Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure (current as of May 1, 2016)

Rule 1. Scope of Rules

(a) Procedure Governed. These rules govern the procedure in the supreme court, court of appeals, district courts and in the juvenile and probate courts of the City and County of Denver, in all actions, suits and proceedings of a civil nature, whether cognizable as cases at law or in equity, and in all special statutory proceedings, with the exceptions stated in Rule 81. These rules shall be liberally construed, administered, and employed by the court and the parties to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action.

Rules of civil procedure governing county courts shall be in accordance with Chapter 25 of this volume. Rules of Procedure governing probate courts and probate proceedings in the district courts shall be in accordance with these rules and Chapter 27 of this volume. (In case of conflict between rules, those set forth in Chapter 27 shall control.) Rules of Procedure governing juvenile courts and juvenile proceedings in the district courts shall be in accordance with these rules and Chapter 28 made effective on the same date as these rules. In case of conflict between rules those set forth in Chapter 28 shall control. Rules of Procedure in Municipal Courts are in Chapter 30.

(b) Effective Date. Amendments of these rules shall be effective on the date established by the Supreme Court at the time of their adoption, and thereafter all laws in conflict therewith shall be of no further force or effect. Unless otherwise stated by the Supreme Court as being applicable only to actions brought after the effective date of an amendment, they govern all proceedings in actions brought after they take effect and also all further proceedings in actions then pending, except to the extent that in the opinion of the court their application in a particular action pending when the rules take effect would not be feasible or would work injustice, in which event the former procedure applies.

(c) How Known and Cited. These rules shall be known and cited as the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, or C.R.C.P.

Rule 2. One Form of Action

There shall be one form of action to be known as “civil action”.

Rule 3. Commencement of Action

(a) How Commenced. A civil action is commenced (1) by filing a complaint with the court, or (2) by service of a summons and complaint. If the action is commenced by the service of a summons and complaint, the complaint must be filed within 14 days after service. If the complaint is not filed within 14 days, the service of summons shall be deemed to be ineffective and void without notice. In such case the court may, in its discretion, tax a reasonable sum in favor of the defendant to compensate the defendant for expense and inconvenience, including attorney’s fees, to be paid by the plaintiff or his attorney. The 14 day filing requirement may be expressly waived by a defendant and shall be deemed waived upon the filing of a responsive pleading or motion to the complaint without reserving the issue.

(b) Time of Jurisdiction. The court shall have jurisdiction from (1) the filing of the complaint, or (2) the service of the summons and complaint; provided, however, if more than 14 days elapses after service upon any defendant before the filing of the complaint, jurisdiction as to that defendant shall not attach by virtue of the service.

Rule 4. Process

(a) To What Applicable. This Rule applies to all process except as otherwise provided by these rules.

(b) Issuance of Summons by Attorney or Clerk. The summons may be signed and issued by the clerk, under the seal of the court, or it may be signed and issued by the attorney for the plaintiff. Separate additional or amended summons may issue against any defendant at any time. All other process shall be issued by the clerk, except as otherwise provided in these rules.

(c) Contents of Summons. The summons shall contain the name of the court, the county in which the action is brought, the names or designation of the parties, shall be directed to the defendant, shall state the time within which the defendant is required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint, and shall notify the defendant that in case of the defendant’s failure to do so, judgment by default may be rendered against the defendant. If the summons is served by publication, the summons shall briefly state the sum of money or other relief demanded. The summons shall contain the name, address, and registration number of the plaintiff’s attorney, if any, and if none, the address of the plaintiff. Except in case of service by publication under Rule 4(g) or when otherwise ordered by the court, the complaint shall be served with the summons. In any case, where by special order personal service of summons is allowed without the complaint, a copy of the order shall be served with the summons.

(d) By Whom Served. Process may be served within the United States or its Territories by any person whose age is eighteen years or older, not a party to the action. Process served in a foreign country shall be according to any internationally agreed means reasonably calculated to give notice, the law of the foreign country, or as directed by the foreign authority or the court if not otherwise prohibited by international agreement.

(e) Personal Service. Personal service shall be as follows:

(1) Upon a natural person whose age is eighteen years or older by delivering a copy thereof to the person, or by leaving a copy thereof at the person’s usual place of abode, with any person whose age is eighteen years or older and who is a member of the person’s family, or at the person’s usual workplace, with the person’s supervisor, secretary, administrative assistant, bookkeeper, human resources representative or managing agent; or by delivering a copy to a person authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process.

(2) Upon a natural person whose age is at least thirteen years and less than eighteen years, by delivering a copy thereof to the person and another copy thereof to the person’s father, mother, or guardian, or if there be none in the state, then by delivering a copy thereof to any person in whose care or control the person may be; or with whom the person resides, or in whose service the person is employed; and upon a natural person under the age of thirteen years by delivering a copy to the person’s father, mother, or guardian, or if there be none in the state, then by delivering a copy thereof to the person in whose care or control the person may be.

(3) Upon a person for whom a conservator has been appointed, by delivering a copy thereof to such conservator.

(4) Upon any form of corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, limited partnership association, trust, organization, or other form of entity that is recognized under the laws of this state or of any other jurisdiction, (including any such organization, association or entity serving as an agent for service of process for itself or for another entity) by delivering a copy thereof to the registered agent for service as set forth in the most recently filed document in the records of the secretary of state of this state or of any other jurisdiction, or that agent’s secretary or assistant, or one of the following:

(A) An officer of any form of entity having officers, or that officer’s secretary or assistant;
(B) A general partner of any form of partnership, or that general partner’s secretary or assistant;
(C) A manager of a limited liability company or limited partnership association in which management is vested in managers rather than members, or that manager’s secretary or assistant;
(D) A member of a limited liability company or limited partnership association in which management is vested in the members or in which management is vested in managers and there are no managers, or that member’s secretary or assistant;
(E) A trustee of a trust, or that trustee’s secretary or assistant;
(F) The functional equivalent of any person described in paragraphs (A) through (E) of this subsection (4), regardless of such person’s title, under:

(I) the articles of incorporation, articles of organization, certificate of limited partnership, articles of association, statement of registration, or other documents of similar import duly filed or recorded by which the entity or any or all of its owners obtains status as an entity or the attribute of limited liability, or
(II) the law pursuant to which the entity is formed or which governs the operation of the entity;

(G) If no person listed in subsection (4) of this rule can be found in this state, upon any person serving as a shareholder, member, partner, or other person having an ownership or similar interest in, or any director, agent, or principal employee of such entity, who can be found in this state, or service as otherwise provided by law.

(5) Repealed.

(6) Upon a municipal corporation, by delivering a copy thereof to the mayor, city manager, clerk, or deputy clerk.

(7) Upon a county, by delivering a copy thereof to the county clerk, chief deputy, or county commissioner.

(8) Upon a school district, by delivering a copy thereof to the superintendent.

(9) Upon the state by delivering a copy thereof to the attorney general.

(10)

(A) Upon an officer, agent, or employee of the state, acting in an official capacity, by delivering a copy thereof to the officer, agent, or employee, and by delivering a copy to the attorney general.
(B) Upon a department or agency of the state, subject to suit, by delivering a copy thereof to the principal officer, chief clerk, or other executive employee thereof, and by delivering a copy to the attorney general.
(C) For all purposes the date of service upon the officer, agent, employee, department, or agency shall control, except that failure to serve copies upon the attorney general within 7 days of service upon the officer, agent, employee, department, or agency shall extend the time within which the officer, agent, employee, department, or agency must file a responsive pleading for 63 days (9 weeks) beyond the time otherwise provided by these Rules.

(11) Upon other political subdivisions of the State of Colorado, special districts, or quasi-municipal entities, by delivering a copy thereof to any officer or general manager, unless otherwise provided by law.

(12) Upon any of the entities or persons listed in subsections (4) through (11) of this section (e) by delivering a copy to any designee authorized to accept service of process for such entity or person, or by delivery to a person authorized by appointment or law to receive service of process for such entity or person. The delivery shall be made in any manner permitted by such appointment or law.

(f) Substituted Service. In the event that a party attempting service of process by personal service under section (e) is unable to accomplish service, and service by publication or mail is not otherwise permitted under section (g), the party may file a motion, supported by an affidavit of the person attempting service, for an order for substituted service. The motion shall state (1) the efforts made to obtain personal service and the reason that personal service could not be obtained, (2) the identity of the person to whom the party wishes to deliver the process, and (3) the address, or last known address of the workplace and residence, if known, of the party upon whom service is to be effected. If the court is satisfied that due diligence has been used to attempt personal service under section (e), that further attempts to obtain service under section (e) would be to no avail, and that the person to whom delivery of the process is appropriate under the circumstances and reasonably calculated to give actual notice to the party upon whom service is to be effective, it shall:

(1) authorize delivery to be made to the person deemed appropriate for service, and
(2) order the process to be mailed to the address(es) of the party to be served by substituted service, as set forth in the motion, on or before the date of delivery. Service shall be complete on the date of delivery to the person deemed appropriate for service.

(g) Other Service. Except as otherwise provided by law, service by mail or publication shall be allowed only in actions affecting specific property or status or other proceedings in rem. When service is by publication, the complaint need not be published with the summons. The party desiring service of process by mail or publication under this section (g) shall file a motion verified by the oath of such party or of someone in the party’s behalf for an order of service by mail or publication. It shall state the facts authorizing such service, and shall show the efforts, if any, that have been made to obtain personal service and shall give the address, or last known address, of each person to be served or shall state that the address and last known address are unknown. The court, if satisfied that due diligence has been used to obtain personal service or that efforts to obtain the same would have been to no avail, shall:

(1) Order the party to send by registered or certified mail a copy of the process addressed to such person at such address, requesting a return receipt signed by the addressee only. Such service shall be complete on the date of the filing of proof thereof, together with such return receipt attached thereto signed by such addressee, or
(2) Order publication of the process in a newspaper published in the county in which the action is pending. Such publication shall be made once each week for five successive weeks. Within 14 days after the order the party shall mail a copy of the process to each person whose address or last known address has been stated in the motion and file proof thereof. Service shall be complete on the day of the last publication. If no newspaper is published in the county, the court shall designate one in some adjoining county.

(h) Manner of Proof. Proof of service shall be made as follows:

(1) If served personally, by a statement, certified by the sheriff, marshal or similar governmental official, or statement duly acknowledged under oath by any other person completing the service as to date, place, and manner of service;
(2)Repealed.
(3) If served by mail, by an affidavit showing the date of the mailing with the return receipt attached, where required;
(4) If served by publication, by the affidavit of publication, together with an affidavit as to the mailing of a copy of the process where required;
(5) If served by waiver, by the written admission or waiver of service by the person or persons served, duly acknowledged, or by their attorney;
(6) If served by substituted service, by a duly acknowledged statement as to the date, place, and manner of service, accompanied by an affidavit that the process was also mailed to the party to be served by substituted service, setting forth the address(es) where the process was mailed.

(i) Waiver of Service of Summons. A defendant who waives service of a summons does not thereby waive any objection to the venue or to the jurisdiction of the court over the defendant.

(j) Amendment. At any time in its discretion and upon such terms as it deems just, the court may allow any process or proof of service thereof to be amended, unless it clearly appears that material prejudice would result to the substantial rights of the party against whom the process is issued.

(k) Refusal of Copy. If a person to be served refuses to accept a copy of the process, service shall be sufficient if the person serving the process knows or has reason to identify the person who refuses to be served, identifies the documents being served, offers to deliver a copy of the documents to the person who refuses to be served, and thereafter leaves a copy in a conspicuous place.

(l) No Colorado Rule.

(m) The Limit for Service. If a Defendant Is Not Served within 63 Days (nine Weeks) after the Complaint Is Filed, the Court–on Motion or on Its Own after Notice to the Plaintiff–shall Dismiss the Action without Prejudice against That Defendant or Order That Service be Made within a Specified Time. but If the Plaintiff Shows Good Cause for the Failure, the Court Shall Extend the Time for Service for an Appropriate Period. This Subdivision (m) Does Not Apply to Service in a Foreign Country under Rule 4(d).

Rule 5. Service and Filing of Pleadings and Other Papers

(a) Service: When Required. Except as otherwise provided in these rules, every order required by its terms to be served, every pleading subsequent to the original complaint unless the court otherwise orders because of numerous defendants, every paper relating to discovery required to be served upon a party unless the court otherwise orders, every written motion other than one which may be heard ex parte, and every written notice, appearance, demand, offer of judgment, designation of record on appeal, and similar paper shall be served upon each of the parties. No service need be made on parties in default for failure to appear except that pleadings asserting new or additional claims for relief against them shall be served upon them in the manner provided for service of summons in Rule 4.

(b) Making Service:

(1) Service under C.R.C.P. 5(a) on a party represented by an attorney is made upon the attorney unless the court orders personal service upon the party. A resident attorney, on whom pleadings and other papers may be served, shall be associated as attorney of record with any out-of-state attorney practicing in any courts of this state.

(2) Service under C.R.C.P. 5(a) is made by:

(A)Delivering a copy to the person served by:

(i) handing it to the person;
(ii) leaving it at the person’s office with a clerk or other person in charge, or if no one is in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place in the office; or
(iii) if the person has no office or the office is closed, leaving it at the person’s dwelling house or usual place of abode with someone 18 years of age or older residing there;

(B) Mailing a copy to the last known address of the person served. Service by mail is complete on mailing;
(C) If the person served has no known address, leaving a copy with the clerk of the court; or
(D) Delivering a copy by any other means, including E-Service, other electronic means or a designated overnight courier, consented to in writing by the person served. Designation of a facsimile phone number or an email address in the filing effects consent in writing for such delivery. Parties who have subscribed to E-Filing, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 121 Section 1-26 § 1.(d), have agreed to receive E-Service. Service by other electronic means is complete on transmission; service by other consented means is complete when the person making service delivers the copy to the agency designated to make delivery. Service by other electronic means or overnight courier under C.R.C.P. 5(b)(2)(D) is not effective if the party making service learns that the attempted service did not reach the person to be served.

(c) Service: Numerous Defendants. In any action in which there are unusually large numbers of defendants, the court, upon motion or of its own initiative, may order that service of the pleadings of the defendants and replies thereto need not be made as between the defendants and that any cross claim, counterclaim, or matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense contained therein shall be deemed to be denied or avoided by all other parties and that the filing of any such pleading and service thereof upon the plaintiff constitutes due notice of it to the parties. A copy of every such order shall be served upon the parties in such manner and form as the court directs.

(d) Filing Certificate of Service. All papers after the initial pleading required to be served upon a party, together with a certificate of service, must be filed with the court within a reasonable time after service, but disclosures under Rule C.R.C.P. 26(a)(1) or (2) and the following discovery requests and responses shall not be filed until they are used in the proceeding or the court orders otherwise:

(i)depositions,

(ii)interrogatories,

(iii)requests for documents or to permit entry upon land, and

(iv)requests for admission.

(e) Filing with Court Defined. The filing of pleadings and other papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk of the court, except that the judge may permit the papers to be filed with the judge, in which event the judge shall note thereon the filing date and forthwith transmit them to the office of the clerk. A paper filed by E-Filing in compliance with C.R.C.P. 121 Section 1-26 constitutes a written paper for the purpose of this Rule. The clerk shall not refuse to accept any paper presented for filing solely because it is not presented in proper form as required by these rules or any local rules or practices.

(f) Inmate Filing and Service. Except where personal service is required, a pleading or paper filed or served by an inmate confined to an institution is timely filed or served if deposited in the institution’s internal mailing system on or before the last day for filing or serving. If an institution has a system designed for legal mail, the inmate must use that system to receive the benefit of this rule.

Rule 6. Time

(a) Computation.

(1) In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these rules, the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. Thereafter, every day shall be counted, including holidays, Saturdays or Sundays. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday. The “next day” is determined by continuing to count forward when the period is measured after an event and backward when measured before an event.
(2) As used in this Rule, “Legal holiday” includes the first day of January, observed as New Year’s Day; the third Monday in January, observed as Martin Luther King Day; the third Monday in February, observed as Washington-Lincoln Day; the last Monday in May, observed as Memorial Day; the fourth day of July, observed as Independence Day; the first Monday in September, observed as Labor Day; the second Monday in October, observed as Columbus Day; the 11th day of November, observed as Veteran’s Day; the fourth Thursday in November, observed as Thanksgiving Day; the twenty-fifth day of December, observed as Christmas Day, and any other day except Saturday or Sunday when the court is closed.

(b) Enlargement. When by these rules or by a notice given thereunder or by order of court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the court for cause shown may, at any time in its discretion (1) with or without motion or notice, order the period enlarged if request therefor is made before the expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order or (2) upon motion made after the expiration of the specified period permit the act to be done where the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect; but it may not extend the time for taking any action under Rules 59 and 60(b), except to the extent and under the conditions therein stated.

(c) Unaffected by Expiration of Term. Repealed.

(d) For Motions — Affidavits. Repealed.

(e) Additional Time After Service Under C.R.C.P. 5(b)(2)(B), (C), or (D). Repealed.

Rule 7. Pleadings Allowed: Form of Motions

(a) Pleadings. There shall be a complaint and answer; a reply to a counterclaim denominated as such; an answer to a cross-claim, if the answer contains a cross-claim; a third-party complaint, if a person who was not an original party is summoned under the provisions of Rule 14 ; a third-party answer, if a third-party complaint is served; and there may be a reply to an affirmative defense. No other pleading shall be allowed, except upon order of court.

(b) Motions and Other Papers.

(1) An application to the court for an order shall be made by motion which, unless made during a hearing or trial, shall be made in writing, shall state with particularity the grounds therefor, and shall set forth the relief or order sought. The requirement of writing is fulfilled if the motion is stated in a written notice of the hearing of the motion.
(2) These rules applicable to captions, signing and other matters of form of pleadings apply to all motions and other papers provided for by these rules.

(c) Demurrers, Pleas, etc., Abolished. Demurrers, pleas, and exceptions for insufficiency of a pleading shall not be used.

(d) Agreed Case, Procedure. Parties to a dispute which might be the subject of a civil action may, without pleadings, file, in the court which would have had jurisdiction if an action had been brought, an agreed statement of facts. The same shall be supported by an affidavit that the controversy is real and that it is filed in good faith to determine the rights of the parties. The matters shall then be deemed an action at issue and all proceedings thereafter shall be as provided by these rules.

