Small Claims Complaint

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A PREPARATION GUIDE — NOT THE OFFICIAL COURT FORM

Colorado requires the use of official court form JDF 250 (Small Claims Notice and Summons) for small
claims complaints. This template provides the substantive legal content to help you prepare —
but you must transfer your content to the official form before filing. The official form
is available at https://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/Forms_List.cfm?Form_Type_ID=253.
Do not file this document directly with the court.

COLORADO SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT TEMPLATE

(Drafted for use in the Small Claims Division of the Colorado County Courts)

DOCUMENT HEADER

IN THE COUNTY COURT, SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION
COUNTY OF ☐, STATE OF COLORADO

Plaintiff(s):
    [Full Legal Name(s)]                              ▲ COURT USE ONLY ▲
    Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP]  
    Phone: [___]  |  E-Mail: [___]

v.

Defendant(s):
    [Full Legal Name(s)]
    Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP]
    Phone: [___]  |  E-Mail: [___]

Case No.: [___]      Division: [___]     Courtroom: [___]

VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR MONEY DAMAGES

1. Parties

1.1 Plaintiff [NAME] (“Plaintiff”) is an individual/corporation/LLC with a principal residence/office at the address stated above.
1.2 Defendant [NAME] (“Defendant”) is an individual/corporation/LLC with a principal residence/office at the address stated above.

2. Jurisdiction and Venue

2.1 This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-403 because the claim sound in civil money damages and does not exceed $7,500, exclusive of costs and statutory interest.
2.2 Venue is proper in this county pursuant to Colo. R. Civ. P. 98 because [select one]:
 (a) Defendant resides here; or
 (b) The transaction or occurrence giving rise to the claim occurred here; or
 (c) The property at issue is located here.

3. Statement of Claim

3.1 On or about [DATE], the parties entered into [describe contract, tort, unpaid loan, property damage, etc.].
3.2 Defendant breached its legal duty/contractual obligation by [specific acts or omissions].
3.3 As a direct and proximate result, Plaintiff suffered monetary damages of $[AMOUNT].
3.4 Plaintiff made written demand for payment on [DATE] and allowed reasonable time for cure, but Defendant has failed or refused to pay.

4. Amount in Controversy

Plaintiff seeks $[AMOUNT] in compensatory damages, which is within the $7,500 statutory limit for Colorado small claims. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-403(1).

5. Prayer for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that judgment enter in Plaintiff’s favor and against Defendant for:
a. Principal damages in the amount of $[AMOUNT];
b. Pre- and post-judgment interest as allowed by law (see Colo. Rev. Stat. § 5-12-102);
c. Court costs and allowable fees; and
d. Such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

NOTICE REGARDING APPEAL RIGHTS

VERIFICATION

I, [Plaintiff Name], declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Colorado that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Date: ___ / ___ / 20___

_____________________________
[Plaintiff Printed Name]
[Plaintiff Signature]

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that on ___ / ___ / 20___ I served a true and correct copy of this Verified Complaint and any accompanying court-issued Small Claims Summons upon each Defendant by:
☐ Personal service by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, or private process server; or
☐ [Alternate method authorized by C.R.C.P. 304, e.g., certified mail — attach proof].

_____________________________
[Name of Person Completing Service]
[Signature]

OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS

• Exhibit A – Contract / Invoice / Promissory Note
• Exhibit B – Demand Letter dated [DATE]
• Exhibit C – Damage Calculations

KEY COLORADO SMALL-CLAIMS PARAMETERS (for attorney reference)

• Monetary Ceiling: $7,500, exclusive of costs & interest. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-403(1).
• Allowable Claims: Money damages, replevin, or penalty for the detention or conversion of property only. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-403(2).
• Representation: Parties may appear pro se; attorneys may appear with leave of court or under circumstances set forth in Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-408.
• Appeal: Only an appearing defendant may appeal, within 14 days, to the District Court. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-410(1).