SB 18-056

Senate Bill 18-056, which has been signed into law, increases the limit for civil cases that can be filed in Colorado's county courts from $15,000 to $35,000. This means more people with claims up to this new higher amount will now have access to county court rather than district court. The bill also adjusts filing fees based on the size of the claim and includes attorney fees in the total value when claims exceed $15,000. These changes take effect starting January 1, 2019, making it easier for individuals with larger but still manageable claims to seek justice through county courts without having to go through more expensive district court processes.

Official Summary

Under current law, a person may file a civil action in county court if the value of the claim is $15,000 or less. The bill increases that limit to $35,000 or less. When the debt, damage, or value of the personal property claimed is $15,000 or less, then attorney fees are not included in the value of the claim, but when the debt, damage, or value of the personal property claimed exceeds $15,000, then attorney fees are included in the value of the claim. The bill changes the filing fees in county court and sets those fees based on the amount of the money judgment sought. The bill increases the district court filing fee for specified parties. The bill allocates county court and district court filing fees. The bill is effective January 1, 2019. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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