Rule 8. General Rules of Pleading

(a) Claims for Relief. A pleading which sets forth a claim for a relief whether an original claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or a third-party claim, shall contain: (1)If the court is of limited jurisdiction, a short and plain statement of the grounds upon which the court’s jurisdiction depends; (2)a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief; and (3)a demand for judgment for the relief to which the pleader claims to be entitled. No dollar amount shall be stated in the prayer or demand for relief. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded. Each pleading containing an initial claim for relief in a civil action, other than a domestic relations, probate, water, juvenile, or mental health action, shall be accompanied by a completed Civil Cover Sheet in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 1.2 (JDF 601), at the time of filing. Failure to file the cover sheet shall not be considered a jurisdictional defect in the pleading but may result in a clerk’s show cause order requiring its filing.

(b) Defenses; Form of Denials. A party shall state in short and plain terms his defenses to each claim asserted and shall admit or deny the averments of the adverse party. If he is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of an averment, he shall so state and this has the effect of a denial. Denials shall fairly meet the substance of the averments denied. When a pleader intends in good faith to deny only a part or a qualification of an averment, he shall specify so much of it as is true and material and shall deny only the remainder. Unless the pleader intends in good faith to controvert all the averments of the preceding pleading, he may make his denials as specific denials of designated averments or paragraphs, or he may generally deny all the averments except such designated averments or paragraphs as he expressly admits; but, when he does so intend to controvert all its averments, including averments of the grounds upon which the court’s jurisdiction depends, he may do so by general denial subject to the obligations set forth in Rule 11.

(c) Affirmative Defenses and Mitigating Circumstances. In pleading to a preceding pleading, a party shall set forth affirmatively accord and satisfaction, arbitration and award, assumption of risk, contributory negligence, discharge in bankruptcy, duress, estoppel, failure of consideration, fraud, illegality, injury by fellow servant, laches, license, payment, release, res judicata, statute of frauds, statute of limitations, waiver, and any other matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense. Any mitigating circumstances to reduce the amount of damage shall be affirmatively pleaded. When a party has mistakenly designated a defense as a counterclaim or a counterclaim as a defense, the court on terms, if justice so requires, shall treat the pleading as if there had been a proper designation.

(d) Effect of Failure to Deny. Averments in a pleading to which a responsive pleading is required, other than those as to the amount of damage, are admitted when not denied in the responsive pleading. Averments in a pleading to which no responsive pleading is required shall be taken as denied or avoided. Averments in a pleading to which a responsive pleading is permitted but not required shall be taken as denied or avoided if no responsive pleading is filed.

(e) Pleading to be Concise and Direct; Consistency.

(1) Each averment of a pleading shall be simple, concise, and direct. When a pleader is without direct knowledge, allegations may be made upon information and belief. No technical forms of pleading or motions are required. Pleadings otherwise meeting the requirements of these rules shall not be considered objectionable for failure to state ultimate facts as distinguished from conclusions of law.
(2) A party may set forth two or more statements of a claim or defense alternately or hypothetically, either in one count or defense or in separate counts or defenses. When two or more statements are made in the alternative and one of them if made independently would be sufficient, the pleading is not made insufficient by the insufficiency of one or more of the alternative statements. A party may also state as many separate claims or defenses as he has regardless of consistency and whether based on legal or on equitable grounds or on both. All statements shall be made subject to the obligations set forth in Rule 11.

(f) Construction of Pleadings. All pleadings shall be so construed as to do substantial justice.

Rule 9. Pleading Special Matters

(a)

(1) Capacity. It is not necessary to aver the capacity of a party to sue or be sued or the authority of a party to sue or be sued in a representative capacity or the legal existence of an organized association of persons that is made a party. When a party desires to raise an issue as to the legal existence of any party or the capacity of any party to sue or be sued or the authority of a party to sue or be sued in a representative capacity, he shall do so by specific negative averment, which shall include such supporting particulars as are peculiarly within the pleader’s knowledge, and on such issue the party relying on such capacity, authority, or legal existence, shall establish same on the trial.
(2) Identification of Unknown Party. When a party is designated in the caption as one “whose true name is unknown” the pleader shall allege such matters as are within his knowledge to identify such unknown party and his connection with the claim set forth.
(3) Interest of Unknown Parties. When parties are designated in the caption as “all unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action” the pleader shall describe the interests of such persons, and how derived, so far as his knowledge extends.
(4) Description of Interest. Where unknown parties claim some interest through some one or more of the named defendants, it shall be a sufficient description of their interests and of how derived to state that the interests of the unknown parties are derived through some one or more of the named defendants.

(b) Fraud, Mistake, Condition of the Mind. In all averments of fraud or mistake, the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake shall be stated with particularity. Malice, intent, knowledge, and other condition of mind of a person may be averred generally.

(c) Conditions Precedent. In pleading the performance or occurrence of conditions precedent, it is sufficient to aver generally that all conditions precedent have been performed or have occurred. A denial of performance or occurrence shall be made specifically and with particularity, and when so made the party pleading the performance or occurrence shall establish on the trial the facts showing such performance or occurrence.

(d) Official Document or Act. In pleading an official document or official act it is sufficient to aver that the document was issued or the act done in compliance with law.

(e) Judgment. In pleading a judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign court, judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, or of a board or officer within the United States or within a territory or insular possession subject to the dominion of the United States, it is sufficient to aver the judgment or decision without setting forth matter showing jurisdiction to render it. A denial of jurisdiction shall be made specifically and with particularity and when so made the party pleading the judgment or decision shall establish on the trial all controverted jurisdictional facts.

(f) Time and Place. For the purpose of testing the sufficiency of a pleading, averments of time and place are material and shall be considered like all other averments of material matter.

(g) Special Damages. When items of special damage are claimed, they shall be specifically stated.

(h) [There is no section (h).]

(i) Pleading Statute. In pleading a statute of Colorado or of the United States, the same need not be set forth at length, but it shall be sufficient to refer to such statute by the appropriate designation in the official or recognized compilation thereof, or otherwise identify the same, and the court shall thereupon take judicial knowledge thereof.

Rule 10. Form and Quality of Pleadings, Motions and Other Documents [Effective April 1, 2016]

(a) Caption; Names of Parties. Every pleading, motion, E-filed document under C.R.C.P. 121 (1-26), or any other document filed with the court (hereinafter “document”) in both civil and criminal cases shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the title of the action, the case number, if known to the person signing it, the name of the document in accordance with Rule 7(a), and the other applicable information in the format specified by paragraph (d) and the captions illustrated by paragraph (e) or (f) of this rule. In the complaint initiating a lawsuit, the title of the action shall include the names of all the parties to the action. In all other documents, it is sufficient to set forth the name of the first-named party on each side of the lawsuit with an appropriate indication that there are also other parties (such as “et al.”). A party whose name is not known shall be designated by any name and the words “whose true name is unknown”. In an action in rem, unknown parties shall be designated as “all unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action”.

(b) Paragraphs; Separate Statements. All averments of claim or defense shall be made in numbered paragraphs, the contents of each of which shall be limited as far as practicable to a statement of a single set of circumstances. A paragraph may be referred to by its paragraph number in all succeeding documents. Each claim founded upon a separate transaction or occurrence, and each defense other than denials, shall be stated in a separate count or defense whenever a separation facilitates the clear presentation of the matters set forth.

(c) Incorporation by Reference; Exhibits. A statement in a document may be incorporated by reference in a different part of the same document or in another document. An exhibit to a document is a part thereof for all purposes.

(d) General Rule Regarding Paper Size, Format, and Spacing. All documents filed after the effective date of this rule, including those filed through the E-Filing System under C.R.C.P. 121 (1-26), shall meet the following criteria:

(1) Paper: Where a document is filed on paper, it shall be on plain, white, 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper (recycled paper preferred).
(2) Format: All documents shall be legible. They shall be printed on one side of the page only (except for E-Filed documents).

(I) Margins: All documents shall use margins of 1 1/2 inches at the top of each page, and 1 inch at the left, right, and bottom of each page. Except for the caption, a left-justified margin shall be used for all material.
(II) Font: No less than twelve (12) point font shall be used for all documents, including footnotes.
(III) Case Caption Information: All documents shall contain the following information arranged in the following order, as illustrated by paragraphs (e) and (f) of this rule, except that documents issued by the court under the signature of the clerk or judge should omit the attorney section as illustrated in paragraphs (e)(2) and (f)(2). Individual boxes should separate this case caption information; however, vertical lines are not mandatory.On the left side:

Court name and mailing address.

Name of parties.

Name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or pro se party filing the document. Fax number and e-mail address are optional.

Attorney registration number.

Document title.

On the right side:

An area for “Court Use Only” that is at least 2 1/2 inches in width and 1 3/4 inches in length (located opposite the court and party information). Case number, division number, and courtroom number (located opposite the attorney information above).

(3) Spacing: The following spacing guidelines should be followed.

(I) Single spacing for all:Affidavits

Complaints, Answers, and Petitions

Criminal Informations and Complaints

Interrogatories and Requests for Admissions

Notices

Pleading forms (all case types)

Probation reports

All other documents not listed in subsection (II) below

(II) Double spacing for all:Briefs and Legal Memoranda

Depositions

Documents that are complex or technical in nature

Jury Instructions

Motions

Petitions for Rehearing

Petitions for Writ of Certiorari

Petitions pursuant to C.A.R. 21

Transcripts

(4) Signature Block: All documents which require a signature shall be signed at the end of the document. The attorney or pro se party need not repeat his or her address, telephone number, fax number, or e-mail address at the end of the document.

(e) Illustration of Preferred Case Caption Format:

(1) Preferred Caption for documents initiated by a party:[Designation of Court from subsection (g) below]

Court Address:

__________________________________________

Plaintiff(s):

v.[Substitute appropriate party designations & names]

Defendant(s):^ COURT USE ONLY ^

Attorney or Party Without Attorney:Case Number:

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

FAX Number:

E-mail:

Atty. Reg.#:Div:Ctrm.: NAME OF DOCUMENT

(2) Preferred Caption for documents issued by the court under the signature of the clerk or judge:[Designation of Court from subsection (g) below]

Court Address:

__________________________________________

Plaintiff(s):

[Substitute appropriate party designations & names]

v.^ COURT USE ONLY ^

Defendant(s):____________________________

Case Number: Div:Ctrm.: NAME OF DOCUMENT

(f) Illustration of Optional Case Caption:

(1) Optional Caption for documents initiated by a party:[Designation of Court from subsection (g) below]

Court Address:

__________________________________________

Plaintiff(s):

v.[Substitute appropriate party designations & names]

Defendant(s):^ COURT USE ONLY ^

Attorney or Party Without Attorney:Case Number:

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:Div:Ctrm.:

FAX Number:

E-mail:

Atty. Reg.#: NAME OF DOCUMENT

(2) Optional Caption for documents issued by the court under signature of the clerk or judge:[Designation of Court from subsection (g) below]

Court Address:

__________________________________________

Plaintiff(s):

[Substitute appropriate party designations & names]

v.^ COURT USE ONLY ^

Defendant(s):____________________________

Case Number: Div:Ctrm.: NAME OF DOCUMENT

(g) Court Designation Examples:

APPELLATE

SUPREME COURT, STATE OF COLORADO

COURT OF APPEALS, STATE OF COLORADO

WATER

DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION ___, COLORADO

DISTRICT

DISTRICT COURT, _____ COUNTY, COLORADO

COUNTY

COUNTY COURT, _____ COUNTY, COLORADO

CITY AND COUNTY

COUNTY COURT, CITY AND COUNTY OF _______, COLORADO

PROBATE COURT, CITY AND COUNTY OF _______, COLORADO

JUVENILE COURT, CITY AND COUNTY OF _______, COLORADO

DISTRICT COURT, CITY AND COUNTY OF _______, COLORADO

(h) The forms of case captions provided for in this rule replace those forms of captions otherwise provided for in other Colorado rules of procedure, including but not limited to the Colorado Rules of County Court Procedure, the Colorado Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Courts, and the Colorado Appellate Rules. These forms of case captions apply to criminal cases, as well as civil cases.

(i) State Judicial Pre-Printed or Computer-Generated Forms. Forms approved by the State Court Administrator’s Office (designated “JDF” or “SCAO” on pre-printed or computer-generated forms), forms set forth in the Colorado Court Rules, volume 12, C.R.S., (including those pre-printed or computer-generated forms designated “CRCP” or “CPC” and those contained in the appendices of volume 12, C.R.S.), and forms generated by the state’s judicial electronic system, “ICON,” shall conform to criteria established by the State Court Administrator’s Office with the approval of the Colorado Supreme Court. Such forms, whether preprinted or computer-generated, shall employ a form of caption similar to those contained in this rule, contain check-off boxes for the court designation, have at least a 9-point font, and 1 inch left margin, 1/2 inch right and bottom margins, and at least 1 inch top margin, except that for forms designated “JDF” or “SCAO” the requirement of at least 1 inch for the top margin shall apply to forms created or revised on and after April 5, 2010.

Rule 11. Signing of Pleadings

(a) Obligations of Parties and Attorneys. Every pleading of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in his individual name. The initial pleading shall state the current number of his registration issued to him by the Supreme Court. The attorney’s address and that of the party shall also be stated. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign his pleadings and state his address. Except when otherwise specifically provided by rule or statute, pleadings need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney constitutes a certificate by him that he has read the pleading; that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, it is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and that it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a pleading is not signed it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader. If the current registration number of the attorney is not included with his signature, the clerk of the court shall request from the attorney the registration number. If the attorney is unable to furnish the court with a registration number, that fact shall be reported to the clerk of the Supreme Court, but the clerk shall nevertheless accept the filing. If a pleading is signed in violation of this Rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, shall impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, provided, however, that failing to be registered shall be governed by Rule 227.Reasonable expenses, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, shall not be assessed if, after filing, a voluntary dismissal or withdrawal is filed as to any claim, action or defense, within a reasonable time after the attorney or party filing the pleading knew, or reasonably should have known, that he would not prevail on said claim, action, or defense.

(b) Limited Representation. An attorney may undertake to provide limited representation in accordance with Colo.RPC 1.2 to a pro se party involved in a court proceeding. Pleadings or papers filed by the pro se party that were prepared with the drafting assistance of the attorney shall include the attorney’s name, address, telephone number and registration number. The attorney shall advise the pro se party that such pleading or other paper must contain this statement. In helping to draft the pleading or paper filed by the pro se party, the attorney certifies that, to the best of the attorney’s knowledge, information and belief, this pleading or paper is (1) well-grounded in fact based upon a reasonable inquiry of the pro se party by the attorney, (2) is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification or reversal of existing law, and (3) is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. The attorney in providing such drafting assistance may rely on the pro se party’s representation of facts, unless the attorney has reason to believe that such representations are false or materially insufficient, in which instance the attorney shall make an independent reasonable inquiry into the facts. Assistance by an attorney to a pro se party in filling out pre-printed and electronically published forms that are issued through the judicial branch for use in court are not subject to the certification and attorney name disclosure requirements of this Rule 11(b).Limited representation of a pro se party under this Rule 11(b) shall not constitute an entry of appearance by the attorney for purposes of C.R.C.P. 1 21, section 1 -1 or C.R.C.P. 5(b), and does not authorize or require the service of papers upon the attorney. Representation of the pro se party by the attorney at any proceeding before a judge, magistrate, or other judicial officer on behalf of the pro se party constitutes an entry of an appearance pursuant to C.R.C.P. 121, section 1-1. The attorney’s violation of this Rule 11(b) may subject the attorney to the sanctions provided in C.R.C.P. 11(a).

Rule 12. Defenses and Objections – When and How Presented [Effective July 1, 2015]

(a) When Presented.

(1) A defendant shall file his answer or other response within 21 days after the service of the summons and complaint. The filing of a motion permitted under this Rule alters these periods of time, as follows:

(A) if the court denies the motion or postpones its disposition until the trial on the merits, the responsive pleadings shall be filed within 14 days after notice of the court’s action;

(B) if the court grants a motion for a more definite statement, or for a statement in separate counts or defenses, the responsive pleadings shall be filed within 14 days after the service of the more definite statement or amended pleading.

(2) If, pursuant to special order, a copy of the complaint is not served with the summons, or if the summons is served outside of Colorado, or by publication, the time limit for filings under subsections (a)(1) and (e) of this Rule shall be within 35 days after the service thereof.

(3) A party served with a pleading stating a cross claim against that party shall file an answer thereto within 21 days after the service thereof.

(4) The plaintiff shall file a reply to a counterclaim in the answer within 21 days after the service of the answer.

(5) If a reply is made to any affirmative defense, such reply shall be filed within 21 days after service of the pleading containing such affirmative defense.

(6) If a pleading is ordered by the court, it shall be filed within 21 days after the entry of the order, unless the order otherwise directs.

(b) How Presented. Every defense, in law or in fact, to a claim for relief in any pleading, whether a claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim, shall be asserted in the responsive pleading thereto if one is required, except that the following defenses may at the option of the pleader be made by separate motion filed on or before the date the answer or reply to a pleading under C.R.C.P. 12(a) is due:

(1) lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter;

(2) lack of jurisdiction over the person;

(3) insufficiency of process;

(4) insufficiency of service of process;

(5) failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; or

(6) failure to join a party under C.R.C.P. 19.

No defense or objection is waived by being joined with one or more other defenses or objections in a responsive pleading or with any other motion permitted under this Rule or C.R.C.P. 98. If a pleading sets forth a claim for relief to which the adverse party is not required to file a responsive pleading, the adverse party may assert at the trial any defense in law or fact to that claim for relief. If, on a motion asserting the defense numbered (5) to dismiss for failure of the pleading to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, matters outside the pleading are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in C.R.C.P. 56, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to such a motion by Rule 56.

(c) Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. After the pleadings are closed but within such time as not to delay the trial, any party may move for judgment on the pleadings. If, on a motion for judgment on the pleadings, matters outside the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in Rule 56, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to such a motion by Rule 56.

(d) Preliminary Hearings. The defenses specifically enumerated in subsections (1)-(6) of section (b) of this Rule, whether made in a pleading or by motion, and the motion for judgment mentioned in section (c) of this Rule, shall be heard and determined before trial on application of any party, unless the court orders that the hearing and determination thereof be deferred until the trial.

