Denver County Small Claims Court

Important for Denver County: Trial Format: Bench trial (no jury) in simplified informal procedure | Service Methods Accepted: Certified Mail (Restricted Delivery), Denver Sheriff Civilian Division service, or private process server | Default Judgment: If defendant fails to appear at the trial/hearing date and proper service is shown, the court may enter judgment for the plaintiff upon proof of claim. | Mediation: Denver County Court frequently orders mediation BEFORE setting a trial date. This is a Denver-specific operational practice — not all CO small claims courts use mediation by default. | Appeal Rights: Appeals from Denver Small Claims go to Denver District Court. CRITICAL DISTINCTION FROM OTHER STATES: Appeal is restricted to POINTS OF LAW only — NOT a trial de novo (new trial). This differs from PA, TN, NC, and many other states where small claims appeals are de novo. Colorado's law-only appeal process means the original magistrate/judge findings of fact stand on appeal.