Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Colorado

Nobody wants to get sued by a debt collector. Responding to a debt lawsuit in Colorado is easier than you think.

You have 21 days to act. After that, collectors can garnish wages and seize property.

Don't Let Colorado Collectors Win by Default

You have only 21 days to file your Answer and protect yourself from wage garnishment. Our partner helps you respond correctly and negotiate settlement.

Respond to Your Summons

Below, you’ll find everything specific to Colorado: deadlines, forms, filing fees, and step-by-step instructions.

Respond to the Lawsuit Before the Colorado Deadline

Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 12(a)(1) is clear. You have 21 days after service to file your Answer.

The clock starts when you receive the Summons and Complaint. Miss this deadline and risk a default judgment.

Default judgments allow collectors to garnish wages and seize assets. Don’t let that happen to you.

Colorado Answer to Summons Forms

You need to file an Answer document. Our partner Solo walks you through drafting your Answer in minutes.

Simply respond to questions about your case. The system generates a proper legal response.

Alternatively, you can use Colorado’s official Answer form. The state’s judicial branch website provides instructions.

Colorado Charges a Fee to File Your Answer

Colorado requires filing fees. The court rejects Answers submitted without payment.

Here are the fees based on debt amount:

$80 for debts under $1,000
$100 for debts between $1,000-$14,999.99
$130 for debts between $15,000-$25,000
$192 for debts over $25,000

Can’t afford the fee? Request a waiver by filing form JDF 202.

Follow These Steps to Respond to a Debt Collection Case

Debt collectors serve you with two documents: the Summons and Complaint.

The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit. The Complaint lists allegations against you.

You have 21 days to respond. Here are three essential steps:

Answer each allegation in the Complaint
Assert your affirmative defenses
File the Answer and send a copy to the plaintiff

Answer Each Issue of the Complaint

Find the numbered allegations in the Complaint. Respond to each one in a corresponding numbered list.

You have three response options:

Admit: You agree the allegation is true
Deny: You challenge them to prove it
Deny due to lack of knowledge: You don’t have enough information

Many attorneys recommend a general denial. Force the other side to prove everything.

Our partner Solo helps you respond correctly in minutes.

Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses explain why the plaintiff shouldn’t win. Colorado law requires you to state these in your Answer.

Common affirmative defenses in debt cases include:

The account isn’t yours
The contract was canceled
The statute of limitations expired
The debt was paid or excused
Partial payment was made
You weren’t informed of co-signer rights

Note: Being unable to pay is not a valid defense.

File the Answer With the Court and Plaintiff

Many people draft an Answer but never file it. Don’t make this mistake.

Here’s what you must do:

Print two copies of your Answer
Mail one to the court
Mail one to the plaintiff’s attorney

Find both addresses in your Summons and Complaint. Remember your 21-day deadline.

Settle Debt in Colorado

Debt settlement means offering less than the total amount owed. Creditors often agree when legal costs outweigh collection efforts.

You can pursue settlement yourself or use a tool to manage negotiations. Either way, follow these three steps:

File an Answer to the lawsuit
Make an initial settlement offer
Get the agreement in writing

Start your offer low. Leave room for negotiation if they counter.

Important considerations for settlement:

The IRS may treat forgiven debt as taxable income
Settlement can hurt your credit score
Negotiate to have the debt removed from your credit report
Get everything in writing before paying

How to Find Debt Relief in Colorado

Colorado residents face inflation, rising home prices, and economic pressure. Debt relief options can help.

Available options include:

Colorado debt relief and financial assistance programs
Debt management plans
Debt consolidation loans
Bankruptcy
Debt forgiveness
Debt settlement

Utilize Colorado Debt Relief Programs

Non-profit credit counseling programs serve Colorado residents. Counselors can help you explore consolidation options.

Colorado also offers medical, housing, and food assistance through PEAK. These programs free up money for debt repayment.

Take Out a Debt Consolidation Loan

Debt consolidation loans let you pay off unsecured debt. Ideally, you get a lower interest rate.

Before consolidating, take two critical steps:

Read the fine print. Ensure the new rate beats your current rates.
Know yourself. Many people reaccumulate debt after consolidation, ending up worse off.

Consolidation isn’t a quick fix. You must pay off the loan without acquiring new debt.

Create a Debt Management Plan

Debt management companies offer credit counseling and customized repayment plans. They negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

These services come with fees. Factor costs into your decision.

Not all companies are reputable. Verify accreditation through the National Foundation for Credit Counselling (NFCC). Check for red flags with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Request Debt Forgiveness

Asking creditors to forgive debt is a long shot. But it costs nothing to try.

Be honest about circumstances like health issues, job loss, or family problems. Some lenders have flexibility programs.