(e) Motion for Separate Statement, or for More Definite Statement. Within the time limits for filings under subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this Rule, the party may file a motion for a statement in separate counts or defenses or for a more definite statement of any matter that is not averred with sufficient definiteness or particularity to enable the party properly to prepare a responsive pleading. If the motion is granted and the order of the court is not obeyed within 14 days after notice of the order or within such other time as the court may fix, the court may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or make such order as it deems just.

(f) Motion to Strike. Upon motion filed by a party within the time for responding to a pleading or, if no responsive pleading is permitted by these rules, upon motion filed by a party within 21 days after the service of any pleading, motion, or other paper, or upon the court’s own initiative at any time, the court may order any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter stricken from any pleading, motion, or other paper. The objection that a responsive pleading or separate defense therein fails to state a legal defense may be raised by motion filed under this section (f).

(g) Consolidation of Defenses in Motion. A party who makes a motion under this Rule may join with it any other motions herein provided for and then available to that party. If a party makes a motion under this Rule but omits therefrom any defense or objection then available to that party which this Rule permits to be raised by motion, that party shall not thereafter make a motion based on the defense or objection so omitted, except a motion as provided in section (h)(2) of this Rule on any of the grounds there stated.

(h) Waiver or Preservation of Certain Defenses.

(1) A defense of lack of jurisdiction over the person, insufficiency of process, or insufficiency of service of process is waived: (A) If omitted from a motion in the circumstances described in section (g); or (B) if it is neither made by motion under this Rule nor included in a responsive pleading or an amendment thereof permitted by Rule 15(a) to be made as a matter of course.
(2)A defense of failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, a defense of failure to join a party under Rule 19, and an objection of failure to state a legal defense to a claim may be made in any pleading permitted or ordered under Rule 7(a), or by motion for judgment on the pleadings, or at the trial on the merits.
(3) Whenever it appears by suggestion of the parties or otherwise that the court lacks jurisdiction of the subject matter, the court shall dismiss the action.

Rule 13. Counterclaim and Cross Claim

(a) Compulsory Counterclaims. A pleading shall state as a counterclaim any claim which at the time of filing the pleading the pleader has against any opposing party, if it arises out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the opposing party’s claim and does not require for its adjudication the presence of third parties of whom the court cannot acquire jurisdiction. But the pleader need not state the claim if:

(1) At the time the action was commenced the claim was the subject of another pending action, or
(2) The opposing party brought suit upon his claim by attachment or other process by which the court did not acquire jurisdiction to render a personal judgment on that claim, and the pleader is not stating any counterclaim under this Rule 13.

(b) Permissive Counterclaim. A pleading may state as a counterclaim any claim against an opposing party not arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the opposing party’s claim.

(c) Counterclaim Exceeding Opposing Claim. A counterclaim may or may not diminish or defeat the recovery sought by the opposing party. It may claim relief exceeding in amount or different in kind from that sought in the pleading of the opposing party.

(d) [There is no section (d).]

(e) Counterclaim Maturing or Acquired After Pleading. A claim which either matured or was acquired by the pleader after serving his pleading may, with the permission of the court, be presented as a counterclaim by supplemental pleading.

(f) Omitted Counterclaim. When a pleader fails to set up a counterclaim through oversight, inadvertence, or excusable neglect, or when justice requires, he may by leave of court set up the counterclaim by amendment.

(g) Cross Claim Against Coparty. A pleading may state as a cross claim any claim by one party against a coparty arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter either of the original action or of a counterclaim therein or relating to any property that is the subject matter of the original action. Such cross claim may include a claim that the party against whom it is asserted is or may be liable to the cross claimant for all or part of a claim asserted in the action against the cross claimant.

(h) Joinder of Additional Parties. Persons other than those made parties to the original action may be made parties to a counterclaim or cross claim in accordance with the provisions of Rules 19 and 20.

(i) Separate Trials; Separate Judgments. If the court orders separate trials as provided in Rule 42 (b), judgment on a counterclaim or cross claim may be rendered in accordance with the terms of Rule 54 (b) when the court has jurisdiction so to do, even if the claims of the opposing party have been dismissed or otherwise disposed of.

(j) Claims Against Assignee. Except as otherwise provided by law as to negotiable instruments, any claim, counterclaim, or cross claim which could have been asserted against an assignor at the time of or before notice of an assignment, may be asserted against his assignee, to the extent that such claim, counterclaim, or cross claim does not exceed recovery upon the claim of the assignee.

(k) Claims Against Personal Representative. The death of a person shall not prejudice the rights of a third person to assert a claim, cross claim, or counterclaim surviving death against the personal representative of the deceased in the time and manner provided by law.

(l) Superior Courts. Repealed May 30, 1991, effective July 1, 1991.

Rule 14. Third-Party Practice

(a) When Defendant May Bring in Third Party. At any time after commencement of the action a defending party, as a third-party plaintiff, may cause a summons and complaint to be served upon a person not a party to the action who is or may be liable to him for all or part of the plaintiff’s claim against him. The third-party plaintiff need not obtain leave to make the service if he files the third-party complaint not later than 14 days after he serves his original answer. Otherwise he must obtain leave on motion upon notice to all parties to the action. The person served with the summons and third-party complaint, hereinafter called the third-party defendant, shall make his defenses to the third party plaintiff’s claim as provided in Rule 12 and his counterclaim against the third-party plaintiff and cross claims against other third-party defendants as provided in Rule 13. The third-party defendant may assert against the plaintiff any defenses which the third-party plaintiff has to the plaintiff’s claim. The third-party defendant may also assert any claim against the plaintiff arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the plaintiff’s claim against the third-party plaintiff. The plaintiff may assert any claim against the third-party defendant arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the plaintiff’s claim against the third-party plaintiff, and the third-party defendant thereupon shall assert his defenses as provided in Rule 12 and his counterclaim and cross claims as provided in Rule 13. Any party may move to strike the third-party claim, or for its severance or separate trial. A third-party defendant may proceed under this Rule against any person not a party to the action who is or may be liable to him for all or part of the claim made in the action against the third-party defendant.

(b) When Plaintiff May Bring in Third Party. When a counterclaim is asserted against a plaintiff, he may cause a third party to be brought in under circumstances which under this Rule would entitle a defendant to do so.

Rule 15. Amended and Supplemental Pleadings

(a) Amendments. A party may amend his pleading once as a matter of course at any time before a responsive pleading is filed or, if the pleading is one to which no responsive pleading is permitted and the action has not been placed upon the trial calendar, he may so amend it any time within 21 days after it is filed. Otherwise, a party may amend his pleading only by leave of court or by written consent of the adverse party; and leave shall be freely given when justice so requires. A party shall plead in response to an amended pleading within the time remaining for response to the original pleading or within 14 days after service of the amended pleading, whichever period may be the longer, unless the court otherwise orders.

(b) Amendments to Conform to the Evidence. When issues not raised by the pleadings are tried by express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings. Such amendment of the pleadings as may be necessary to cause them to conform to the evidence and to raise these issues may be made upon motion of any party at any time, even after judgment; but failure so to amend does not affect the result of the trial of these issues. If evidence is objected to at the trial on the ground that it is not within the issues made by the pleadings, the court may allow the pleadings to be amended and shall do so freely when the presentation of the merits of the action will be subserved thereby and the objecting party fails to satisfy the court that the admission of such evidence would prejudice him in maintaining his action or defense upon the merits. The court may grant a continuance to enable the objecting party to meet such evidence.

(c) Relation Back of Amendments. Whenever the claim or defense asserted in the amended pleading arose out of the conduct, transaction, or occurrence set forth or attempted to be set forth in the original pleading, the amendment relates back to the date of the original pleading. An amendment changing the party against whom a claim is asserted relates back if the foregoing provision is satisfied and, within the period provided by Rule 4(m) for serving the summons and complaint, the party to be brought in by amendment: (1) Has received such notice of the institution of the action that he will not be prejudiced in maintaining his defense on the merits, and (2) knew or should have known that, but for a mistake concerning the identity of the proper party, the action would have been brought against him.

(d) Supplemental Pleadings. Upon motion of a party the court may, upon reasonable notice and upon such terms as are just, permit him to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions or occurrences or events which have happened since the date of the pleading sought to be supplemented. Permission may be granted even though the original pleading is defective in its statement of a claim for relief or defense. If the court deems it advisable that the adverse party plead to the supplemental pleading, it shall so order, specifying the time therefor.

Rule 16. Case Management and Trial Management [Effective July 1, 2015]

(a) Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this Rule 16 is to establish a uniform, court-supervised procedure involving case management which encourages professionalism and cooperation among counsel and parties to facilitate disclosure, discovery, pretrial and trial procedures. This Rule shall govern case management in all district court civil cases except as provided herein. This Rule shall not apply to domestic relations, juvenile, mental health, probate, water law, forcible entry and detainer, C.R.C.P. 106 and 120, and other similar expedited proceedings, unless otherwise ordered by the court or stipulated by the parties. This Rule 16 also shall not apply to civil actions that are governed by Simplified Procedure under C.R.C.P. 16.1, except as specifically provided in Rule 1 6.1. The disclosures and information required to be included in both the Case Management and Trial Management Orders interrelate to discovery authorized by these rules. The right of discovery shall not constitute grounds for failing to timely disclose information required by this Rule, nor shall this Rule constitute a ground for failing to timely disclose any information sought pursuant to discovery.

(b) Case Management Order. Not later than 42 days after the case is at issue and at least 7 days before the case management conference, the parties shall file, in editable format, a proposed Case Management Order consisting of the matters set forth in subsections (1)-(17) of this section and take the necessary actions to comply with those subsections. This proposed order, when approved by the court, shall constitute the Case Management Order and shall control the course of the action from the time the case is at issue until otherwise required pursuant to section (f) of this Rule or unless modified upon a showing of good cause. Use of the “Proposed Case Management Order” in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17A, form (JDF 622), shall comply with this section

(1) At Issue Date. A case shall be deemed at issue when all parties have been served and all pleadings permitted by C.R.C.P. 7 have been filed or defaults or dismissals have been entered against all non-appearing parties, or at such other time as the court may direct. The proposed order shall state the at issue date.
(2) Responsible Attorney. “The responsible attorney” shall mean plaintiff’s counsel, if the plaintiff is represented by counsel, or if not, the defense counsel who first enters an appearance in the case. The responsible attorney shall schedule conferences among the parties, and prepare and submit the Proposed Case Management Order and prepare and Trial Management Order. The proposed order shall identify the responsible attorney and provide that attorney’s contact information.
(3) Meet and Confer. No later than 14 days after the case is at issue, lead counsel for each party and any party who is not represented by counsel shall confer with each other in person, by telephone, or video conference about:

(A) the nature and basis of the claims and defenses;

(B) the matters to be disclosed pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(a)(1); and

(C) the Proposed Case Management Order;

(D) mutually agreeable dates for the case management conference; and

(E) based thereon shall obtain from the court a date for the case management conference.

The proposed order shall state the date of and identify the attendees at any meet and confer conferences

(4) Description of the Case. The proposed order shall provide a brief description of the case and identification of the issues to be tried. The description of the case and identification of the issues to be tried shall consist of not more than one page, double-spaced, per side.
(5) Pending Motions. The proposed order shall list all pending motions that have been filed and are unresolved. The court may decide any unresolved motion at the case management conference.
(6) Evaluation of Proportionality Factors. The proposed order shall provide a brief assessment of each party’s position on the application of any factors to be considered in determining proportionality, including those factors identified in C.R.C.P. 26(b)(1).
(7) Initial Exploration of Prompt Settlement and Prospects for Settlement. The proposed order shall confirm that the possibility of settlement was discussed, describe the prospects for settlement and list proposed dates for any agreed upon or courtordered mediation or other alternative dispute resolution.
(8) Proposed Deadlines for Amendments. The proposed order shall provide proposed deadlines for amending or supplementing pleadings and for joinder of additional parties, which unless otherwise provided by law, shall be not later than 105 days (15 weeks) after the case is at issue, and shall provide a deadline for identification of non-parties at fault, if any, pursuant to C.R.S. §13-21-111.5.
(9) Disclosures. The proposed order shall state the dates when disclosures under C.R.C.P. 26(a)(1) were made and exchanged and describe any objections to the adequacy of the initial disclosures.
(10) Computation and Discovery Relating to Damages. . If any party asserts an inability to disclose fully the information on damages required by C.R.C.P. 26(a)(1)(C), the proposed order shall include a brief statement of the reasons for that party’s inability as well as the expected timing of full disclosure and completion of discovery on damages.
(11) Discovery Limits and Schedule. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, discovery shall be limited to that allowed by C.R.C.P. 26(b)(2). Discovery may commence as provided in C.R.C.P. 26(d) upon service of the Case Management Order. The deadline for completion of all discovery, including discovery responses, shall be not later than 49 days before the trial date. The proposed order shall state any modifications to the amounts of discovery permitted in C.R.C.P. 26(b)(2), including limitations of awardable costs, and the justification for such modifications consistent with the proportionality factors in C.R.C.P. 26(b)(1).
(12) Subjects for Expert Testimony. The proposed order shall identify the subject areas about which the parties anticipate offering expert testimony; whether that testimony would be from an expert defined in C.R.C.P. 26(a)(2)(B)(I) or in 26(a)(2)(B)(II); and, if more than one expert as defined in C.R.C.P. 26(a)(2)(B)(I) per subject per side is anticipated, the proposed order shall set forth good cause for such additional expert or experts consistent with the proportionality factors in C.R.C.P. 26(b)(1) and considering any differences among the positions of multiple parties on the same side as to experts.
(13) Proposed Deadlines for Expert Disclosures. If any party desires proposed deadlines for expert disclosures other than those in C.R.C.P. 26(a)(2)(C), the proposed order shall explain the justification for such modifications.
(14) Oral Discovery Motions. The proposed order shall state whether the court does or does not require discovery motions to be presented orally, without written motions or briefs, and may include such other provisions as the court deems appropriate.
(15) Electronically Stored Information. If the parties anticipate needing to discover a significant amount of electronically stored information, the parties shall discuss and include in the proposed order a brief statement concerning their agreements relating to search terms to be used, if any, and the production, continued preservation, and restoration of electronically stored information, including the form in which it is to be produced and an estimate of the attendant costs. If the parties are unable to agree, the proposed order shall include a brief statement of their positions.
(16) Trial Date and Estimated Length of Trial. The proposed order shall provide the parties’ best estimate of the time required for probable completion of discovery and of the length of the trial. The court shall include the trial date in the Case Management Order, unless the court uses a different trial setting procedure.
(17) Other Appropriate Matters. The proposed order shall describe other matters any party wishes to bring to the court’s attention at the case management conference.
(18) Entry of Case Management Order. The proposed order shall be signed by lead counsel for each party and by each party who is not represented by counsel. After the court’s review and revision of any provision in the proposed order, it shall be entered as an order of the court and served on all parties.

(c) Pretrial Motions. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, pretrial motions, including motions in limine, shall be filed no later than 35 days before the trial date, except for motions pursuant to C.R.C.P. 56, which must be filed no later than 91 days (13 weeks) before the trial and except for motions challenging the admissibility of expert testimony pursuant to C.R.E. 702, which must be filed no later than 70 days (10 weeks) before the trial.

(d) Case Management Conference.

(1) The responsible attorney shall schedule the case management conference to be held no later than 49 days after the case is at issue, and shall provide notice of the conference to all parties.

(2) Lead counsel and unrepresented parties, if any, shall attend the case management conference in person, except as provided in subsection (d)(3) of this Rule. The court may permit the parties and/or counsel to attend the conference and any subsequent conferences by telephone. At that conference, the parties and counsel shall be prepared to discuss the proposed order, issues requiring resolution, and any special circumstances of the case.

(3) If all parties are represented by counsel, counsel may timely submit a proposed order and may jointly request the court to dispense with a case management conference. In the event that there appear to be no unusual issues, that counsel appear to be working together collegially, and that the information on the proposed order appears to be consistent with the best interests of all parties and is proportionate to the needs of the case, the court may dispense with the case management conference.

(e) Amendment of the Case Management Order. A party wishing to extend a deadline or otherwise amend the Case Management Order shall file a motion stating each proposed amendment and a specific showing of good cause for the timing and necessity for each modification sought including, where applicable, the grounds for good cause pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(b)(2)(F).

(f) Trial Management Order. No later than 28 days before the trial date, the responsible attorney shall file a proposed Trial Management order with the court. Prior to trial, a Trial Management Order shall be entered by the Court.

(1) Cases with Unrepresented Parties. If any unrepresented party will be participating in the trial, the responsible attorney shall promptly file a Notice to Set Trial Management conference after all disclosures have been served and discovery has been completed and the court shall conduct a Trial Management conference on the record and issue a Trial Management Order pursuant to subsection (f)(4) of this Rule. The responsible attorney shall submit a proposed Trial Management Order prior to the conference by filing the same with the Court and serving a copy thereof on all other parties.
(2) All Parties Represented by Counsel.

(A) If all parties are represented by counsel, lead counsel for each party shall confer with each other to develop jointly a proposed trial management order. Plaintiff’s counsel shall be responsible for scheduling conferences among counsel and preparing and filing the proposed trial management order.
(B) Not later than 42 days before the trial date, each counsel shall exchange a draft of the lists of witnesses and exhibits required in subsections (f)(3)(VI)(A) and (B) of this Rule together with a copy of each documentary exhibit to be listed pursuant to subsection (f)(3)(VI)(B) of this Rule.
(C) To the extent possible, counsel shall agree to the contents of the proposed Trial Management Order. Any matter upon which all counsel cannot agree shall be designated as “disputed” in the proposed order and the proposed trial management order shall contain specific alternative provisions upon which agreement could not be reached. The proposed Trial Management Order shall be signed by lead counsel for each party and shall include a place for the court’s approval.
(D) If there are any disputed matters or if any counsel believes that it would be helpful to conduct a Trial Management conference, the filing of the proposed Trial Management order shall be accompanied by a Notice to Set Trial Management conference, stating the reasons why such a conference is requested.

