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JDF 1940

Appeal Guide (Dependency & Neglect)

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective June 1, 2023

This guide explains the steps for appealing a decision in a Dependency and Neglect case. It outlines the process from filing notice to submitting written arguments to the Court of Appeals.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Appeal

Stage: Appeal

This guide is used by someone who needs to appeal a decision made in a Dependency and Neglect case. It details the required steps and forms for the appeal process.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What is an appeal?
An appeal is a review of a judge’s decisions in your case. It is not a chance to present new evidence or call new witnesses. The Court of Appeals looks for errors in the law or if the court's findings were clearly wrong.
What is the first step in appealing?
The first step is to file a Notice of Appeal using form JDF 1941. This must be done within 21 days of a final order or an order denying a motion.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect June 1, 2023.

Related forms

  • JDF 1941

    Notice and Designation (D&N Appeal)

    This form is used to officially notify the court that an appeal is being filed concerning a Dependency and Neglect case. It asks the filer to check which final court orders are being appealed and to list details about the case record.

    Word
  • JDF 1945

    Opening Brief (D&N Appeals)

    This form is an Opening Brief used in appeals cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals. It asks the filer to present a summary of the case, the issues they are appealing, and their arguments to the court.

    Word
  • JDF 1946

    Answer Brief (D&N Appeal)

    This form is an Answer Brief used in an appeal case. It asks the filer to respond to the arguments made by the person who started the appeal, covering topics like compliance with rules, the facts of the case, and legal arguments.

    Word
  • Form 4

    Notice of Appeal (County Civil)

    This form is a Notice of Appeal used to officially tell the court that a case is being appealed. It is filed to start the process of taking a case from a County Court to a District Court.

    Fillable PDF
  • Form 5

    Designation of Transcripts (County Civil Appeal)

    This form is used to tell the court which official records, or transcripts, need to be included in an appeal case. It asks the filer to list specific events and dates for the transcripts.

    Fillable PDF
  • JDF126

    Instructions to File a Small Claims or County Civil Appeal

    This document provides instructions for filing an appeal for a civil case or a small claims case in a county court. It explains that an appeal asks a higher court to review the case based on law, and it details the required forms and steps for filing.

    Fillable PDF
  • JDF 15 SC

    Notice of Appeal (Bypass Parental Notification)

    This form is a Notice of Appeal used by a minor to ask a higher court to review a decision from a lower court. Specifically, it asks the court to grant permission for the minor to have an abortion without telling their parent, guardian, or foster parent.

  • JDF 1910

    Appeal Guide (Family & District Civil)

    This guide explains the steps for appealing a decision in District Civil, Probate, or Family cases. It outlines a multi-step process that includes filing notices, designating transcripts, and submitting written arguments to the Court of Appeals.

    Fillable PDF