1 Understand What Small Claims Court Is
Small Claims Court in Colorado handles disputes involving:
- Up to $7,500 for individuals and businesses
- Designed to be:
- Fast and informal
- Low cost
- Easy to navigate without an attorney
Attorneys are not allowed to represent parties at the hearing, though you may consult one beforehand. Most cases are resolved in a single court appearance.
2 Decide If Small Claims Court Is Right for You
Common types of small claims cases in City and County of Denver include:
- Unpaid loans or money owed
- Property damage
- Breach of a simple contract
- Landlord/tenant disputes (unpaid rent, security deposits)
- Auto repair or service disputes
- Contractor or handyman disputes
If your claim is complex or exceeds Colorado’s small claims limits, you may need to file in a higher civil court instead.
3 Confirm You Can File in Denver County
You can file a small claims case in City and County of Denver if:
- The dispute occurred in City and County of Denver
- The person you are suing lives or works in Denver County
- The business you are suing operates or does business in City and County of Denver
Filing in the correct county (venue) is essential. Filing in the wrong county can delay your case or result in dismissal.
4 Fill Out the Required Forms
To start your case, you must complete:
- Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial (Form JDF 250)
This form requires:
- Your name and contact information
- The defendant’s name and address
- The amount you are claiming (up to $7,500)
- A brief explanation of why you are suing
Forms are available online through the Colorado Judicial Branch website or at the City and County of Denver Court clerk’s office.
5 File Your Claim With the Court
After completing Form JDF 250, you can file your claim:
- In person
- By mail (original plus copies)
Filing Fees (Typical):
- $55 for claims up to $500
- $80 for claims $500.01 to $7,500
- Fee waivers are available for those who qualify
Court Location:
Denver City & County Bldg (Civil and Domestic Matters)
1437 Bannock Street
Room 256 (Clerk’s Office) Room 431 (Jury)
Denver, CO 80202
United States
6 Serve the Defendant With Court Papers
Once your case is filed, you must serve the defendant with a copy of the court papers. You cannot serve the papers yourself.
Accepted service methods include:
- Personal service (by sheriff or private process server)
- Certified mail (if allowed by the court)
After service, file a Return of Service form with the court.
7 Prepare for Your Hearing
Before your hearing:
- Gather contracts, receipts, photos, invoices, and communications
- Prepare a short timeline of events
- Bring three copies of all evidence (for the judge, the defendant, and yourself)
Denver County offers access to Self‑Help Centers and court staff who can provide guidance on preparing your case.
8 Attend Your Small Claims Hearing
Hearings are usually scheduled 6–8 weeks after filing. At the hearing:
- You explain your claim briefly
- The judge asks questions
- The defendant presents their side
- A decision may be issued immediately or mailed later
9 After the Court’s Decision
If you win, the court issues a judgment stating how much the defendant owes you. The court does not collect the money for you, so you may need to pursue collection through:
- Wage garnishment
- Bank levies
- Property liens
If you lose, plaintiffs generally cannot appeal, though defendants may have limited appeal rights.
Final Thoughts
Filing a small claims case in Denver County doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right forms, proper service, and organized evidence, you can confidently present your case—without hiring an attorney.
For additional guidance, SmallClaimsHero can serve as a helpful resource by offering step-by-step explanations, practical tips, and easy-to-follow checklists tailored to small claims cases. Using tools like SmallClaimsHero can help you stay organized, avoid common mistakes, and approach your court date with greater confidence.