(3) Form of Trial Management Order. The proposed Trial Management Order shall contain the following matters under the following captions and in the following order:

I.STATEMENT OF CLAIMS AND DEFENSES. The parties shall set forth a brief description of the nature of the case and a summary identification of the claims and defenses remaining for trial. Any claims or defenses set forth in the pleadings which will not be at issue at trial shall be designated as “withdrawn” or “resolved.”
II. STIPULATED FACTS. The parties shall set forth a plain, concise statement of all facts which the trier of fact shall accept as undisputed. If the matter is scheduled for a jury trial, a proposed jury instruction containing these undisputed facts shall be submitted as provided in section (g) of this Rule.
III. PRETRIAL MOTIONS. The parties shall list any pending motions.
IV.
TRIAL BRIEFS. The parties shall indicate whether trial briefs will be filed, including a schedule for their filing. Trial briefs shall be filed no later than 14 days before the trial date.
V. ITEMIZATION OF DAMAGES OR OTHER RELIEF SOUGHT. Each claiming party shall set forth a detailed description of the categories of damages or other relief sought and a computation of any economic damages claimed.
VI. IDENTIFICATION OF WITNESSES AND EXHIBITS–JUROR NOTEBOOKS. Each party shall provide the following information:

(A)Witnesses. Each party shall attach to the proposed trial management order separate lists containing the name, address, telephone number and the anticipated length of each witness’ testimony, including cross examination, (i) of any person whom the party “will call” and (ii) of any person whom the party “may call” as a witness at trial. When a party lists a witness as a “will call” witness, the party does not have to call the witness to testify, but must ensure that the witness will be available to testify at trial if called by any party without the necessity for any other party to subpoena the witness for the trial. For each expert witness, the list shall also indicate whether the opposing party accepts or challenges the qualifications of a witness to testify as an expert as to the opinions expressed. If there is a challenge, the list shall be accompanied by a resume setting forth the basis for the expertise of the challenged witness. Where appropriate, the court may order the parties to provide written notice to the other parties and to the court of the order in which the parties expect to present their witnesses.

(B) Exhibits. Each party shall attach to the proposed trial management order a list of exhibits including physical evidence which the party intends to introduce at trial. Unless stipulated by the parties, each list shall assign a number (for plaintiff or petitioner) or letter (for defendant or respondent) designation for each exhibit. Proposed excerpted or highlighted exhibits shall be attached. If any party objects to the authenticity of any exhibit as offered, such objection shall be noted on the list, together with the ground therefor. If any party stipulates to the admissibility of any exhibit, such stipulation shall be noted on the list. On or before the trial date, a set of the documentary exhibits shall be provided to the court.

(C) Juror Notebooks. Counsel for each party shall confer about items to be included in juror notebooks as set forth in C.R.C.P. 47(t) and at the Trial Management conference or other date set by the Court make a joint submission to the Court of items to be included in the juror notebook. By agreement of the parties or in the discretion of the Court, important exhibits may be highlighted or excerpted and may be included in juror notebooks.

(D) Deposition and other preserved testimony. If the preserved testimony of any witness is to be presented the proponent of the testimony shall provide the other parties with its designations of such testimony at least 28 days before the trial date. Any other party may provide all other parties with its designations and shall do so at least 14 days before the trial date. The proponent may provide reply designations and shall do so at least 7 days before the trial date. A copy of the preserved testimony to be presented at trial shall be submitted to the court and include the proponent’s and opponent’s anticipated designations of the pertinent portions of such testimony or a statement why designation is not feasible at least 3 days before the trial date. If any party wishes to object to the admissibility of the testimony or to any tendered question or answer therein, it shall be noted, setting forth the grounds therefor.

VII. TRIAL EFFICIENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS. If the anticipated length of the trial has changed, the parties shall so indicate. The parties shall also include any other matters which are appropriate under the circumstances of the case or directed by the court to be included in the proposed Trial Management Order. The parties shall confirm that they have considered ways in which the use of technology can simplify the case and make it more understandable. In all cases where a jury trial will be held, the parties shall confer regarding the amount of time requested for juror examination and provide their positions along with their reasons therefor.

(4) Approval of Trial Management Order. If a Notice to Set Trial Management Conference is filed or the Court determines that such a conference should be held, the Court shall set a trial management conference. The conference may be conducted by telephone. The court shall promptly enter the Trial Management Order.
(5) Effect of Trial Management Order. The Trial Management Order shall control the subsequent course of the trial. Modification to or divergence from the Trial Management Order, whether prior to or during trial, shall be permitted upon a demonstration that the modification or divergence could not with reasonable diligence have been anticipated. In the event of any ambiguity in the Trial Management Order, the Court shall interpret the Order in the manner which best advances the interests of justice.

(g) Jury Instructions and Verdict Forms. Counsel for the parties shall confer to develop jointly proposed jury instructions and verdict forms to which the parties agree. No later than 7 days prior to the date scheduled for commencement of the trial or such other time as the court shall direct, a set of the proposed jury instructions and verdict forms shall be filed with the courtroom clerk. The first party represented by counsel to demand a jury trial pursuant to C.R.C.P. 38 and who has not withdrawn such demand shall be responsible for filing the proposed jury instructions and verdict forms. If any jury instruction or verdict form is disputed, the party propounding the instruction or verdict form shall separately file with the courtroom clerk a set of the disputed jury instructions and verdict forms. Each instruction or verdict form shall have attached a brief statement of the legal authority on which the proposed instruction or verdict form is based. Compliance with this Rule shall not deprive parties of the right to tender additional instructions or verdict forms or withdraw proposed instructions or verdict forms at trial. All jury instructions and verdict forms submitted by the parties shall be in final form and reasonably complete. The court shall permit the use of photocopied instructions and verdict forms, without citations, in its submission to the jury.

Rule 16.1. Simplified Procedure for Civil Actions [Effective July 1, 2015]

(a) Purpose and Summary of Simplified Procedure.

(1) Purpose of Simplified Procedure. The purpose of this rule is to provide maximum access to the district courts in civil actions; to enhance the provision of just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of civil actions; to provide the earliest practical trials; and to limit discovery and its attendant expense.
(2) Summary of Simplified Procedure. Under this Rule, Simplified Procedure generally applies to all civil actions, whether for monetary damages or any other form of relief unless expressly excluded by this Rule or the pleadings, or unless a party timely and properly elects to be excluded from its provisions. This Rule normally limits the maximum allowable monetary judgment to $100,000 against any one party. This Rule requires early, full disclosure of persons, documents, damages, insurance and experts, and early, detailed disclosure of witnesses’ testimony, whose direct trial testimony is then generally limited to that which has been disclosed. Normally, no depositions, interrogatories, document requests or requests for admission are allowed, although examination under C.R.C.P. 34(a)(2) and 35 is permitted.

(b) Actions Subject to Simplified Procedure. This Rule applies to all civil actions other than:

(1) civil actions that are class actions, domestic relations, juvenile, mental health, probate, water law, forcible entry and detainer, C.R.C.P. 106 and 120, or other similar expedited proceedings, unless otherwise stipulated by the parties; or
(2) civil actions in which any party seeks a monetary judgment from any other party of more than $100,000, exclusive of interest and costs.
(3) Each pleading containing an initial claim for relief in a civil action, other than a domestic relations, probate, water, juvenile, or mental health action, shall be accompanied by a completed Civil Cover Sheet in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 1.2 (JDF 601), at the time of filing. Failure to file the cover sheet shall not be considered a jurisdictional defect in the pleading but may result in a clerk’s show cause order requiring its filing.

(c) Limitations on Damages. In cases subject to this Rule, a claimant’s right to a monetary judgment against any one party shall be limited to a maximum of $100,000, including any attorney fees, penalties or punitive damages, but excluding interest and costs. The $100,000 limitation shall not restrict an award of non-monetary relief. The jury shall not be informed of the $100,000 limitation. If the jury returns a verdict for damages in excess of $100,000, the trial court shall reduce the verdict to $100,000.

(d) Election for Exclusion from This Rule. This Rule shall apply unless, no later than 35 days after the case is at issue as defined in C.R.C.P. 16(b)(1), any party files a written notice, signed by the party and its counsel, if any, stating that the party elects to be excluded from the application of Simplified Procedure, set forth in this rule 16.1. The use of a “Notice to Elect Exclusion From C.R.C.P. 1 6.1 Simplified Procedure” in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 1.3 (JDF 602), shall comply with this section. In the event a notice is filed, C.R.C.P. 16 shall govern the action.

(e) Election for Inclusion Under This Rule. In actions excluded by subsection (b)(2) of this Rule, within 49 days after the case is at issue, as defined in C.R.C.P. 16(b)(1), the parties may file a stipulation to be governed by this Rule. In such event, they will not be bound by the $100,000 limitation on judgments contained in section (c) of this Rule.

(f) Case Management Orders. In actions subject to Simplified Procedure pursuant to this Rule, the presumptive case management order requirements of C.R.C.P. 16(b)(1), (2), (3), and (7) shall apply even though a proposed Case Management Order is not required to be prepared or filed.

(g) Trial Setting. No later than 42 days after the case is at issue, the responsible attorney shall set the case for trial pursuant to C.R.C.P. 121, section 1-6, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

(h) Certificate of Compliance. No later than 49 days after the case is at issue, the responsible attorney shall also file a Certificate of Compliance stating that the parties have complied with all the requirements of sections (f), (g) and (k)(1) of this Rule or, if they have not complied with each requirement, shall identify the requirements that have not been fulfilled and set forth any reasons for the failure to comply.

(i) Expedited Trials. Trial settings, motions and trials in actions subject to Simplified Procedure under this Rule should be given early trial settings, hearings on motions and trials.

(j) Case Management Conference. If any party believes that it would be helpful to conduct a case management conference, a notice to set case management conference shall be filed stating the reasons why such a conference is requested. If any party is unrepresented or if the court determines that such a conference should be held, the court shall set a case management conference. The conference may be conducted by telephone.

(k) Simplified Procedure. Simplified Procedure means that the action shall not be subject to C.R.C.P. 16, 26-33, 34(a)(1), 34(c) and 36, unless otherwise specifically provided in this Rule, and shall be subject to the following requirements:

(1) Required Disclosures.

(A) Disclosures in All Cases. Each party shall make disclosures pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(a)(1), 26(a)(4), 26(b)(5), 26(c), 26(e) and 26(g), no later than 35 days after the case is at issue as defined in C.R.C.P. 16(b)(1). In addition to the requirements of C.R.C.P. 26(g), the disclosing party shall sign all disclosures under oath.
(B) Additional Disclosures in Certain Actions. Even if not otherwise required under subsection (A), matters to be disclosed pursuant to this Rule shall also include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) Personal Injury Actions. In actions claiming damages for personal or emotional injuries, the claimant shall disclose the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and other health care providers utilized by the claimant within five years prior to the date of injury, and shall produce all records from those providers or written waivers allowing the opposing party to obtain those records subject to appropriate protective provisions authorized by C.R.C.P. 26(c). The claimant shall also produce transcripts or tapes of recorded statements, documents, photographs, and video and other recorded images that address the facts of the case or the injuries sustained. The defending party shall disclose transcripts or tapes of recorded statements, any insurance company claims memos or documents, photographs, and video and other recorded images that address the facts of the case, the injuries sustained, or affirmative defenses. A party need not produce those specific records for which the party, after consultation pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(c), timely moves for a protective order from the court;
(ii) Employment Actions. In actions seeking damages for loss of employment, the claimant shall disclose the names and addresses of all persons by whom the claimant has been employed for the ten years prior to the date of disclosure and shall produce all documents which reflect or reference claimant’s efforts to find employment since the claimant’s departure from the defending party, and written waivers allowing the opposing party to obtain the claimant’s personnel files and payment histories from each employer, except with respect to those records for which the claimant, after consultation pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(c), timely moves for a protective order from the court. The defending party shall produce the claimant’s personnel file and applicable personnel policies and employee handbooks;
(iii) Requested Disclosures. Before or after the initial disclosures, any party may make a written designation of specific information and documentation that party believes should be disclosed pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(a)(1). The other party shall provide a response and any agreed upon disclosures within 21 days of the request or at the time of initial disclosures, whichever is later. If any party believes the responses or disclosures are inadequate, it may seek relief pursuant to C.R.C.P. 37.

(C) Document Disclosure. Documents and other evidentiary materials disclosed pursuant to C.R.C.P.26 (a)(1) and 16.1(k)(1)(B) shall be made immediately available for inspection and copying to the extent not privileged or protected from disclosure.

(2) Disclosure of Expert Witnesses. The provisions of C.R.C.P. 26(a)(2)(A) and (B), 26(a)(4), 26(a)(6), 26(c), 26(e) and 26(g) shall apply to disclosure for expert witnesses. Written disclosures of experts shall be served by parties asserting claims 91 days (13 weeks) before trial; by parties defending against claims 56 days (8 weeks) before trial; and parties asserting claims shall serve written disclosures for any rebuttal experts 35 days before trial.
(3) Disclosure of Non-expert Trial Testimony. Each party shall serve written disclosure statements identifying the name, address, telephone number, and a detailed statement of the expected testimony for each witness the party intends to call at trial whose deposition has not been taken, and for whom expert reports pursuant to subparagraph (k)(2) of this Rule have not been provided. For adverse party or hostile witnesses, written disclosure of the expected subject matters of the witness’s testimony, rather than a detailed statement of the expected testimony, shall be sufficient. Written disclosure shall be served by parties asserting claims 91 days (13 weeks) before trial; by parties defending against claims 56 days (8 weeks) before trial; and parties asserting claims shall serve written disclosures for any rebuttal witnesses 35 days before trial.
(4) Depositions of Witnesses in Lieu of Trial Testimony. A party who intends to offer the testimony of an expert or other witness may, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 30(b)(1)-(4), take the deposition of that witness for the purpose of preserving the witness’ testimony for use at trial. Such a deposition shall be taken at least 7 days before trial. In that event, any party may offer admissible portions of the witness’ deposition, including any cross-examination during the deposition, without a showing of the witness’ unavailability. Any witness who has been so deposed may not be offered as a witness to present live testimony at trial by the party taking the deposition.
(5) Depositions for Obtaining Documents. Depositions also may be taken for the sole purpose of obtaining and authenticating documents from a non-party.
(6) Trial Exhibits. All exhibits to be used at trial which are in the possession, custody or control of the parties shall be identified and exchanged by the parties at least 35 days before trial. Authenticity of all identified and exchanged exhibits shall be deemed admitted unless objected to in writing within 14 days after receipt of the exhibits. Documents in the possession, custody and control of third persons that have not been obtained by the identifying party pursuant to document deposition or otherwise, to the extent possible shall be identified 35 days before trial and objections to the authenticity of those documents may be made at any time prior to their admission into evidence.
(7) Limitations on Witnesses and Exhibits at Trial. In addition to the sanctions under C.R.C.P. 37(c), witnesses and expert witnesses whose depositions have not been taken shall be limited to testifying on direct examination about matters disclosed in reasonable detail in the written disclosures, provided, however, that adverse parties and hostile witnesses shall be limited to testifying on direct examination to the subject matters disclosed pursuant to subparagraph (k)(3) of this Rule. However, a party may call witnesses for whom written disclosures were not previously made for the purpose of authenticating exhibits if the opposing party made a timely objection to the authenticity of such exhibits.
(8) Juror Notebooks and Jury Instructions. Counsel for each party shall confer about items to be included in juror notebooks as set forth in C.R.C.P. 47(t). At the beginning of trial or at such other date set by the court, the parties shall make a joint submission to the court of items to be included in the juror notebook. Jury instructions and verdict forms shall be prepared pursuant to C.R.C.P. 16(g).
(9) Voluntary Discovery. In addition to the disclosures required by this Rule, voluntary discovery may be conducted as agreed to by all the parties. However, the scheduling of such voluntary discovery may not serve as the basis for a continuance of the trial, and the costs of such discovery shall not be deemed to be actual costs recoverable at the conclusion of the action. Disputes relating to such agreed discovery may not be the subject of motions to the court. If a voluntary deposition is taken, such deposition shall not preclude the calling of the deponent as a witness at trial.

(l) Changed Circumstances. In a case governed by this Rule, any time prior to trial, upon a specific showing of substantially changed circumstances sufficient to render the application of Simplified Procedure under this Rule unfair and a showing of good cause for the timing of the motion to terminate, the court shall terminate application of this Rule and enter such orders as are appropriate under the circumstances.

Rule 16.2. Court Facilitated Management of Domestic Relations Cases and General Provisions Governing Duty of Disclosure and General Provisions Governing Duty of Disclosure (Family Court Discovery Rule)

(a) Purpose and Scope. Family members stand in a special relationship to one another and to the court system. It is the purpose of Rule 16.2 to provide a uniform procedure for resolution of all issues in domestic relations cases that reduces the negative impact of adversarial litigation wherever possible. To that end, this Rule contemplates management and facilitation of the case by the court, with the disclosure requirements, discovery and hearings tailored to the needs of the case. This Rule shall govern case management in all district court actions under Articles 10, 11 and 13 of Title 14 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, including post decree matters. The Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU) shall be exempted under this Rule unless the CSEU enters an appearance in an ongoing case. Upon the motion of any party or the court’s own motion, the court may order that this Rule shall govern juvenile, paternity or probate cases involving allocation of parental responsibilities (decision-making and parenting time), child support and related matters. Any notice or service of process referenced in this Rule shall be governed by the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

(b) Active Case Management. The court shall provide active case management from filing to resolution or hearing on all pending issues. The parties, counsel and the court shall evaluate each case at all stages to determine the scheduling of that individual case, as well as the resources, disclosures/discovery, and experts necessary to prepare the case for resolution or hearing. The intent of this Rule is to provide the parties with a just, timely and cost effective process. The court shall consider the needs of each case and may modify its Standard Case Management Order accordingly. Each judicial district may adopt a Standard Case Management Order that is consistent with this Rule and takes into account the specific needs and resources of the judicial district.

(c) Scheduling and Case Management for New Filings.

(1) Initial status conferences/Stipulated Case Management Plans.

