COLORADO SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT TEMPLATE

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

[// GUIDANCE: This template is intended for attorneys or pro se parties filing a monetary-damages action that does not exceed the Colorado small-claims jurisdictional ceiling of $7,500. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-403 (2024). Customize bracketed fields, delete guidance boxes before filing, and ensure compliance with all Local Rules and Chief Judge Directives applicable to the filing county.]

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

[// GUIDANCE: Colorado small-claims practice does not require a separate “Summons” when the court’s own JDF-250 form is used. Where the court accepts a pleading-style complaint, attach or combine the court-approved summons as directed by the clerk.]

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

[// GUIDANCE: Colorado law permits only a defendant who appeared at trial to appeal an adverse small-claims judgment. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-6-410(1) (2024). A prevailing plaintiff cannot appeal except as to an adverse counterclaim.]

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

[// GUIDANCE: Attach legible copies; redact sensitive data per Rule 4.2 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.]

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).

[// GUIDANCE:
1. File electronically where mandated or deliver the original plus required copies to the clerk.
2. Pay the statutory small-claims filing fee (tiered by amount in controversy).
3. Docket a return date per clerk instructions; service must be effected at least 15 days before that date.
4. Retain proof of service and all correspondence.
5. Consider mediation; many counties offer on-site mediation on the trial date.]