How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Colorado
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Colorado, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: 6 years for actions to recover a liquidated debt or a determinable amount of money due, and for enforcing any instrument that secures or evidences a debt. Most consumer debts with a set balance fall in this category. C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5(1)(a); § 13-80-101(1)(a)
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for actions to recover a liquidated debt or a determinable amount of money due, and for enforcing any instrument that secures or evidences a debt. Most consumer debts with a set balance fall in this category. Other contract claims generally have 3 years. Read in the official Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 Title 13 printout (Office of Legislative Legal Services). 2025-2026 amendments, if any, are not reflected. |
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| How long a judgment lasts | A district court judgment can be enforced for 20 years from entry; a county court judgment (entered on or after July 1, 1981) for 6 years. After that, the judgment is treated as satisfied unless revived. A judgment lien on real estate lasts 6 years from entry unless the judgment is revived and the revived judgment is recorded. Source: C.R.S. § 13-52-102(1), (2) |
Where to get help in Colorado
- Colorado Attorney General, Consumer Credit Unit (licenses collection agencies under the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act)
- File a complaint or claim
More Colorado debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Colorado
- Wage Garnishment in Colorado
- What Creditors Can't Take in Colorado
- Medical Debt Protections in Colorado
- All Colorado debt & collections rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Colorado?
6 years for actions to recover a liquidated debt or a determinable amount of money due, and for enforcing any instrument that secures or evidences a debt. Most consumer debts with a set balance fall in this category. Other contract claims generally have 3 years.
How long does a court judgment last in Colorado?
A district court judgment can be enforced for 20 years from entry; a county court judgment (entered on or after July 1, 1981) for 6 years. After that, the judgment is treated as satisfied unless revived. A judgment lien on real estate lasts 6 years from entry unless the judgment is revived and the revived judgment is recorded.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.