Colorado Small Claims Limit Explained, How Much You Can Sue For

Introduction: Why the Colorado small claims limit matters

Think you can sue anyone for any amount? Not in Colorado. The Colorado small claims limit decides whether your case belongs in county court or needs a full civil complaint. Knowing the limit saves time, money and frustration. If you have a $3,200 unpaid invoice, a $7,800 contractor dispute, or a security deposit fight, picking the right court matters. This guide shows the current limit, who can file, how to prepare evidence, step by step filing tips and quick strategies to collect judgment efficiently.

Quick answer, in plain English

The colorado small claims limit is $7,500. That means any single claim for money damages under $7,500 can be filed in small claims court, which is faster and cheaper than a regular civil case. Example, unpaid contractor work for $6,000 belongs in small claims. If your loss is $12,000 you cannot use small claims, you must pursue a civil action in a higher court or negotiate a settlement. Quick tip, do not split one legal claim into two smaller suits to skirt the limit, courts can consolidate or penalize that tactic.

Who can use small claims court in Colorado

Anyone can file a claim in small claims court so long as the dispute fits the court rules. That means individuals age 18 or older, guardians for minors, sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations can sue or be sued. If you represent a business, use an authorized officer or registered agent when filing. For example, a sole proprietor collects unpaid invoices in their own name, while a corporation must act through an officer.

Jurisdiction is simple, file where the defendant lives, does business, or where the dispute occurred. If the defendant is a company, serve the registered agent. Before you file, verify the colorado small claims limit and any excluded matters like evictions or family law.

What types of claims qualify

Think in terms of money claims. Under the colorado small claims limit you can bring cases for unpaid debts, bounced checks and unpaid invoices, security deposit disputes between tenants and landlords, property damage from minor car accidents or contractor mistakes, and straightforward breach of contract claims for goods or services. Be specific, bring invoices, photos, repair estimates and the lease or contract.

What you cannot do in small claims, include asking for injunctions, quiet title actions, divorce or child support, criminal charges, class actions, or requests for non monetary relief.

Colorado small claims monetary limits, updated

Colorado’s current small claims cap is $15,000. That means a single demand for money, including interest, cannot exceed $15,000 in small claims court. If you have two unpaid invoices to the same customer that total $17,000, you cannot split them into separate small claims if they arise from the same transaction; courts will likely combine the claims and dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. If transactions are independent, you might pursue separate suits, but be cautious, that can trigger allegations of claim splitting.

When your claim exceeds the colorado small claims limit, consider filing in county or district court so you can recover the full amount and request remedies like attorney fees. For borderline cases, file in the higher court or sue for the full amount and ask the judge to limit recovery to the small claims cap.

Important exceptions and special rules

Colorado small claims limit has exceptions. Landlord tenant disputes over unpaid rent or security deposits within the limit can go to small claims, but eviction cases must be handled in county court. Statutory damages, consumer protection awards can exceed the limit and require a higher court. If a defendant files a counterclaim above the limit, the case may be removed from small claims. Minors need a guardian to sue, and businesses should confirm corporate authority before filing.

Preparing your claim, step-by-step

1. Calculate damages precisely. Make a numbered list of every loss, with dates and dollar amounts. Include invoices, receipts, bank records, repair estimates, and lost wage calculations. If part of the claim is pain and suffering, state how you arrived at that figure.

2. Gather evidence that proves each line item. Take dated photos, save text messages and emails, get a witness affidavit, and obtain one or two independent repair or replacement estimates.

3. Estimate court costs and service fees. Check the county court website for filing fees, process server or sheriff fees, and any mediation costs; add postage and copy expenses.

4. Draft a clear demand letter or complaint. State the total, attach proof, set a firm payment deadline (for example 10 to 14 days), and explain next steps if unpaid. For court forms, follow the county small claims template and include the jurisdiction, facts, and signature.

Filing the claim, step-by-step

Start by filling out the Colorado Small Claims Complaint form, available on the Colorado Judicial Branch website or at your county court clerk’s office. File in the county where the defendant lives or where the event happened, many counties accept in person filing and the Colorado Courts E‑Filing system for attorneys or self‑represented filers. Expect filing fees, they vary by county, typically check your county court website for the exact amount.

After filing you will get a hearing date, then arrange service of process. Options include the county sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt where allowed. Each method creates a proof of service you must file before the hearing, usually an Affidavit of Service or signed receipt.

Important deadlines, confirm before you file. Check the statute of limitations for your claim type and the court rules for service timing, some courts require service well before the hearing. Practical tip, file early and serve promptly, a late service can delay or dismiss your claim under Colorado small claims limit procedures.

What to expect at the hearing and how judgments work

Arrive early, dress neatly, turn your phone off, and address the judge as "Your Honor." Start with a one sentence summary of your claim, for example, "I am asking for $1,200 for unpaid repair work," then walk through a clear timeline. Bring three organized copies of exhibits, labeled Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, etc., with photos, receipts, contracts, and a worksheet showing your math. Typical judge questions include how you calculated damages, whether you tried to settle, and what outcome you want. Answer briefly, stick to facts, and avoid arguing with the other party.

If you win, the court enters a money judgment; get a certified copy from the clerk to collect via garnishment or bank levy. Appeals are limited and usually require filing within about 21 days, check the court clerk for exact rules.

Collecting and enforcing a judgment

After you win a judgment under the Colorado small claims limit, the judgment is just paper until you collect. First get a certified copy, then ask the court for a writ of execution or garnishment. For wage garnishment, file the writ, serve the employer, and the employer will withhold a court authorized portion of disposable earnings; state and federal exemptions still apply. For bank levies, identify the debtor’s bank, serve the writ, and funds in the account can be frozen and seized, though exempt deposits like Social Security may be protected. Consider a settlement offer early, for example 80 percent of the judgment paid in 30 days or a 6 month payment plan with a signed release. Hire a collection attorney when the debtor hides assets, moves out of state, or recovery costs risk exceeding what you can collect.

Common mistakes and practical tips to increase your odds

Common mistakes are simple and costly. People file for the wrong amount, forget receipts or photos, misidentify the defendant, or miss the statute of limitations. Example, counting future repairs as damages that courts will not allow. Check jurisdiction before filing, and always calculate interest and court costs.

Low cost tactics that win cases, create a clear timeline, label photos with dates, upload receipts in a single PDF, get short witness statements, and send a demand letter by certified mail. Bring three clean copies to court and rehearse your opening.

Consider mediation or legal help when the issue is complex, a counterclaim is likely, or your claim approaches the colorado small claims limit, or you expect trouble enforcing a judgment.

Conclusion and final insights

Key takeaways: Colorado small claims limit is $7,500, prepare evidence, calculate damages, serve the defendant properly. Next steps, file at your county magistrate court and use Colorado Judicial Branch forms and FAQs online.