Won Small Claims Court in Colorado — Now What?

You won. The judge ruled in your favor, and the debtor owes you money. So where's the check?

It's not coming automatically. Colorado courts determine who owes what — they don't collect it. The court's own paperwork (JDF 250) states this explicitly: "The court does not collect any judgment." Everything from here is on you.

The First 14 Days

The debtor has 14 days to file an appeal under C.R.C.P. 518. But an appeal alone doesn't stop you from enforcing the judgment. Only a court-approved stay order backed by a supersedeas bond — set at 125% of the total judgment amount, including prejudgment interest and awarded costs — actually halts collection.

If no stay order is in effect, you can begin enforcement immediately. Many creditors wait the full 14 days anyway to see if the debtor pays voluntarily, but there's no legal requirement to wait.

Send a Payment Demand

The Colorado Judicial Branch recommends sending a written demand letter before spending money on court filings (referenced in JDF 82). Include the judgment amount, the 8% annual interest rate that's now accruing, any awarded court costs, and instructions for sending certified funds.

This step costs you a stamp. Some debtors pay at this point, especially business owners who need to keep their credit clean.

When They Don't Pay: Your Enforcement Options

If the demand goes ignored, you have four primary enforcement tools:

• Interrogatories — Force the debtor to disclose their assets under oath (JDF 252A/B or JDF 105 SC/108 SC). They have 14 days to respond. This is usually your first move when you don't know where the debtor works or banks.
• Wage garnishment — File Form 26 (Writ of Continuing Garnishment) to redirect up to 20% of the debtor's disposable earnings for 182 days.
• Bank levy — Serve Form 29 on the debtor's bank to freeze and capture account balances.
• Property lien — Record a Transcript of Judgment ($25) with the County Clerk and Recorder to encumber the debtor's real estate for 6 years.

The Clock Is Running

Your judgment expires in 6 years from the date of entry. After that, it's permanently unenforceable unless you file a Motion for Revival before the deadline. This isn't a technicality — miss it and your judgment is gone regardless of how much is still owed.

Post-judgment interest at 8% per annum accrues automatically on the unpaid balance, and you can add legitimate enforcement costs (filing fees, process server charges) to the total owed.

Your First Move

If you know the debtor's employer: file for wage garnishment. It's the most reliable tool for steady income.

If you don't know their financial situation: start with interrogatories. Force the disclosure, then choose your enforcement tool based on what they reveal.

If the debtor owns real property: record a lien immediately. It costs $25 plus recording fees, prevents them from selling or refinancing without paying you, and secures your position while you pursue other collection methods.

The Colorado Judgment Collection Guide covers every enforcement tool with the exact forms, fees, deadlines, and exemption thresholds — from this initial decision through final case closure.

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