Colorado Laws

This page summarizes ten Colorado laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Colorado Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Colorado, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102). Claims arising from motor vehicle accidents generally have a 3-year deadline (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Colorado Comparative Negligence Laws

Colorado follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Colorado Minimum Wage in 2026

The Colorado minimum wage is $15.16 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Adjusted annually for inflation. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Colorado Final Paycheck Laws

In Colorado, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: immediately (within 6 hours of the next workday if payroll is closed, or 24 hours if payroll is offsite). If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Colorado Small Claims Court Limits

In Colorado, you can sue for up to $7,500 in small claims court, which is handled by the county court (small claims division). Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Colorado Security Deposit Laws

Colorado security deposit limit: 2 months' rent (since August 7, 2023). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: one month, or up to 60 days if the lease says so. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Colorado Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Colorado, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 10 days to pay or move. Some landlords of 5 or fewer single-family homes may use a 5-day notice if the lease provides for it. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Colorado Small Estate Affidavit

Colorado small estate limit: $88,000 for 2026 deaths (adjusted annually). Waiting period after death: 10 days. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Colorado Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Yes. Colorado recognizes common law marriage. Since 2006, both parties must be at least 18 and not otherwise prohibited from marrying. A valid common law marriage is a full legal marriage, so ending it requires a divorce.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Colorado Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Colorado: 91 days of domicile in Colorado before filing. Waiting period: 91 days after service or a joint filing. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Colorado

Popular cities: Colorado Springs · Denver · Pueblo · Fort Collins · Durango · Greenwood Village · Aurora

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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