Even if they won’t forgive the debt, they might reduce interest or extend repayment terms.

File Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy should be your last resort. It gives you a fresh start when all else fails.

When you file, collectors must immediately halt collection attempts. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit for ten years. Chapter 13 typically requires paying back a portion of debt.

The credit impact is severe. You may struggle to rent, buy a car, or get a mortgage.

What if You Haven’t Been Sued Yet?

Received a collection notice but no lawsuit? Respond with a Debt Validation Letter.

Debt Validation Letters formally dispute the debt. Collectors must provide proof before continuing collection efforts.

They cannot contact you until they validate the debt. Send your letter within 30 days of first contact.

Check the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Colorado

Check the statute of limitations before making any payments. Paying restarts the clock.

The statute of limitations sets the time limit for lawsuits. In Colorado, collectors have limited time to sue:

Credit card debt: 6 years
Medical debt: 6 years
Student loans: 6 years
Auto loans: 6 years
Mortgages: 6 years
Personal loans: 6 years
Judgments: 6 or 20 years

The clock starts on the date of your last payment.

Colorado Debt Collection Laws Protect Consumers

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects all Colorado consumers. Debt collectors cannot:

Contact you before 8 am or after 9 pm
Continue contacting you after receiving a Debt Validation Letter
Harass, abuse, or threaten you
Threaten arrest or jail time for unpaid debt

Colorado law adds extra protections. Once collectors know you have an attorney, they must communicate only with your lawyer.

Collectors cannot call your workplace if they know your employer prohibits such calls.

File complaints with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office or the Federal Trade Commission.

Stop Wage Garnishment in Colorado

Creditors can garnish wages after winning a lawsuit. Wage garnishment devastates families already struggling financially.

Wage Garnishments Without a Lawsuit

Only certain entities can garnish without suing first: tax authorities, child support enforcement, and student loan servicers.

Credit card companies and other creditors must sue you first. File an Answer within 21 days to avoid default judgment and garnishment.

After you file, creditors often prefer settlement to trial. Our partner Solo helps you respond and negotiate settlement.

Colorado Wage Garnishment Laws

Colorado law limits wage garnishment to the lesser of:

20% of disposable weekly earnings, or
Whatever exceeds 40 times the state minimum wage ($14.42/hour)

“Disposable income” means earnings after taxes and health insurance deductions. Not what’s left after bills.

Child support garnishments can reach 65% of disposable income.

Limited Options for Stopping Wage Garnishment

The simplest way to stop garnishment is paying the full amount. If you can’t, consider these options:

Sell items to satisfy the debt
Borrow from friends or family
Take a home equity loan (carefully consider repayment ability)

Bankruptcy is the final option. If garnishment leaves you unable to support your family, it may be time to consider relief.

Remember: bankruptcy cannot discharge child support, alimony, or back taxes.

Check the Status of Your Colorado Court Case

Monitor your case progress carefully. Cases involving $7,500 or less go to county small claims court.

Larger debts are filed in district court.

Request court records online through county or district court portals. Expect 7-10 days for mail delivery.

Colorado also offers online docket search. You’ll need:

Court type
Case number
Your name
Filing date

Search results show hearing dates, court appearance requirements, and required actions.

Utilize Colorado Legal Aid Organizations

Hiring an attorney is expensive. Colorado offers free legal aid for those representing themselves.

Prominent organizations include:

Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado
Colorado Legal Services
Free Legal Clinics in Colorado

Colorado Court Locations

You can file in person at your courthouse. Use the Colorado Courts Directory to find your courthouse address.

Click your county to find the courthouse location. Knowing where to go helps you prepare for trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Colorado?

You have 21 days from the date you receive the Summons and Complaint to file your Answer. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment, allowing collectors to garnish wages and seize assets.

How much does it cost to file an Answer in Colorado?

Filing fees range from $80 for debts under $1,000 up to $192 for debts over $25,000. If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a waiver by filing form JDF 202.

Can I stop wage garnishment in Colorado?

Yes. File an Answer within 21 days to prevent default judgment and garnishment. Colorado limits garnishment to 20% of disposable income or whatever exceeds 40 times minimum wage, whichever is less. Filing an Answer gives you leverage to negotiate settlement.

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Colorado?

Colorado has a 6-year statute of limitations on most debt types including credit cards, medical debt, auto loans, and personal loans. Creditors cannot sue you for debts older than 6 years from your last payment date.

What should I include in my Colorado debt lawsuit Answer?

Your Answer must respond to each allegation in the Complaint (admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge) and assert affirmative defenses like expired statute of limitations, mistaken identity, or debt already paid. File two copies: one with the court and one with the plaintiff's attorney.

How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Colorado (2025)