File Small Claims in Adams County

How to File Small Claims in Adams County

Colorado's simple process makes recovering up to $7,500 quick and affordable

Adams County Court Details

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Required Documents for Filing in Adams County

To file a small claims case in Adams County, Colorado, you will need to complete the official Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial form, also known as JDF 250. This form requires detailed information about both the plaintiff and the defendant, including full legal names, addresses, and phone numbers. You must also clearly describe the nature of your claim, the amount of money you are seeking (up to the $7,500 Colorado small claims limit), and the date the dispute occurred. If your claim involves a business entity, you should include the registered agent information and the business address. Colorado law requires that the incident giving rise to the claim occurred within the applicable statute of limitations, which is typically three years for property damage and six years for breach of contract.

In addition to the claim form, you should prepare copies of all supporting evidence, including contracts, invoices, receipts, photographs, text messages, emails, and any written correspondence related to the dispute. While evidence is not submitted at the time of filing, having it organized ensures you are prepared for the hearing. Adams County requires you to file the original form plus one copy for each defendant named in the case. After filing, the court issues a summons that must be served on the defendant at least 15 days before the scheduled hearing date. Service can be completed through the Adams County Sheriff, a private process server, or by certified mail with return receipt requested.

Adams County Filing Fee Schedule

Adams County follows Colorado's statewide fee schedule for small claims court filings. For claims valued at $500 or less, the filing fee is $32. Claims between $501 and $7,500 require a filing fee of $62. These fees are among the lowest in the nation, making Adams County an affordable jurisdiction for resolving financial disputes. In addition to the filing fee, you may incur costs for service of process. If you choose to use the Adams County Sheriff for service, the fee is typically $35 to $50. Certified mail service costs approximately $10 to $15 per defendant. If you win your case, you may request that the court include your filing fees and service costs in the judgment amount.

Colorado also offers fee waivers for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. To apply for a fee waiver in Adams County, you must complete a Motion to File Without Payment of Filing Fee and submit documentation of your income and expenses. The court reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis. If your waiver is approved, you will not need to pay the filing fee upfront, though the court may require payment if you ultimately recover money through a judgment. Understanding the complete fee structure before filing helps you budget appropriately and avoid unexpected costs during the process.

What to Expect After Filing in Adams County

After your small claims case is filed with Adams County Court, the next critical step is service of process. Colorado law requires that the defendant be formally notified of the lawsuit before the court can proceed. In Adams County, you have several options for serving the defendant: you can use the Adams County Sheriff's Office, hire a private process server, or send the documents via certified mail with return receipt requested. The Sheriff's Office charges between $35 and $50 for service, while private process servers may charge slightly more but often provide faster turnaround. Certified mail is the least expensive option at $10 to $15 but carries the risk that the defendant may refuse to sign for the letter. Regardless of which method you choose, the defendant must be served at least 15 days before the scheduled hearing date. If service cannot be completed, the court may allow alternative service methods such as posting at the defendant's last known address.

Once the defendant is served, they have the option to file a counterclaim if they believe you owe them money. Counterclaims in Adams County must also fall within the $7,500 small claims limit and must be related to the original dispute. If a counterclaim is filed, both claims will be heard at the same hearing. The defendant may also request a continuance if they need more time to prepare, though Adams County judges grant continuances sparingly and only for good cause. On the day of your hearing at the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton, you should bring three copies of all evidence: one for the judge, one for the defendant, and one for your own reference. Colorado courts allow you to present photographs, text messages, emails, contracts, receipts, repair estimates, and any other documentation that supports your claim. Witness testimony is also permitted, and you may subpoena witnesses if necessary.

If the judge rules in your favor, you will receive a judgment that becomes enforceable after 15 days, during which the losing party may file an appeal to County Court. If no appeal is filed, you can begin collection efforts. Adams County provides several tools for collecting judgments, including wage garnishment through the defendant's employer, bank account levies, and liens on real property. To initiate garnishment, you must file a Writ of Garnishment with the court and serve it on the defendant's employer or bank. Colorado law allows you to garnish up to 25 percent of the defendant's disposable earnings. If the defendant owns real property in Adams County, you can record your judgment with the county clerk and recorder, which creates a lien that must be satisfied before the property can be sold or refinanced.