Colorado small claims court in county courts handles consumer disputes such as unpaid merchant refunds through procedures set by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Consumers acting as plaintiffs file using Form JDF 250 -- Notice, Claim and Summons, serve it on the defendant at least 15 calendar days before trial, organize exhibits starting with number 1, and request subpoenas via JDF 254 if witnesses refuse to appear voluntarily. Review JDF 248 - Guide to Small Claims before starting. These steps do not involve federal FTC or CFPB rules, credit card chargebacks, or merchant refund policies, which operate separately.
What Controls Colorado Small Claims Court Disputes
Colorado Judicial Branch procedures govern small claims disputes in county courts. The primary resource is JDF 248 - Guide to Small Claims (PDF), which outlines filing, service, hearings, and evidence rules.
Claims must use official forms like JDF 250.
Steps to File a Consumer Dispute Claim
Fill out Form JDF 250 -- Notice, Claim and Summons (PDF) completely. Bring all four parts of JDF 250 (7 pages total) to the county courthouse where the defendant lives, does business, or where the dispute occurred.
Serve the completed JDF 250 on the defendant, providing a separate copy to each if suing multiple defendants. Service must occur at least 15 calendar days before the trial date.
| Step | Action | Form/Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare claim | Fill JDF 250 completely | JDF 250 (all 4 parts, 7 pages) |
| 2. File | Submit at county courthouse | County where defendant resides or dispute arose |
| 3. Serve | Deliver to each defendant; complete 15 days before trial | Follow service steps in JDF 248 |
Preparing Evidence and Witnesses for Your Hearing
Organize and label all pieces of evidence, called exhibits. As plaintiff, label your exhibits with numbers starting with number 1.
If a witness refuses to appear voluntarily, ask the judge to issue a subpoena using JDF 254.
Gather dispute-specific proof such as receipts, emails, or contracts alongside these court preparation steps, labeling them sequentially for the hearing.
What Does Not Control Small Claims Disputes
Federal FTC or CFPB consumer rules do not govern the state small claims filing or hearing process. Credit card chargebacks, merchant refund policies, or platform dispute workflows remain separate options and do not replace or interact with court procedures.
Private arbitration clauses or out-of-court demand letters do not control the court path. Small claims focuses on self-representation, though attorneys are allowed but not required.
Next Steps and Resources
Review JDF 248 - Guide to Small Claims before filing. Download forms and find county courthouse locations at the Colorado Judicial Branch self-help page.
If the dispute exceeds small claims limits or involves complexity, consider regular county court or contact the Colorado Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section for underlying rights guidance. Check the official site for any fees or updated limits.
FAQ
Where do I file a small claims consumer dispute in Colorado?
At the county courthouse where the defendant resides, does business, or the dispute occurred.
How do I serve the defendant?
Serve completed JDF 250 on each defendant at least 15 calendar days before the trial date.
How do I prepare evidence?
Organize and label plaintiff exhibits starting with number 1.
Can I subpoena a witness?
Yes, if they refuse to appear voluntarily, request a subpoena using JDF 254.
What guide should I review first?
JDF 248 - Guide to Small Claims.