(A) Petitioner shall be responsible for scheduling the initial status conference and shall provide notice of the conference to all parties. Each judicial district shall establish a procedure for setting the initial status conference. Scheduling of the initial status conference shall not be delayed in order to accomplish service.
(B) All parties and counsel, if any, shall attend the initial status conference, except as provided in subsection (c)(1)(C) or (c)(1)(D). At that conference, the parties and counsel shall be prepared to discuss the issues requiring resolution and any special circumstances of the case. The court may permit the parties and/or counsel to attend the initial conference and any subsequent conferences by telephone.
(C) If both parties are represented by counsel, counsel may submit a Stipulated Case Management Plan signed by counsel and the parties. Counsel shall also exchange Mandatory Disclosures and file a Certificate of Compliance. The filing of such a plan, the Mandatory Disclosures and Certificate of Compliance shall exempt the parties and counsel from attendance at the initial status conference. The court shall retain discretion to require a status conference after review of the Stipulated Case Management Plan.
(D) Parties who file an affidavit for entry of decree without appearance with all required documents before the initial status conference shall be excused from that conference.
(E) The initial status conference shall take place, or the Stipulated Case Management Plan shall be filed with the court, as soon as practicable but no later than 42 days from the filing of the petition.
(F) At the initial status conference, the court shall set the date for the next court appearance. The court may direct one of the parties to send written notice for the next court appearance or may dispense with written notice.

(2) Status conference procedures.

(A) At each conference the parties shall be prepared to discuss what needs to be done and determine a timeline for completion. The parties shall confer in advance on any unresolved issues.
(B) The conferences shall be informal.
(C) Family Court Facilitators may conduct conferences. Family Court Facilitators shall not enter orders but may confirm the agreements of the parties in writing. Agreements which the parties wish to have entered as orders shall be submitted to the judge or magistrate for approval.
(D) The judge or magistrate may enter interim orders at any status conference either upon the stipulation of the parties or to address emergency circumstances.
(E) A record of any part of the proceedings set forth in this section shall be made if requested by a party or by order of the court.
(F) The court shall either enter minute orders, direct counsel to prepare a written order, or place any agreements or orders on the record.

(3) Emergency matters/evidentiary hearings/temporary orders.

(A) Emergency matters may be brought to the attention of the clerk or the Family Court Facilitator for presentation to the court. Issues related to children shall be given priority on the court’s calendar.
(B) At the request of either party or on its own motion, the court shall conduct an evidentiary hearing, subject to the Colorado Rules of Evidence, to resolve disputed questions of fact or law. The parties shall be given notice of any evidentiary hearing. Only a judge or magistrate may determine disputed questions of fact or law or enter orders.
(C) Hearings on temporary orders shall be held as soon as possible. The parties shall certify on the record at the time of the temporary orders hearing that they have conferred and attempted in good faith to resolve temporary orders issues. If the parties do not comply with this requirement, the court may vacate the hearing unless an emergency exists that requires immediate court attention.

(4) Motions.

(A) Motions related to the jurisdiction of the court, change of venue, service and consolidation, protection orders, contempt, motions to amend the petition or response, withdrawal or substitution of counsel, motions to seal the court file or limit access to the court file, motions in limine related to evidentiary hearings, motions for review of an order by a magistrate, and post decree motions may be filed with the court at any time.
(B) All other motions shall only be filed and scheduled as determined at a status conference or in an emergency upon order of court.

(d) Scheduling and Case Management for post-decree/modification matters. Within 49 days of the date a post decree motion or motion to modify is filed, the court shall review the matter and determine whether the case will be scheduled and resolved under the provisions of (c) or will be handled on the pleadings or otherwise.

(e) Disclosure.

(1) Parties to domestic relations cases owe each other and the court a duty of full and honest disclosure of all facts that materially affect their rights and interests and those of the children involved in the case. The court requires that, in the discharge of this duty, a party must affirmatively disclose all information that is material to the resolution of the case without awaiting inquiry from the other party. This disclosure shall be conducted in accord with the duty of candor owing among those whose domestic issues are to be resolved under this Rule 16.2.
(2) A party shall, without a formal discovery request, provide the Mandatory Disclosures, as set forth in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17A, Form 35.1, C.R.C.P., and shall provide a completed Sworn Financial Statement and (if applicable) Supporting Schedules as set forth in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17A, Form 35.2 and Form 35.3, C.R.C.P, to the other party within 42 days after service of a petition or a post decree motion involving financial issues. The parties shall exchange the required Mandatory Disclosures, the Sworn Financial Statement and (if applicable) Supporting Schedules by the time of the initial status conference to the extent reasonably possible.
(3) A party shall, without a formal discovery request, also provide a list of expert and lay witnesses whom the party intends to call at a contested hearing or final orders. This disclosure shall include the address, phone number and a brief description of the testimony of each witness. This disclosure shall be made no later than 63 days (9 weeks) prior to the date of the contested hearing or final orders, unless the time for such disclosure is modified by the court.Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the court and subject to the provisions of subsection (g) of this Rule, the disclosure of expert testimony shall be governed by the provisions of C.R.C.P. 26 (a)(2)(B). The time for the disclosure of expert or lay witnesses whom a party intends to call at a temporary orders hearing or other emergency hearing shall be determined by the court.
(4) A party is under a continuing duty to supplement or amend any disclosure in a timely manner. This duty shall be governed by the provisions of C.R.C.P. 26(e).
(5) If a party does not timely provide the Mandatory Disclosure, the court may impose sanctions pursuant to subsection (j) of this Rule.
(6) The Sworn Financial Statement, Supporting Schedules (if applicable) and child support worksheets shall be filed with the court. Other mandatory disclosure documents shall not be filed with the court.
(7) A Certificate of Compliance shall accompany the Mandatory Disclosures and shall be filed with the court. A party’s signature on the Certificate constitutes certification that to the best of the signer’s knowledge, information, and belief, formed after a reasonable inquiry, the Mandatory Disclosure is complete and correct as of the time it is made, except as noted with particularity in the Certificate of Compliance.
(8) Signing of all disclosures, discovery requests, responses and objections shall be governed by C.R.C.P. 26(g).
(9) A Court Authorization For Financial Disclosure shall be issued at the initial status conference if requested, or may be executed by those parties who submit a Stipulated Case Management Plan pursuant to (c)(1)(C), identifying the persons authorized to receive such information.
(10) As set forth in this section, it is the duty of parties to an action for decree of dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or invalidity of marriage, to provide full disclosure of all material assets and liabilities. If the disclosure contains misstatements or omissions, the court shall retain jurisdiction after the entry of a final decree or judgment for a period of 5 years to allocate material assets or liabilities, the omission or non-disclosure of which materially affects the division of assets and liabilities. The provisions of C.R.C.P. 60 shall not bar a motion by either party to allocate such assets or liabilities pursuant to this paragraph. This paragraph shall not limit other remedies that may be available to a party by law.

(f) Discovery. Discovery shall be subject to active case management by the court consistent with this Rule.

(1) Depositions of parties are permitted.
(2) Depositions of non-parties upon oral or written examination for the purpose of obtaining or authenticating documents not accessible to a party are permitted.
(3) After an initial status conference or as agreed to in a Stipulated Case Management Plan filed pursuant to (c)(1)(E), a party may serve on each adverse party any of the pattern interrogatories and requests for production of documents contained in the Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17A Form 35.4 and Form 35.5, C.R.C.P. A party may also serve on each adverse party 10 additional written interrogatories and 10 additional requests for production of documents, each of which shall consist of a single question or request.
(4) The parties shall not undertake additional formal discovery except as authorized by the court or as agreed in a Stipulated Case Management Plan filed pursuant to (c)(1)(C). The court shall grant all reasonable requests for additional discovery for good cause as defined in C.R.C.P. 26(b)(2)(F). Unless otherwise governed by the provisions of this Rule additional discovery shall be governed by C.R.C.P. Rules 26 through 37 and C.R.C.P. 1 21 section 1-12. Methods to discover additional matters shall be governed by C.R.C.P. 26(a)(5). Additional discovery for trial preparation relating to documents and tangible things shall be governed by C.R.C.P. 26(b)(3).
(5) All discovery shall be initiated so as to be completed not later than 28 days before hearing, except that the court shall extend the time upon good cause shown or to prevent manifest injustice.
(6) Claims of privilege or protection of trial preparation materials shall be governed by C.R.C.P. 26(b)(5).
(7) Protective orders sought by a party relating to discovery shall be governed by C.R.C.P. 26(c).

(g) Use of Experts. If the matter before the court requires the use of an expert or more than one expert, the parties shall attempt to select one expert per issue. If they are unable to agree, the court shall act in accordance with CRE 706, or other applicable rule or statute.

(1) Expert reports shall be filed with the court only if required by the applicable rule or statute.
(2) If the court appoints or the parties jointly select an expert, then the following shall apply:

(A) Compensation for any expert shall be governed by the provisions of CRE 706.
(B) The expert shall communicate with and submit a draft report to each party in a timely manner or within the period of time set by the court. The parties may confer with the expert to comment on and make objections to the draft report before a final report is submitted.
(C) The court shall receive the expert reports into evidence without further foundation, unless a party notes an objection in the Trial Management Certificate. However, this shall not preclude either side from calling an expert for cross-examination, and voir dire on qualifications. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, a reasonable witness fee associated with the expert’s court appearance shall be tendered before the hearing by the party disputing the expert’s findings.
(3) Nothing in this rule limits the right of a party to retain a qualified expert at that party’s expense, subject to judicial allocation if appropriate. The expert shall consider the report and documents or information used by the court appointed or jointly selected expert and any other documents provided by a party, and may testify at a hearing. Any additional documents or information provided to the expert shall be provided to the court appointed or jointly selected expert by the time the expert’s report is submitted.
(4) The parties have a duty to cooperate with and supply documents and other information requested by any expert. The parties also have a duty to supplement or correct information in the expert’s report or summary.
(5) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, expert reports shall be provided to the parties 56 days (8 weeks) prior to hearing. Rebuttal reports shall be provided 21 days thereafter. If an initial report is served early, the rebuttal report shall not be required sooner than 35 days (5 weeks) before the hearing.
(6) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, parental responsibility evaluations and special advocate reports shall be provided to the parties pursuant to the applicable statute.
(7) The court shall not give presumptive weight to the report of a court appointed or jointly selected expert when such report is disputed by one or both parties.
(8) A party may depose any person who has been identified as an expert whose opinions may be presented at trial. Such trial preparation relating to experts shall be governed by C.R.C.P. 26(b)(4).

(h) Trial Management Certificates.

(1) If both parties are not represented by counsel, then each party shall file with the court a brief statement identifying the disputed issues and that party’s witnesses and exhibits including updated Sworn Financial Statements and (if applicable) Supporting Schedules, together with copies thereof, mailed to the opposing party at least 7 days prior to the hearing date or at such other time as ordered by the court.
(2) If at least one party is represented by counsel, the parties shall file a joint Trial Management Certificate 7 days prior to the hearing date or at such other time as ordered by the court. Petitioner’s counsel (or respondent’s counsel if petitioner is pro se) shall be responsible for scheduling meetings among counsel and parties and preparing and filing the Trial Management Certificate. The joint Trial Management Certificate shall set forth stipulations and undisputed facts, any requests for attorney fees, disputed issues and specific points of law, lists of lay witnesses and expert witnesses the parties intend to call at hearing, and a list of exhibits, including updated Sworn Financial Statement, Supporting Schedules (if applicable) and proposed child support work sheets. The parties shall exchange copies of exhibits at least 7 days prior to hearing.

(i) Alternative Dispute Resolution.

(1) Nothing in this Rule shall preclude, upon request of both parties, a judge or magistrate from conducting the conferences as a form of alternative dispute resolution pursuant to section 13-22-301 , C.R.S. (2002), provided that both parties consent in writing to this process. Consent may only be withdrawn jointly.
(2) The provisions of this Rule shall not preclude the parties from jointly consenting to the use of dispute resolution services by third parties, or the court from referring the parties to mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution by third parties pursuant to sections 13-22-311 and 313, C.R.S. (2002).

(j) Sanctions. If a party fails to comply with any of the provisions of this rule, the court may impose appropriate sanctions, which shall not prejudice the party who did comply. If a party attempts to call a witness or introduce an exhibit that the party has not disclosed under subsection (h) of this Rule, the court may exclude that witness or exhibit absent good cause for the omission.

Rule 17. Parties Plaintiff and Defendant; Capacity

(a) Real Party in Interest. Every action shall be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest; but an executor, administrator, guardian, conservator, trustee of an express trust, a party with whom or in whose name a contract has been made for the benefit of another, or a party authorized by statute may sue in his own name without joining with him the party for whose benefit the action is brought; and when a statute so provides, an action for the use or benefit of another shall be brought in the name of the people of the state of Colorado.

(b) Capacity to Sue or Be Sued. A married woman may sue and be sued in all matters the same as though she were sole. A partnership or other unincorporated association may sue or be sued in its common name for the purpose of enforcing for or against it a substantive right. A father and mother or the sole surviving parent may maintain an action for the injury or death of a child; where both maintain the action, each shall have an equal interest in the judgment; where one has deserted or refuses to sue, the other may maintain the action. A guardian may maintain an action for the injury or death of his ward.

(c) Infants or Incompetent Persons. Whenever an infant or incompetent person has a representative, such as a general guardian, conservator, or other like fiduciary, the representative may sue or defend on behalf of the infant or incompetent person. If an infant or incompetent person does not have a duly appointed representative, or such representative fails to act, he may sue by his next friend or by a guardian ad litem. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for an infant or incompetent person not otherwise represented in an action or shall make such other order as it deems proper for the protection of the infant or incompetent person, provided, that in an action in rem it shall not be necessary to appoint a guardian ad litem for any unknown person who might be an infant or incompetent person.

Rule 18. Joinder of Claims and Remedies

(a) Joinder of Claims. A party asserting a claim to relief as an original claim, counterclaim, cross claim, or third-party claim, may join, either as independent or as alternate claims, as many claims, legal or equitable, as he has against an opposing party.

(b) Joinder of Remedies; Fraudulent Conveyances. Whenever a claim is one heretofore cognizable only after another claim has been prosecuted to a conclusion, the two claims may be joined in a single action; but the court shall grant relief in that action only in accordance with the relative substantive rights of the parties. In particular, a plaintiff may state a claim for money and a claim to have set aside a conveyance fraudulent as to him, without first having obtained a judgment establishing the claim for money.

Rule 19. Joinder of Persons Needed for Just Adjudication

(a) Persons to be Joined if Feasible. A person who is properly subject to service of process in the action shall be joined as a party in the action if: (1) In his absence complete relief cannot be accorded among those already parties, or (2) he claims an interest relating to the subject of the action and is so situated that the disposition of the action in his absence may: (A) As a practical matter impair or impede his ability to protect that interest or (B) leave any of the persons already parties subject to a substantial risk of incurring double, multiple, or otherwise inconsistent obligations by reason of his claimed interest. If he has not been so joined, the court shall order that he be made a party. If he should join as a plaintiff but refuses to do so, he may be made a defendant, or, in a proper case, an involuntary plaintiff. If the joined party objects to venue and his joinder would render the venue of the action improper, he shall be dismissed from the action.

(b) Determination by Court Whenever Joinder Not Feasible. If a person as described in subsections (a) (1) and (a) (2) of this Rule cannot be made a party, the court shall determine whether in the interest of justice the action should proceed among the parties before it, or should be dismissed, the absent person being thus regarded as indispensable. The factors to be considered by the court include: First, to what extent a judgment rendered in the person’s absence might be prejudicial to him or those already parties; second, the extent to which, by protective provisions in the judgment, by the shaping of relief, or other measures, the prejudice can be lessened or avoided; third, whether a judgment rendered in the person’s absence will be adequate; fourth, whether the plaintiff will have an adequate remedy if the action is dismissed for nonjoinder.

(c) Pleading Reasons for Nonjoinder. A pleading asserting a claim for relief shall state the names, if known to the pleader, of any persons as described in subsections (a) (1) and (a) (2) of this Rule who are not joined, and the reasons why they are not joined.

(d) Exception of Class Actions. This rule is subject to the provisions of Rule 23.

Rule 20. Permissive Joinder of Parties

(a) Permissive Joinder. All persons may join in one action as plaintiffs if they assert any right to relief jointly, severally, or in the alternative in respect of or arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences and if any question of law or fact common to all these persons will arise in the action. All persons may be joined in one action as defendants if there is asserted against them jointly, severally, or in the alternative, any right to relief in respect of or arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences and if any question of law or fact common to all defendants will arise in the action. A plaintiff or defendant need not be interested in obtaining or defending against all the relief demanded. Judgment may be given for one or more of the plaintiffs according to their respective right to relief, and against one or more defendants according to their respective liabilities.

(b) Separate Trials. The court may make such orders as will prevent a party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense by the inclusion of a party against whom he asserts no claim and who asserts no claim against him, and may order separate trials or make other orders to prevent delay or prejudice.

(c) Parties Jointly or Severally Liable. Persons jointly or severally liable upon the same obligation or instrument, including the parties to negotiable instruments and sureties on the same or separate instruments, may all or any of them be sued in the same action, at the option of the plaintiff.

Rule 21. Misjoinder and Nonjoinder of Parties

Misjoinder of parties is not ground for dismissal of an action. Parties may be dropped or added by order of the court on motion of any party or of its own initiative at any stage of the action and on such terms as are just. Any claim against a party may be severed and proceeded with separately.

Rule 22. Interpleader

(1) Persons having claims against the plaintiff may be joined as defendants and required to interplead when their claims are such that the plaintiff is or may be exposed to double or multiple liability. It is not ground for objection to the joinder that the claims of the several claimants or the titles on which their claims depend do not have a common origin or are not identical but are adverse to and independent of one another, or that the plaintiff avers that he is not liable in whole or in part to any or all of the claimants. A defendant exposed to similar liability may obtain such interpleader by way of cross claim or counterclaim. The provisions of this Rule supplement and do not in any way limit the joinder of parties permitted in Rule 20.

(2) In any civil action of interpleader, a district court may enter its order restraining all claimants from instituting or prosecuting any proceeding in any court of this state affecting the property, instrument, or obligation involved in the interpleader action until further order of the court.Such district court shall hear and determine the case, and may discharge the plaintiff from further liability, make the injunction permanent, and make all appropriate orders to enforce its judgment.

Rule 23. Class Actions [Effective July 1, 2016]

(a) Prerequisites to Class Action. One or more members of a class may sue or be sued as representative parties on behalf of all only if: (1) The class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable; (2) there are questions of law or fact common to the class; (3) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class; and (4) the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.

