- How do I Respond to the Appeal?
- You will make your written counter arguments to the Opening Brief in a document called an "Answer Brief."
- When is the Brief Due?
- Within 21 days of the Opening Brief being filed.
- What is the Cost?
- There is a $158 filing fee.
- Waiving the Fee: If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request that it be waived by filing a Motion to Waive the Filing Fee - JDF 205 and Proposed Order - JDF 206 along with your first filing.
- With whom do I Give a Copy?
- File your brief into the District Court appellate case. Give a copy to the other parties. DO NOT file a copy into your County Court case.
- What goes in an Answer Brief?
- Issues on Appeal - State the mistakes the other party believes the Small Claims court made in deciding the case.
- Facts - Include any additional facts from the Record on Appeal that the District Court will need to know to resolve the Issues on Appeal. Cite to the page in the Record on Appeal or the time on the audio record where that fact may be found.
- Discussion - Discuss the law affecting each issue on appeal. Then apply the facts of your case to the law to reach your conclusion. Discuss how the other party's conclusion is wrong. Let the District Court know how you want it to resolve the appeal.
More Information and Law
This list is to help you start your legal research and is not a comprehensive list of the laws that may affect your case.
Colorado Judicial Branch Small Claims Page
Use of electronic recording versus a transcript in a small claims appeal.
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-6-410.
Procedures for County Court and Small Claims Cases
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-6-311.
Small Claims Rule for Appeals (Directs to Rule 411)
Colorado Rules for Small Claims (C.R.C.P.) 519.
Appeals Procedure
Colorado Rule of County Court Civil Procedure (C.R.C.P.) 411
View or Research Case Law
Make sure to check the case law button below the search bar in Google Scholar.
Materials for the Answer Brief
Detailed Instructions (PDF) (90.5 KB)
How to Get More Help
Appeals are hard. Click the Contact Options link below to get help. On that screen, go into the Sherlocks section to find self-help staff to answer your procedural or forms questions. Find a time to get legal information or advice in the clinic or events calendar sections. Or, find a free or moderate fee lawyer in the Find a Lawyer section.