court date and present your case; if you win, ask the judge how to collect the judgment.
8. Colorado generally bars attorneys unless both sides have one or the lawyer is a party; either side may appeal to District Court.

What are you suing for?

• Suing for unpaid loan in Colorado: 6 years to file
• Suing for security deposit in Colorado: 6 years to file
• Suing for property damage in Colorado: 2 years to file
• Suing for unpaid rent in Colorado: 6 years to file
• Suing for contractor dispute in Colorado: 6 years to file

Source: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-403. Reviewed 2026-06-17.

Nearby states: Wyoming ($6,000) · Kansas ($4,000) · Nebraska ($3,900) · New Mexico ($10,000) · Utah ($15,000).

General legal information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by county and court; consult a licensed attorney or your court clerk.

Updated July 2026