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Courts · Small Claims

Small Claims Court Limit in Colorado

The most you can sue for in Colorado small claims, with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.

Official statuteRead word-for-word
against C.R.S. §13‑6‑403 · coloradojudicial.gov
Read from the official source · Jul 11, 2026How we verify →
Our researchColorado ranks #17 of 50 in our Consumer Protection Index, an original score read from the statutes.

Have a number in mind? See if your claim fits in the Colorado small claims checker →

Maximum small claim · Colorado
$7,500
No lawyers at hearing
Maximum claim$7,500
Filing fee$31–$55
Lawyers at hearingNot allowed
Statute / court ruleC.R.S. §13‑6‑403

The limit, the fee & who can appear in Colorado

The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.

Maximum claim$7,500
How the limit worksOne statewide limit
Filing fee$31–$55
by claim size (about $31 for claims up to $500 and $55 for claims from $500.01 to $7,500)
Lawyers at the hearingNot allowedSelf-represent only
Colorado restricts lawyers in the small claims division. Under C.R.S. §13-6-407 an attorney may take part only if the other side is also represented, or with the court's permission. Individuals represent themselves; a corporation appears through a full-time officer or employee; a partnership through a general partner or full-time employee.
Statute / court ruleC.R.S. §13-6-403
Which court?

The limit is $7,500 exclusive of interest and costs. A claim between $7,500 and $25,000 belongs on the regular county court civil docket instead of the small claims division.

Where to file in Colorado

A reference page, not a filing walkthrough: here's the official resource for procedure.

Filing in Colorado?

This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed, not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use Colorado's official court self-help resource.

→ Colorado Judicial Branch (self-help)

What Colorado filers get wrong

Colorado caps small claims at $7,500, set by C.R.S. §13-6-403 and heard in the small claims division of the county court. We confirmed the $7,500 figure on the Colorado Judicial Branch fee page, which lists filing fees for claims up to $7,500. The limit is exclusive of interest and costs, so a claim just over $7,500 can still qualify once interest is set aside. One thing sets Colorado apart: lawyers are generally kept out of the small claims hearing. Under C.R.S. §13-6-407 an attorney can appear only if the opposing party is also represented, or the court allows it, which keeps both sides on equal footing. Filing fees are modest, roughly $31 for the smallest claims and $55 for claims above $500. A dispute between $7,500 and $25,000 does not disappear; it just moves to the regular county court civil docket.

Common questions

What is the small claims limit in Colorado?

Colorado small claims courts hear claims up to $7,500 under C.R.S. §13-6-403, exclusive of interest and costs. Anything larger goes on the regular county court civil docket.

Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Colorado?

Usually not. Under C.R.S. §13-6-407 an attorney may take part only if the other side is also represented by a lawyer, or the court gives permission. The rule is designed to keep both sides on an even footing.

How much does it cost to file a small claim in Colorado?

The plaintiff filing fee is about $31 for claims up to $500 and $55 for claims from $500.01 to $7,500. If you win, the fee can be added to the judgment.

How does a business file a small claim in Colorado?

A corporation appears through a full-time officer or employee, and a partnership through a general partner or full-time employee. Because lawyers are limited under §13-6-407, businesses generally cannot send an attorney unless the other side has one too.

Primary source
→ C.R.S. §13-6-403
Colorado Judicial Branch · coloradojudicial.gov
Cholilurrohman
Every figure on this page is checked line-by-line against the current statute. Editorial standards →

Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.

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More Colorado law

Other everyday-law questions we answer for Colorado, each from the state's own statute and cited to the source.

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