(b) Class Actions Maintainable. Any action may be maintained as a class action if the prerequisites of section (a) are satisfied, and in addition:

(1) The prosecution of separate actions by or against individual members of the class would create a risk of:

(A) Inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the class which would establish incompatible standards of conduct for the party opposing the class; or

(B) Adjudications with respect to individual members of the class which would as a practical matter be dispositive of the interests of the other members not parties to the adjudications or substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interest; or

(2) The party opposing the class has acted or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to the class, thereby making appropriate final injunctive relief or corresponding declaratory relief with respect to the class as a whole; or
(3)The court finds that the questions of law or fact common to the members of the class predominate over any questions affecting only individual members, and that a class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy. The matters pertinent to the findings include:

(A) The interest of members of the class in individually controlling the prosecution or defense of separate actions;
(B) The extent and nature of any litigation concerning the controversy already commenced by or against members of the class;
(C) The desirability or undesirability of concentrating the litigation of the claims in the particular forum;
(D) The difficulties likely to be encountered in the management of class action.

(c) Determination by Order Whether Class Action to be Maintained; Notice; Judgment; Actions Conducted Partially as Class Actions.(1)
As soon as practicable after the commencement of an action brought as a class action, the court shall determine by order whether it is to be so maintained. An order under this section (c) may be conditional, and may be altered or amended before the decision on the merits.

(2) In any class action maintained under subsection (b)(3), the court shall direct to the members of the class the best notice practicable under the circumstances, including individual notice to all members who can be identified through reasonable effort. The notice shall advise each member that: (A) The court will exclude him from the class if he so requests by a specified date; (B) the judgment, whether favorable or not, will include all members who do not request exclusion; and (C) any member who does not request exclusion may, if he desires, enter an appearance through his counsel.
(3) The judgment in an action maintained as a class action under subsections (b)(1) or (b)(2), whether or not favorable to the class, shall include and describe those whom the court finds to be members of the class. The judgment in an action maintained as a class action under subsection (b)(3), whether or not favorable to the class, shall include and specify or describe those to whom the notice provided in subsection (c)(2) was directed, and who have not requested exclusion, and whom the court finds to be members of the class.
(4) When appropriate: (A) An action may be brought or maintained as a class action with respect to particular issues, or (B) a class may be divided into subclasses and each subclass treated as a class, and the provisions of this Rule shall then be construed and applied accordingly.

(d) Orders in Conduct of Actions. In the conduct of actions to which this Rule applies, the court may make appropriate orders:

(1) Determining the course of proceedings or prescribing measures to prevent undue repetition or complication in the presentation of evidence or argument;
(2) Requiring, for the protection of the members of the class or otherwise for the fair conduct of the action, the notice be given in such manner as the court may direct to some or all of the members of any step in the action, or of the proposed extent of the judgment, or of the opportunity of members to signify whether they consider the representation fair and adequate, to intervene and present claims or defenses, or otherwise to come into the action;
(3) Imposing conditions on the representative parties or on intervenors;
(4) Requiring that the pleadings be amended to eliminate therefrom allegations as to representation of absent persons, and that the action proceed accordingly;
(5) Dealing with similar procedural matters. The orders may be combined with an order under Rule 16, and may be altered or amended as may be desirable from time to time.

(e) Dismissal or Compromise. A class action shall not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court, and notice of the proposed dismissal or compromise shall be given to all members of the class in such manner as the court directs.

(f) Appeals. An appeal from an order granting or denying class certification under this rule may be allowed pursuant to the procedures set forth in C.R.S. § 13-20-901 (2003) .

(g) Disposition of Residual Funds.

(1) “Residual Funds” are funds that remain after the payment of all approved class member claims, expenses, litigation costs, attorneys’ fees, and other court-approved disbursements to implement the relief granted. Nothing in this rule is intended to limit the parties to a class action from suggesting, or the trial court from approving, a settlement that does not create residual funds.
(2) Any order, judgment, or approved settlement in a class action certified under this rule that establishes a process for identifying and compensating members of the class shall provide for the disbursement of residual funds, if any. In matters where the claims process has been exhausted and residual funds remain, not less than fifty percent (50%) of the residual funds shall be disbursed to the Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation (COLTAF) to support activities and programs that promote access to the civil justice system for low income residents of Colorado. The court may disburse the balance of any residual funds beyond the minimum percentage to COLTAF or to any other entity for purposes that have a direct or indirect relationship to the objectives of the underlying litigation or otherwise promote the substantive or procedural interests of members of the certified class.

Effective for class action settlements approved by district courts on or after July 1, 2016.

Rule 23.1. Derivative Actions by Shareholders

In a derivative action brought by one or more shareholders or members to enforce a right of a corporation or of an unincorporated association, the corporation or association having failed to enforce a right which may properly be asserted by it, the complaint shall be verified and shall allege that the plaintiff was a shareholder or member at the time of the transaction of which he complains or that his share or membership thereafter devolved on him by operation of law. The complaint shall also allege with particularity the efforts, if any, made by the plaintiff to obtain the action he desires from the directors or comparable authority and, if necessary, from the shareholders or members, and the reasons for his failure to obtain the action or for not making the effort. The derivative action may not be maintained if it appears that the plaintiff does not fairly and adequately represent the interests of the shareholders or members similarly situated in enforcing the right of the corporation or association. The action shall not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court, and notice of the proposed dismissal or compromise shall be given to shareholders or members in such manner as the court directs.

Rule 23.2. Actions Relating to Unincorporated Associations

An action brought by or against the members of an unincorporated association as a class by naming certain members as representative parties may be maintained only if it appears that the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the association and its members. In the conduct of the action the court may make appropriate orders corresponding with those described in Rule 23(d), and the procedure for dismissal or compromise of the action shall correspond with that provided in Rule 23(e).

Rule 24. Intervention

(a) Intervention of Right. Upon timely application anyone shall be permitted to intervene in an action: (1) When a statute confers an unconditional right to intervene; or (2) when the applicant claims an interest relating to the property or transaction which is the subject of the action and he is so situated that the disposition of the action may as a practical matter impair or impede his ability to protect that interest, unless the applicant’s interest is adequately represented by existing parties.

(b) Permissive Intervention. Upon timely application anyone may be permitted to intervene in an action: (1) When a statute confers a conditional right to intervene; or (2) when an applicant’s claim or defense and the main action have a question of law or fact in common. When a party to an action relies for ground of claim or defense upon any statute or executive order administered by a federal or state governmental officer or agency or upon any regulation, order, requirement, or agreement issued or made pursuant to the statute or executive order, the officer or agency upon timely application may be permitted to intervene in the action. In exercising its discretion the court shall consider whether the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the rights of the original parties.

(c) Procedure. A person desiring to intervene shall serve a motion to intervene upon the parties as provided in Rule 5. The motion shall state the grounds therefor and shall be accompanied by a pleading setting forth the claim or defense for which intervention is sought.

Rule 25. Substitution of Parties

(a) Death.

(1) If a party dies and the claim is not thereby extinguished, the court may order substitution of the proper parties. The motion for substitution may be made by any party or by the successors or representatives of the deceased party and, together with the notice of hearing, shall be served on the parties as provided in Rule 5 and upon persons not parties in the manner provided in Rule 4 for the service of process, and may be served in any county. Suggestion of death upon the record is made by service of a statement of the fact of death as provided herein for the service of the motion and by filing of proof thereof. If the motion for substitution is not made within 91 days (13 weeks) after such service, the action shall be dismissed as to the deceased party.
(2) In the event of the death of one or more of the plaintiffs or of one or more of the defendants in an action in which the right sought to be enforced survives only to the surviving plaintiffs or only against the surviving defendants, the action does not abate. The death shall be suggested upon the record and the action shall proceed in favor of or against the surviving parties.

(b) Incompetency. If a party becomes incompetent, the court upon motion served as provided in section (a) of this Rule may allow the action to be continued by or against his representative.

(c) Transfer of Interest. In case of any transfer of interest, the action may be continued by or against the original party, unless the court upon motion directs the person to whom the interest is transferred to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party. Service of the motion shall be made as provided in subsection (a)(1) of this Rule.

(d) Public Officers; Death or Separation from Office.

(1) When a public officer is a party to an action and during its pendency dies, resigns, or otherwise ceases to hold office, the action does not abate and his successor is automatically substituted as a party. Proceedings following the substitution shall be in the name of the substituted party, but any misnomer not affecting the substantial right of the parties shall be disregarded. An order of substitution may be entered at any time, but the omission to enter such an order shall not affect the substitution.
(2) When a public officer sues or is sued in his official capacity, he may be described as a party by his official title rather than by name; but the court may require his name to be added.

Rule 26. General Provisions Governing Discovery; Duty of Disclosure (Effective July 1, 2015)

(a) Required Disclosures.Unless otherwise ordered by the court or stipulated by the parties, provisions of this Rule shall not apply to domestic relations, juvenile, mental health, probate, water law, forcible entry and detainer, C.R.C.P. 120, or other expedited proceedings.

(1) Disclosures. Except to the extent otherwise directed by the court, a party shall, without awaiting a discovery request, provide to other parties the following information, whether or not supportive of the disclosing party’s claims or defenses:

(A) the name and, if known, the address and telephone number of each individual likely to have discoverable information relevant to the claims and defenses of any party and a brief description of the specific information that each such individual is known or believed to possess;
(B) a listing, together with a copy of, or a description by category, of the subject matter and location of, all documents, data compilations, and tangible things in the possession, custody, or control of the party that are relevant to the claims and defenses of any party, making available for inspection and copying suchthe documents and other evidentiary material, not privileged or protected from disclosure, as though a request for production of those documents had been served pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34;
(C) a description of the categories of damages sought and a computation of any category of economic damages claimed by the disclosing party, making available for inspection and copying pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34 the documents or other evidentiary material relevant to the damages sought, not privileged or protected from disclosure, as though a request for production of those documents had been served pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34; and
(D) any insurance agreement under which any person carrying on an insurance business may be liable to satisfy part or all of a judgment which may be entered in the action or to indemnify or reimburse for payments made to satisfy the judgment, making such agreement available for inspection and copying pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34.Disclosures shall be served within 28 days after the case is at issue as defined in C.R.C.P. 16(b)(1). A party shall make the required disclosures based on the information then known and reasonably available to the party and is not excused from making such disclosures because the party has not completed investigation of the case or because the party challenges the sufficiency of another party’s disclosure or because another party has not made the required disclosures. Parties shall make these disclosures in good faith and may not object to the adequacy of the disclosures until the case management conference pursuant to C.R.C.P. 16(d).

(2) Disclosure of Expert Testimony.

(A) In addition to the disclosures required by subsection (a)(1) of this Rule, a party shall disclose to other parties the identity of any person who may present evidence at trial, pursuant to Rules 702, 703, or 705 of the Colorado Rules of Evidence together with an identification of the person’s fields of expertise.
(B) Except as otherwise stipulated or directed by the court:

(I) Retained Experts With respect to a witness who is retained or specially employed to provide expert testimony, or whose duties as an employee of the party regularly involve giving expert testimony, the disclosure shall be made by a written report or summary. The report shall include:

(a) a complete statement of all opinions to be expressed and the basis and reasons therefor;

(b) a list of the data or other information considered by the witness in forming the opinions;

(c) references to literature that may be used during the witness’s testimony;

(d) copies of any exhibits to be used as a summary of or support for the opinions;

(e) the qualifications of the witness, including a list of all publications authored by the witness within the preceding ten years;

(f) fee agreement or schedule for the study, preparation and testimony;

(g) an itemization of the fees incurred and the time spent on the case, which shall be supplemented 14 days prior to the first day of trial; and

(h) a listing of any other cases in which the witness has testified as an expert at trial or by deposition within the preceding four years.

The witness’s direct testimony shall be limited to matters disclosed in detail in the report.

(II) Other Experts. With respect to a party or witness who may be called to provide expert testimony but is not retained or specially employed within the description contained in subsection (a)(2)(B)(I) above, the disclosure shall be made by a written report or statement that shall include

(a) a complete description of all opinions to be expressed and the basis and reasons therefor;

(b) a list of the qualifications of the witness; and

(c) copies of any exhibits to be used as a summary of or support for the opinions. If the report has been prepared by the witness, it shall be signed by the witness.

If the witness does not prepare a written report, the party’s lawyer or the party, if selfrepresented, may prepare a statement and shall sign it. The witness’s direct testimony expressing an expert opinion shall be limited to matters disclosed in detail in the report or statement.

(C) Unless otherwise provided in the Case Management Order, the timing of the disclosures shall be as follows:

(I) The disclosure by a claiming party under a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim shall be made at least 126 days (18 weeks) before the trial date.
(II) The disclosure by a defending party shall be made within 28 days after service of the claiming party’s disclosure, provided, however, that if the claiming party serves its disclosure earlier than required under subparagraph 26(a)(2)(C)(I), the defending party is not required to serve its disclosures until 98 days (14 weeks) before the trial date.
(III) If the evidence is intended to contradict or rebut evidence on the same subject matter identified by another party under subparagraph (a)(2)(C)(II) of this Rule, such disclosure shall be made no later than 77 days (11 weeks) before the trial date.

(3) [There is no Colorado Rule – see instead C.R.C.P. 16(c).]
(4) Form of Disclosures; Filing. All disclosures pursuant to subparagraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this Rule shall be made in writing, in a form pursuant to C.R.C.P. 10, signed pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(g)(1), and served upon all other parties. Disclosures shall not be filed with the court unless requested by the court or necessary for consideration of a particular issue.
(5) Methods to Discover Additional Matters. Parties may obtain discovery by one or more of the following methods: depositions upon oral examination or written questions; written interrogatories; production of documents or things or permission to enter upon land or other property, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34; physical and mental examinations; and requests for admission. Discovery at a place within a country having a treaty with the United States applicable to the discovery must be conducted by methods authorized by the treaty except that, if the court determines that those methods are inadequate or inequitable, it may authorize other discovery methods not prohibited by the treaty.

(b) Discovery Scope and Limits. Unless otherwise modified by order of the court in accordance with these rules, the scope of discovery is as follows:

(1) In General. Subject to the limitations and considerations contained in subsection (b)(2) of this Rule, parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, that is relevant to the claim or defense of any party and proportional to the needs of the case, considering the importance of the issues at stake in the action, the amount in controversy, the parties’ relative access to relevant information, the parties’ resources, the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues, and whether the burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit. Information within the scope of discovery need not be admissible in evidence to be discoverable.
(2) Limitations. Except upon order for good cause shown and subject to the proportionality factors in subsection (b)(1) of this Rule, discovery shall be limited as follows:

(A) A party may take one deposition of each adverse party and of two other persons, exclusive of persons expected to give expert testimony disclosed pursuant to subsection 26(a)(2). The scope and manner of proceeding by way of deposition and the use thereof shall otherwise be governed by C.R.C.P. 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 45.
(B) A party may serve on each adverse party 30 written interrogatories, each of which shall consist of a single question. The scope and manner of proceeding by means of written interrogatories and the use thereof shall otherwise be governed by C.R.C.P. 26 and 33.
(C) A party may obtain a physical or mental examination (including blood group) of a party or of a person in the custody or under the legal control of a party pursuant to C.R.C.P. 35.
(D) A party may serve each adverse party requests for production of documents or tangible things or for entry, inspection or testing of land or property pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34, except such requests for production shall be limited to 20 in number, each of which shall consist of a single request.
(E) A party may serve on each adverse party 20 requests for admission, each of which shall consist of a single request. A party may also serve requests for admission of the genuineness of up to 50 separate documents that the party intends to offer into evidence at trial. The scope and manner of proceeding by means of requests for admission and the use thereof shall otherwise be governed by C.R.C.P. 36.
(F) In determining good cause to modify the limitations of this subsection (b)(2), the court shall consider the following:

(I) whether the discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, or is obtainable from some other source that is more convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive;
(II) whether the party seeking discovery has had ample opportunity by disclosure or discovery in the action to obtain the information sought;
(III) whether the proposed discovery is outside the scope permitted by C.R.C.P. 26(b)(1); and
(IV) whether because of the number of parties and their alignment with respect to the underlying claims and defenses, the proposed discovery is reasonable.

(3) Trial Preparation: Materials. Subject to the provisions of subsection (b)(4) of this Rule, a party may obtain discovery of documents and tangible things otherwise discoverable under subsection (b)(1) of this Rule and prepared in anticipation of litigation or for trial by or for another party or by or for that other party’s representative (including the party’s attorney, consultant, surety, indemnitor, insurer, or agent) only upon a showing that the party seeking discovery has substantial need of the materials in the preparation of the case and is unable without undue hardship to obtain the substantial equivalent of the materials by other means. In ordering discovery of such materials when the required showing has been made, the court shall protect against disclosure of the mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal theories of an attorney or other representative of a party concerning the litigation.A party may obtain without the required showing a statement concerning the action or its subject matter previously made by that party. Upon request, a person not a party may obtain without the required showing a statement concerning the action or its subject matter previously made by that person. If the request is refused, the person may move for a court order. The provisions of C.R.C.P. 37(a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion. For purposes of this paragraph, a statement previously made is:

(A) a written statement signed or otherwise adopted or approved by the person making it, or
(B) a stenographic, mechanical, electrical, or other recording, or a transcription thereof, which is a substantially verbatim recital of an oral statement by the person making it and contemporaneously recorded.

(4) Trial Preparation: Experts.

(A) A party may depose any person who has been identified as an expert disclosed pursuant to subsection 26(a)(2)(B)(I) of this Rule whose opinions may be presented at trial. Each deposition shall not exceed 6 hours. On the application of any party, the court may decrease or increase the time permitted after considering the proportionality criteria in subsection (b)(1) of this Rule. Except to the extent otherwise stipulated by the parties or ordered by the court, no discovery, including depositions, concerning either the identity or the opinion of experts shall be conducted until after the disclosures required by subsection (a)(2) of this Rule.
(B) A party may, through interrogatories or by deposition, discover facts known or opinions held by an expert who has been retained or specially employed by another party in anticipation of litigation or preparation for trial, and who is not expected to be called as a witness at trial only as provided by C.R.C.P. 35(b) or upon a showing of exceptional circumstances under which it is impracticable for the party seeking discovery to obtain facts or opinions on the same subject by other means.
(C) Unless manifest injustice would result, (i) the court shall require that the party seeking discovery pay the expert a reasonable fee for time spent in responding to discovery under this subsection (b)(4); and (ii) with respect to discovery obtained pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(B) of this Rule, the court shall require the party seeking discovery to pay the other party a fair portion of the fees and expenses reasonably incurred by the latter party in obtaining facts and opinions from the expert.
(D) (D) Rule 26(b)(3) protects from disclosure and discovery drafts of any report or disclosure required under Rule 26(a)(2), regardless of the form in which the draft is recorded, and protects communications between the party’s attorney and any witness disclosed under Rule 26(a)(2)(B), regardless of the form of the communications, except to the extent that the communications:

(I) relate to the compensation for the expert’s study, preparation, or testimony;

(II) identify facts or data that the party’s attorney provided and which the expert considered in forming the opinions to be expressed; or

(III) identify the assumptions that the party’s attorney provided and that the expert relied on in forming opinions to be expressed.

