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Form 3

Answer Under Simplified Civil Procedure

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective April 1, 2025

This form is used by a defendant to formally respond to a complaint in a simplified civil case. It allows the defendant to state why the plaintiff's claims are not due or why the plaintiff should not be allowed to keep property.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Respond

Stage: Respond

This form is used by a defendant in a simplified civil case to answer the initial complaint filed by the plaintiff. It is also used to file any counterclaims or cross claims the defendant has against the plaintiff.

Usually filed by the person responding.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The defendant(s) fill out this form to answer the complaint. If the defendant has an attorney, the attorney may sign it.
Does this form let me make my own claims?
Yes, the form has sections for the defendant to assert counterclaims or cross claims against the plaintiff.
Do I need to pay fees?
The form mentions that filing fees are required for certain amounts of counterclaims, and jury trial requests require a fee unless waived.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect April 1, 2025.

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