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.
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 works | One 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 hearing | Not 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 rule | C.R.S. §13-6-403 |
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.
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.
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.