(5)

(A) Claims of Privilege or Protection of Trial Preparation Materials. When a party withholds information required to be disclosed or provided in discovery by claiming that it is privileged or subject to protection as trial preparation material, the party shall make the claim expressly and shall describe the nature of the documents, communications, or things not produced or disclosed in a manner that, without revealing information itself privileged or protected, will enable other parties to assess the applicability of the privilege or protection.
(B) If information produced in disclosures or discovery is subject to a claim of privilege or of protection as trial-preparation material, the party making the claim may notify any party that received the information of the claim and the basis for it. After being notified, a party must not review, use or disclose the information until the claim is resolved; must take reasonable steps to retrieve the information if the party disclosed it before being notified; and shall give notice to the party making the claim within 14 days if it contests the claim. If the claim is not contested within the 14-day period, or is timely contested but resolved in favor of the party claiming privilege or protection of trial-preparation material, the receiving party must also promptly return, sequester, or destroy the specified information and any copies that the receiving party has. If the claim is contested, the party making the claim shall present the information to the court under seal for a determination of the claim within 14 days after receiving such notice, or the claim is waived. The producing party must preserve the information until the claim is resolved, and bears the burden of proving the basis of the claim and that the claim was not waived. All notices under this Rule shall be in writing.

(c) Protective Orders. Upon motion by a party or by the person from whom disclosure is due or discovery is sought, accompanied by a certificate that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with other affected parties in an effort to resolve the dispute without court action, and for good cause shown, the court may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:

(1) that the disclosure or discovery not be had;
(2) that the disclosure or discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place or the allocation of expenses;
(3) that the discovery may be had only by a method of discovery other than that selected by the party seeking discovery;
(4) that certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of the disclosure or discovery be limited to certain matters;
(5) that discovery be conducted with no one present except persons designated by the court;
(6) that a deposition, after being sealed, be opened only by order of the court;
(7) that a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information not be revealed or be revealed only in a designated way; and
(8) that the parties simultaneously file specified documents or information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the court.If the motion for a protective order is denied in whole or in part, the court may, on such terms and conditions as are just, order that any party or other person provide or permit discovery. The provisions of C.R.C.P. 37(a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion.

(d) Timing and Sequence of Discovery. Except when authorized by these Rules, by order, or by agreement of the parties, a party may not seek discovery from any source before service of the Case Management Order pursuant to C.R.C.P. 16(b)(18). Any discovery conducted prior to issuance of the Case Management Order shall not exceed the limitations established by C.R.C.P. 26(b)(2). Unless the parties stipulate or the court upon motion, for the convenience of parties and witnesses and in the interests of justice, orders otherwise, methods of discovery may be used in any sequence, and the fact that a party is conducting discovery, whether by deposition or otherwise, shall not operate to delay any other party’s discovery.

(e) Supplementation of Disclosures, Responses, and Expert Reports and Statements. A party is under a duty to supplement its disclosures under section (a) of this Rule when the party learns that the information disclosed is incomplete or incorrect in some material respect and if the additional or corrective information has not otherwise been made known to the other parties during the disclosure or discovery process, including information relating to anticipated rebuttal but not including information to be used solely for impeachment of a witness. A party is under a duty to amend a prior response to an interrogatory, request for production or request for admission when the party learns that the prior response is in some material respect incomplete or incorrect and if the additional or corrective information has not otherwise been made known to the other parties during the discovery process. With respect to experts, the duty to supplement or correct extends both to information contained in the expert’s report or statement disclosed pursuant to section (b) of this Rule and to information provided through any deposition of the expert. If a party intends to offer expert testimony on direct examination that has not been disclosed pursuant to section (a)(2)(B) of this Rule on the basis that the expert provided the information through a deposition, the report or statement previously provided shall be supplemented to include a specific description of the deposition testimony relied on. Nothing in this section requires the court to permit an expert to testify as to opinions other than those disclosed in detail in the initial expert report or statement except that if the opinions and bases and reasons therefor are disclosed during the deposition of the expert by the adverse party, the court must permit the testimony at trial unless the court finds that the opposing party has been unfairly prejudiced by the failure to make disclosure in the initial expert report. Supplementation shall be performed in a timely manner.

(f) [No Colorado Rule — See C.R.C.P. 16.]

(g) Signing of Disclosures, Discovery Requests, Responses, and Objections.

(1) Every disclosure made pursuant to subsections (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this Rule shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney’s individual name. An unrepresented party shall sign the disclosure and state the party’s address. The signature of the attorney or party constitutes a certification that to the best of the signer’s knowledge, information, and belief, formed after a reasonable inquiry, the disclosure is complete and correct as of the time it is made.
(2) Every discovery request, or response, or objection made by a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney’s individual name. An unrepresented party shall sign the request, response, or objection and state the party’s address. The signature of the attorney or party constitutes a certification that to the best of the signer’s knowledge, information and belief, formed after a reasonable inquiry, the request, response or objection is:

(A) Consistent with these rules and warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law;
(B) Not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation; and
(C) Not unreasonable or unduly burdensome or expensive, given the needs of the case, the discovery already had in the case, the amount in controversy, and the importance of the issues at stake in the litigation.If a request, response or objection is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the party making the request, response or objection, and a party shall not be obligated to take any action with respect to it until it is signed.

(3) If without substantial justification a certification is made in violation of this rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, may impose upon the person who made the certification, the party on whose behalf the disclosure, request, response or objection is made, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the violation, including reasonable attorney fees.

Rule 26.1. Special Provisions Regarding Limited and Simplified Discovery

Repealed April 14, 1994, effective January 1, 1995.

Rule 26.2. General Provisions Governing Discovery; Duty of Disclosure (Domestic Relations)

Rule repealed and replaced by Rule 16.2 on September 30, 2004, effective for Domestic Relations Cases as defined in 16.2(a) filed on or after January 1, 2005, and for post-decree motions filed on or after January 1, 2005.

Rule 26.3. Limited Monetary Claim Actions

Repealed November 6, 2003, effective July 1, 2004.

Rule 27. Depositions Before Action or Pending Appeal

(a) Before Action.

(1) Petition; Order; Notice. A person who desires to perpetuate his own testimony or that of other persons may file in a district court a petition verified by his oath (or, if there be more than one petitioner, then by the oath of at least one of them) stating either:

(1) That the petitioner expects to be a party to an action in a court in this state and, in such case, the name of the persons who he expects will be adverse parties; or (2) that the proof of some facts is necessary to perfect the title to property in which petitioner is interested or others similarly situated may be interested or to establish any other matter which it may hereafter become material to establish, including marriage, divorce, birth, death, descent or heirship, though no action may at any time be anticipated, or, if anticipated, the expected adverse parties to such action are unknown to petitioner. The petition shall also state the names of the witnesses to be examined and their places of residence and a brief outline of the facts expected to be proved, and if any person named in the petition as an expected adverse party is known to the petitioner to be an infant or incompetent person the petition shall state such fact. If the expected adverse parties are unknown, it shall be so stated. The court shall make an order allowing the examination and directing notice to be given, which notice, if the expected adverse parties are named in the petition, shall be personally served on them in the manner provided in Rule 4(e) and, if the expected adverse parties are stated to be unknown, and if real property is to be affected by such testimony a copy of such notice shall be served on the county clerk and recorder, or his deputy, of the county where the property to be affected by such testimony or some part of such property is situated but in any event said notice shall be published for not less than two weeks in some newspaper to be designated by the court making the order in such manner as may be designated by such court. If service of said notice cannot with due diligence be made, in the manner provided in Rule 4(e), upon any expected adverse party named in the petition, the court may make such order as is just for service upon him by publication or otherwise and shall appoint, for persons named in the petition as expected adverse parties who are not served in the manner provided in Rule 4(e), an attorney who shall represent them, and, in case they are not otherwise represented, shall cross-examine the witness. Such notice shall state the title of the proceeding, including the court and county in which it is pending, the time and place of the examination and either a brief outline of the facts expected to be proved or a description of the property to be affected by such testimony. Any notice heretofore given which contains the above required matters shall be deemed sufficient. Any personal service required by the provisions hereof shall be made at least 14 days before the testimony is taken. If any person named in the petition as an expected adverse party is stated in any paper filed in such proceeding to be an infant or incompetent person, the provisions of Rule 17(c) apply, but no guardian ad litem need be appointed for any expected adverse party whose name is unknown.

(2) Testimony Taken. Upon proof of the service of the notice the court shall take the testimony of the witnesses named in the petition upon the facts therein set forth; and the taking of same may be continued from time to time, in the discretion of the court, without giving any further notice. The testimony shall be taken on question and answer unless the court otherwise direct, and any party to the proceeding may question witnesses either orally or upon written interrogatories. The testimony, when taken, shall be signed and sworn to in writing by each respective witness and certified by the court. If any witness is absent from the county in which the proceedings are pending, the court shall designate some person authorized to administer oaths, by name or otherwise, to take and certify his testimony and the person so designated shall take his testimony in manner aforesaid and certify and return same to the court with his certificate attached thereto showing that he has complied with the requirements of said order.
(3) Proofs Prima Facie Evidence. The affidavit, return, certificate and other proofs of compliance with the provisions of this section (a), or certified copies thereof, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated.
(4) How and When Used. If a trial be had in which the petitioner named in the petition or any successor in interest of such petitioner or any person similarly situated shall be a party, or between any parties, in which trial it may be material to establish the facts which such testimony proves or tends to prove, upon proof of the death or insanity of the witness or witnesses, or of his or their inability to attend the trial by reason of age, sickness, infirmity, absence or for any other cause, any testimony, which shall have been taken as herein provided, or certified copies thereof, may be introduced and used by either party to such trial.

(b) After Judgment or After Appeal. If an appeal of a judgment is pending, or, if none is pending, then at any time within 35 days from the entry of such judgment, the court in which the judgment was rendered may allow the taking of the depositions of witnesses to perpetuate their testimony for use in the event of further proceedings in such court. In such case the party who desires to perpetuate the testimony may make a motion in such court for leave to take the depositions, upon the same notice and service thereof as if the action were pending in such court. The motion shall show: (1) The names and addresses of the persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony, so far as known, which he expects to elicit from each; (2) the reasons for perpetuating their testimony. If the court finds that the perpetuation of the testimony is proper to avoid a failure or delay of justice, it may make an order allowing the depositions to be taken, and thereupon the depositions may be taken and used in the same manner and under the same conditions as are prescribed in these rules for depositions taken in actions pending in trial courts.

Rule 28. Persons Before Whom Depositions May Be Taken

(a) Outside the State of Colorado. Depositions outside the State of Colorado shall be taken only upon proof that notice to take deposition has been given as provided in these rules. The deposition shall be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths by the laws of this state, the United States or the place where the examination is to be held, or before a person appointed by the court in which the action is pending. A person so appointed has the power to administer oaths and take testimony.

(b) Disqualification for Interest. No deposition shall be taken before a person who is a relative or employee or attorney or counsel of any of the parties, or is financially interested in the action.

(c) Commission or Letters Rogatory. A commission or letters rogatory shall be issued when necessary, on application and notice, and on terms that are just and appropriate. It is not a requisite to the issuance of a commission or letters rogatory that the taking of the deposition in any other manner is impracticable or inconvenient. Both a commission and letters rogatory may be issued in proper cases. Officers may be designated in the commission either by name or descriptive title. Letters rogatory may be addressed “to the appropriate authority in (here name the appropriate place).” The clerk shall issue a commission or letters rogatory in the form prescribed by the jurisdiction where the deposition is to be taken, such form to be prepared by the party seeking the deposition. The commission or letters rogatory shall inform the officer that the original sealed deposition shall be filed according to subsection (d) of this rule. Any error in the form or in the commission or letters rogatory is waived unless an objection is filed and served before the time fixed in the notice.

(d) Filing of the Deposition. The officer transcribing the deposition shall file the original sealed deposition pursuant to C.R.C.P. 30(f)(1).

Rule 29. Stipulations Regarding Discovery Procedure

Unless otherwise directed by the court, the parties may by written stipulation: (1) provide that depositions may be taken before any person, at any time or place, upon any notice, and in any manner and when so taken may be used like other depositions; and (2) modify other procedures governing the timing of discovery, except that stipulations extending the time provided in C.R.C.P. Rules 33, 34, and 36 for responses to discovery may, if they would interfere with any time set for completion of discovery, for hearing of a motion, or for trial, be made only with the approval of the court.

Rule 30. Depositions Upon Oral Examination (Effective July 1, 2015)

(a) When Depositions May Be Taken.

(1) Subject to the provisions of C.R.C.P. Rules 26(b)(2)(A) and 26(d), a party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon oral examination without leave of court except as provided in paragraph (2) of this section. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by subpoena as provided in C.R.C.P. 45.
(2) Leave of court must be obtained pursuant to C.R.C.P. Rules 16(b)(1) and 26(b) if:

(A) A proposed deposition, if taken, would result in more depositions than set forth in the Case Management Order;
(B) The person to be examined already has been deposed in the case;
(C) A party seeks to take a deposition before the time specified in C.R.C.P. 26(d) unless the notice contains a certification, with supporting facts, that the person to be examined is expected to leave the state and be unavailable for examination within the state if the person’s deposition is not taken before the expiration of such time period; or
(D) The person to be examined is confined in prison.

(b) Notice of Examination: General Requirements; Method of Recording; Production of Documents and Things; Deposition of Organization; Deposition by Telephone.

(1) Consistent with C.R.C.P. 1 21, sec. 1-12, a party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon oral examination shall give reasonable notice in writing to every other party to the action. The notice shall state the time and place for taking the deposition and the name and address of each person to be examined, if known, and, if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which the person belongs. If a subpoena duces tecum is to be served on the person to be examined, the designation of the materials to be produced as set forth in the subpoena shall be attached to or included in the notice.
(2) The party taking the deposition shall state in the notice the method by which the testimony shall be recorded, which, unless the court otherwise orders, may be by sound, sound-and-visual, or stenographic means. Unless the court otherwise orders, the party taking the deposition shall bear the cost of the recording.
(3) Any party may provide for a transcription to be made from the recording of a deposition taken by non-stenographic means. With reasonable prior notice to the deponent and other parties, any party may designate another method of recording the testimony of the deponent in addition to the method specified by the person taking the deposition. Unless the court otherwise orders, each party designating an additional method of recording the testimony of a deponent shall bear the cost thereof.
(4) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a deposition shall be conducted before an officer appointed or designated pursuant to C.R.C.P. 28 and shall begin with a statement on the record by the officer that includes (a) the officer’s name and business address; (b) the date, time, and place of the deposition; (c) the name of the deponent; (d) the administration of the oath or affirmation to the deponent; and (e) an identification of all persons present. If the deposition is recorded other than stenographically, items (a) through (c) shall be repeated at the beginning of each unit of recorded tape or other recording medium. The appearance or demeanor of deponents or attorneys shall not be distorted by the use of camera or sound-recording techniques. At the conclusion of the deposition, the officer shall state on the record that the deposition is complete and shall set forth any stipulations made by counsel concerning the custody of the transcript or recording, the exhibits, or other pertinent matters.
(5) The notice to a party deponent may be accompanied by a request made in compliance with Rule 34 for the production of documents and tangible things at the taking of the deposition. The procedure of Rule 34 shall apply to the request.
(6) A party may in his notice name as the deponent a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency and designate with reasonable particularity the matters on which examination is requested. The organization so named shall designate one or more officers, directors, or managing agents, or other persons who consent to testify on its behalf, and may set forth, for each person designated, the matters on which he will testify. The persons so designated shall testify as to matters known or reasonably available to the organization. This subsection (b)(6) does not preclude taking a deposition by any other procedure authorized in these rules.
(7) The parties may stipulate in writing or the court may upon motion order that a deposition be taken by telephone or other remote electronic means. For the purposes of this rule and C.R.C.P. Rules 28(a), 37(a)(1), and 37(b)(1), a deposition taken by telephone or other remote electronic means is taken at the place where the deponent is to answer questions propounded to the deponent. The stipulation or order shall include the manner of recording the proceeding.

(c) Examination and Cross-Examination; Record of Examination; Oath; Objections. Examination and cross-examination of witnesses may proceed as permitted at the trial under the provisions of the Colorado Rules of Evidence except CRE 103. The witness shall be put under oath or affirmation and the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken shall personally, or by someone acting under the officer’s direction and in the officer’s presence, record the testimony of the witness. The testimony shall be taken stenographically or recorded by any other method authorized by subsection (b)(2) of this Rule.All objections made at the time of the examination to the qualifications of the officer taking the deposition, to the manner of taking it, to the evidence presented, to the conduct of any party, or in any other respect to the proceedings shall be noted by the officer upon the record of the deposition. Evidence objected to shall be taken subject to the objections. In lieu of participating in the oral examination, parties may serve written questions in a sealed envelope on the party taking the deposition and the party taking the deposition shall transmit them to the officer, who shall propound them to the witness and record the answers verbatim.

(d) Schedule and Duration; Motion to Terminate or Limit Examination.

