Denver County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Denver County, CO. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Denver area.
Small claims in Colorado — the numbers for Denver County courts
$7,500
maximum claim
from $31
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Colorado small claims guide · The form that starts a case (JDF 250): every field explained.
Denver County has 2 independent courts
How to choose: By defendant's residence or where the cause of action arose
All Courts in Denver County
Denver City and County Building
1437 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80202
Serves: All of City and County of Denver
Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse
520 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
Serves: Denver County
How to File in Denver County
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
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.
Ready to take action in Denver County?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Colorado
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $7,500.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
3 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Denver County?
Filing fees in Colorado are set by the state and run from $31 to $55, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Colorado offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Denver County?
Small claims cases in Denver County are limited to $7,500. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Denver County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Denver County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Denver County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.