(1) Any objection during a deposition shall be stated concisely and in a non-argumentative and non-suggestive manner. An instruction not to answer may be made during a deposition only when necessary to preserve a privilege, to enforce a limitation directed by the court, or to present a motion pursuant to subsection (d)(3) of this Rule.
(2)

(A) Unless otherwise authorized by the court or stipulated by the parties, a deposition of a person other than a retained expert disclosed pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(a)(2)(B)(I) whose opinions may be offered at trial is limited to one day of 6 hours. Upon the motion of any party, the court may limit the time permitted for the conduct of a deposition to less than 6 hours, or may allow additional time if needed for a fair examination of the deponent and consistent with C.R.C.P. 26(b)(2), or if the deponent or another person impedes or delays the examination, or if other circumstances warrant. If the court finds such an impediment, delay, or other conduct that frustrates the fair examination of the deponent, it may impose upon the person responsible therefor an appropriate sanction, including the reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred by any parties as a result thereof.

(B) Depositions of a retained expert disclosed pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(a)(2)(B)(I) whose opinions may be offered at trial are governed by C.R.C.P. 26(b)(4).

(3) At any time during the taking of the deposition, on motion of any party or of the deponent and upon a showing that the examination is being conducted in bad faith or in such manner as unreasonably to annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, the court in which the action is pending or the court in the district where the deposition is being taken may order the officer conducting the examination to cease forthwith from taking the deposition, or may limit the scope and manner of the taking of the deposition as provided in C.R.C.P. 26(c). If the order made terminates the examination, it may be resumed thereafter only upon the order of the court in which the action is pending. Upon demand of the objecting party or deponent, the taking of the deposition shall be suspended for the time necessary to make a motion for an order. The provisions of C.R.C.P. 37(a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion.

(e) Review by Witness; Changes; Signing. If requested by the deponent or a party before completion of the deposition, the deponent shall be notified by the officer that the transcript or recording is available. Within 35 days of receipt of such notification the deponent shall review the transcript or recording and, if the deponent makes changes in the form or substance of the deposition, shall sign a statement reciting such changes and the deponent’s reasons for making them and send such statement to the officer. The officer shall indicate in the certificate prescribed by subsection (f)(1) of this rule whether any review was requested and, if so, shall append any changes made by the deponent.

(f) Certification and Filing by Officer; Exhibits; Copies; Notice of Filing.

(1) The officer shall certify that the witness was duly sworn and that the deposition is a true record of the testimony given by the witness. This certificate shall be set forth in writing and accompany the record of the deposition. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the officer shall securely seal the deposition in an envelope or package endorsed with the title of the action and marked “deposition of (here insert name of witness)” and shall promptly transmit it to the attorney who arranged for the transcript or recording. The receiving attorney shall store the deposition under conditions that will protect it against loss, destruction, tampering, or deterioration.Documents and things produced for inspection during the examination of the witness shall, upon the request of a party, be marked for identification and annexed to and returned with the deposition and may be inspected and copied by any party, except that: if the person producing the materials desires to retain the originals, the person may

(A) offer copies to be marked for identification and annexed to the deposition and to serve thereafter as originals if the person affords to all parties fair opportunity to verify the copies by comparison with the originals, or
(B) offer the originals to be marked for identification, after giving each party an opportunity to inspect and copy them, in which event the materials may then be used in the same manner as if annexed to the deposition. Any party may move for an order that the original be annexed to and returned with the deposition to the court, pending final disposition of the case.

(2) Unless otherwise ordered by the court or agreed by the parties, the officer shall retain stenographic notes of any deposition taken stenographically or a copy of the recording of any deposition taken by another method. Upon payment of reasonable charges therefor, the officer shall furnish a copy of the transcript or other recording of the deposition to any party or to the deponent.

(g) Failure to Attend or to Serve Subpoena; Expenses.

(1) If the party giving the notice of the taking of a deposition fails to attend and proceed therewith and another party attends in person or by attorney pursuant to the notice, the court may order the party giving the notice to pay to such other party the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred by him and his attorney in so attending, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
(2) If the party giving the notice of the taking of a deposition of a witness fails to serve a subpoena upon him and the witness because of such failure does not attend, and if another party attends in person or by attorney because he expects the deposition of that witness to be taken, the court may order the party giving the notice to pay to such other party the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred by him and his attorney in so attending, including reasonable attorney’s fees.

Rule 31. Depositions Upon Written Questions (Effective July 1, 2015)

(a) Serving Questions; Notice.

(1) A party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon written questions without leave of court except as provided in paragraph (2) of this section. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by the use of subpoena as provided in C.R.C.P. 45.
(2) A party must obtain leave of court, and the court must grant leave to the extent consistent with C.R.C.P. 26(b)(2), if:

(A) a proposed deposition, if taken, would result in more depositions than set forth in the Case Management Order;
(B) the person to be examined already has been deposed in the case;
(C) a party seeks to take a deposition before the time specified in C.R.C.P. 26(d); or
(D) the person to be examined is confined in prison.

(3) A party desiring to take a deposition upon written questions shall serve them upon every other party with a notice stating:

(A) the name and address of the person who is to answer them, if known, and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which the person belongs; and

(B) the name or descriptive title and address of the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken. A deposition upon written questions may be taken of a public or private corporation, or a partnership, or association, or governmental agency in accordance with the provision of C.R.C.P. 30 (b)(6).

(4) Within 21 days after the notice and written questions are served, a party may serve cross questions upon all other parties. Within 14 days after being served with cross questions, a party may serve redirect questions upon all other parties. Within 7 days after being served with redirect questions, a party may serve re-cross questions upon all other parties. The court may for cause shown enlarge or shorten the time.

(b) Officer to Take Responses and Prepare Record. A copy of the notice and copies of all questions served shall be delivered by the party taking the deposition to the officer designated in the notice, who shall proceed promptly, in the manner provided by Rule 30 (c), (e), and (f), to take the testimony of the witness in response to the questions and to prepare, certify, and file or mail the deposition, attaching thereto the copy of the notice and the questions received by him.

(c) Notice of Filing. When the deposition is filed the party taking it shall promptly give notice thereof to all other parties.

Rule 32. Use of Depositions in Court Proceedings

(a) Use of Depositions. At the trial or upon the hearing of a motion or an interlocutory proceeding, any part or all of a deposition, so far as admissible under the rules of evidence, may be used against any party who was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had reasonable notice thereof, in accordance with any of the following provisions:

(1) Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of contradicting or impeaching the testimony of deponent as a witness;
(2) The deposition of a party or of any one who at the time of taking the deposition was an officer, director, or managing agent of a public or private corporation, partnership, or association, or a governmental agency, which is a party, or a person designated under Rule 30(b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf thereof may be used by an adverse party for any purpose.
(3) The deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be used by any party for any purpose if the court finds:(A)
That the witness is dead; or

(B) that the witness is at a greater distance than 100 miles from the place of trial or hearing, or is out of the United States, unless it appears that the absence of the witness was procured by the party offering the deposition; or
(C) that the witness is unable to attend or testify because of age, illness, infirmity, or imprisonment; or
(D) [There is No Colorado (D).]
(E) that the party offering the deposition has been unable to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; or
(F) upon application and notice, that such exceptional circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the interest of justice and with due regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses orally in open court, to allow the deposition to be used.A deposition taken without leave of court pursuant to C.R.C.P. 30(a)(2)(C) shall not be used against a party who demonstrates that, when served with the notice, the party was unable through the exercise of diligence to obtain counsel to represent the party at the taking of the deposition.

(4) If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, an adverse party may require him to introduce any other part which ought in fairness to be considered with the part introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts.Substitution of parties pursuant to Rule 25 does not affect the right to use depositions previously taken; and, when an action in any court of the United States or of any state has been dismissed and another action involving the same subject matter is afterward brought between the same parties or their representatives or successors in interest, all depositions lawfully taken and duly filed in the former action may be used in the latter as if originally taken therefor.
(5) In lieu of reading text from a deposition, parties are encouraged to use stipulated written summaries of deposition testimony at any hearing or trial, and to present the testimony at any hearing or trial in a logical order.

(b) Objections to Admissibility. Subject to the provisions of Rules 28(b) and subsection (d)(3) of this Rule, objection may be made at the trial or hearing to receiving in evidence any deposition or part thereof for any reason which would require the exclusion of the evidence if the witness were then present and testifying.

(c) Effect of Taking or Using Depositions. A party does not make a person his own witness for any purpose by taking his deposition. The introduction in evidence of the deposition or any part thereof for any purpose other than that of contradicting or impeaching the deponent makes the deponent the witness of the party introducing the deposition, but this shall not apply to the use by an adverse party of a deposition under subsection (a)(2) of this Rule. At the trial or hearing any party may rebut any relevant evidence contained in a deposition whether introduced by him or by any other party.

(d) Effect of Errors and Irregularities in Depositions.

(1) As to Notice. All errors and irregularities in the notice for taking a deposition are waived unless written objection is promptly served upon the party giving the notice.
(2) As to Disqualification of Officer. Objection to taking a deposition because of disqualification of the officer before whom it is to be taken is waived unless made before the taking of the deposition begins or as soon thereafter as the disqualification becomes known or could be discovered with reasonable diligence.
(3) As to Taking of Deposition.

(A) Objections to the competency of a witness or to the competency, relevancy, or materiality of testimony are not waived by failure to make them before or during the taking of the deposition, unless the ground of the objection is one which might have been obviated or removed if presented at that time.
(B) Errors and irregularities occurring at the oral examination in the manner of taking the deposition, in the form of the questions or answers, in the oath or affirmation, or in the conduct of parties and errors of any kind which might be obviated, removed, or cured if promptly presented, are waived unless seasonable objection thereto is made at the taking of the deposition.
(C) Objections to the form of written questions submitted under Rule 31 are waived unless served in writing upon the party propounding them within the time allowed for serving the succeeding cross or other questions and within 7 days after service of the last questions authorized.

(4) As to Completion and Return of Deposition. Errors and irregularities in the manner in which the testimony is transcribed or the deposition is prepared, signed, certified, sealed, endorsed, transmitted, filed, or otherwise dealt with by the officer under Rules 30 and 31 are waived unless a motion to suppress the deposition or some part thereof is made with reasonable promptness after such defect is, or with due diligence might have been ascertained.

Rule 33. Interrogatories to Parties (Effective July 1, 2015)

(a) Availability. Any party may serve upon any other party written interrogatories, not exceeding the number, including all discrete subparts, set forth in the Case Management Order, to be answered by the party served or, if the party served is a public or private corporation, or a partnership, or association, or governmental agency, by any officer or agent, who shall furnish such information as is available to the party. Leave of court must be obtained, consistent with the principles stated in C.R.C.P. Rules 16(b)(1) and 26(b) and subsection (e) of this Rule, to serve more interrogatories than the number set forth in the Case Management Order. Without leave of court or written stipulation, interrogatories may not be served before the time specified in C.R.C.P. 26(d).

(b) Answers and Objections.

(1) An objection must state with specificity the grounds for objection to the Interrogatory and must also state whether any responsive information is being withheld on the basis of that objection. A timely objection to an Interrogatory stays the obligation to answer those portions of the Interrogatory objected to until the court resolves the objection. No separate motion for protective order pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(c) is required.
(2) The answers are to be signed by the person making them, and the objections signed by the attorney making them.
(3) The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall serve a copy of the answers, and objections if any, within 35 days after the service of the interrogatories. A shorter or longer time may be directed by the court or, in the absence of such an order, agreed to in writing by the parties pursuant to C.R.C.P. 29.
(4) All grounds for an objection to an interrogatory shall be stated with specificity. Any ground not stated in a timely objection will be deemed to be waived unless the party’s failure to object is excused by the court for good cause shown.
(5) The party submitting the interrogatories may move for an order pursuant to C.R.C.P. 37(a) with respect to any objection to or other failure to answer an interrogatory.

(c) Scope; Use at Trial. Interrogatories may relate to any matters which can be inquired into pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(b), and the answers may be used to the extent permitted by the Colorado Rules of Evidence.An interrogatory otherwise proper is not necessarily objectionable merely because an answer to the interrogatory involves an opinion or contention that relates to fact or the application of law to fact, but the court may order that such an interrogatory need not be answered until after designated discovery has been completed or until a pretrial conference or other later time.

(d) Option to Produce Business Records. Where the answer to an interrogatory may be derived or ascertained from the business records of the party upon whom the interrogatory has been served, or from an examination, audit, or inspection of such business records, or from a compilation, abstract, or summary based thereon, and the burden of deriving or ascertaining the answer is substantially the same for the party serving the interrogatory as for the party served, it is a sufficient answer to such interrogatory to specify the records from which the answer may be derived or ascertained and to afford to the party serving the interrogatory reasonable opportunity to examine, audit, or inspect such records and to make copies, compilations, abstracts, or summaries.

(e) Pattern and Non-Pattern Interrogatories; Limitations. The pattern interrogatories set forth in the Appendix to Chapter 4, Form 20, are approved. Any pattern interrogatory and its subparts shall be counted as one interrogatory. Any subpart to a non-pattern interrogatory shall be considered as a separate interrogatory.

Rule 34. Production of Documents and Things and Entry Upon Land for Inspection and Other Purposes (Effective July 1, 2015)

(a) Scope. Subject to the limitations contained in the Case Management Order, a party may serve on any other party a request:

(1) To produce and permit the party making the request, or someone acting on the party’s behalf, to inspect and copy any designated documents (including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, phono-records, and other data compilations from which information can be obtained, translated, if necessary, by the respondent through detection devices into reasonably usable form), or to inspect and copy, test, or sample any tangible things which constitute or contain matters within the scope of C.R.C.P. 26(b) and which are in the possession, custody, or control of the party upon whom the request is served; or
(2) To permit entry upon designated land or other property in the possession or control of the party upon whom the request is served for the purpose of inspection and measuring, surveying, photographing, testing, or sampling the property or any designated object or operation thereon, within the scope of C.R.C.P. 26(b).

(b) Procedure. The request shall set forth the items to be inspected either by individual item or by category, and describe each item and category with reasonable particularity. The request shall specify a reasonable time, place, and manner of making the inspection and performing the related acts.The party upon whom the request is served shall serve a written response within 35 days after the service of the request. A shorter or longer time may be directed by the court or agreed to in writing by the parties pursuant to C.R.C.P. 29. The response shall state, with respect to each item or category, that inspection and related activities will be permitted as requested, or state with specificity the grounds for objecting to the request. The responding party may state that it will produce copies of information instead of permitting inspection. The production must then be completed no later than the time for inspection stated in the request or another reasonable time stated in the response. An objection must state whether any responsive materials are being withheld on the basis of that objection. If objection is made to part of an item or category, the part shall be specified. A timely objection to a request for production stays the obligation to produce which is the subject of the objection until the court resolves the objection. No separate motion for protective order pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(c) is required. The party submitting the request may move for an order pursuant to C.R.C.P. 37(a) with respect to any objection to or other failure to respond to the request or any part thereof, or any failure to permit inspection as requested.

A party who produces documents for inspection shall produce them as they are kept in the usual course of business or shall organize and label them to correspond with the categories in the request.

(c) Persons Not Parties. As provided in C.R.C.P. 45, this Rule does not preclude an independent action against a person not a party for production of documents and things and permission to enter upon land.

Rule 35. Physical and Mental Examination of Persons

(a) Order for Examination. When the mental or physical condition (including the blood group) of a party, or of a person in the custody or under the legal control of a party, is in controversy, the court in which the action is pending may order the party to submit to a physical or mental examination by a suitably licensed or certified examiner or to produce for examination the person in his or her custody or legal control. The order may be made only on motion for good cause shown and upon notice to the person to be examined and to all parties and shall specify the time, place, manner, conditions, and scope of the examination and the person or persons by whom it is to be made.

(b) Report of Examiner.

(1) If requested by the party against whom an order is made under section (a) of this Rule or the person examined, the party causing the examination to be made shall deliver to said other party a copy of a detailed written report of the examiner setting out his or her findings, including results of all tests made, diagnoses, and conclusions, together with like reports of all earlier examinations of the same condition. After delivery the party causing the examination shall be entitled upon request to receive from the party against whom the order is made a like report of any examination, previously or thereafter made, of the same condition, unless, in the case of a report of examination of a person not a party, the party shows that he or she is unable to obtain it. The court on motion may make an order against a party requiring delivery of a report on such terms as are just, and if an examiner fails or refuses to make a report the court may exclude the examiner’s testimony if offered at the trial.
(2) By requesting and obtaining a report of the examination so ordered or by taking the deposition of the examiner, the person examined waives any privilege he or she may have in that action or any other involving the same controversy, regarding the testimony of every other person who has examined or may thereafter examine the person in respect of the same mental or physical condition.
(3) This section (b) applies to examinations made by agreement of the parties, unless the agreement expressly provides otherwise. This section (b) does not preclude discovery of a report of an examiner in accordance with the provisions of any other Rule.

Rule 36. Requests for Admission

(a) Request for Admission. Subject to the limitations contained in the Case Management Order, a party may serve upon any other party a written request for the admission, for purposes of the pending action only, of the truth of any matters within the scope of C.R.C.P. 26(b) set forth in the request that relate to statements or opinions of fact or of the application of law to fact, including the genuineness of any documents described in the request. Copies of documents shall be served with the request unless they have been or are otherwise furnished or made available for inspection and copying. Leave of court must be obtained, consistent with the principles stated in C.R.C.P. Rules 16(b)(1) and 26(b), to serve more requests for admission than the number set forth in the Case Management Order. Without leave of court or written stipulation, requests for admission may not be served before the time specified in C.R.C.P. 26(d).Each matter of which an admission is requested shall be separately set forth. The matter is admitted unless, within 35 days after service of the request, or within such shorter or longer time as the court may allow or as the parties may agree to in writing pursuant to C.R.C.P. 29, the party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer or objection addressed to the matter, signed by the party or by the party’s attorney. If objection is made, the reasons therefor shall be stated. The answer shall specifically deny the matter or set forth in detail the reasons why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter. A denial shall fairly meet the substance of the requested admission, and when good faith requires that a party qualify an answer or deny only a part of the matter of which an admission is requested, the party shall specify so much of it as is true and qualify or deny the remainder. An answering party may not give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for failure to admit or deny unless the party states that the party has made reasonable inquiry and that the information known or readily obtainable by the party is insufficient to enable the party to admit or deny. A party who considers that a matter of which an admission has been requested presents a genuine issue for trial may not, on that ground alone, object to the request; the party may, subject to the provisions of C.R.C.P. 37(c), deny the matter or set forth reasons why the party cannot admit or deny it.

The party who has requested the admissions may move to determine the sufficiency of the answer or objections. Unless the court determines that an objection is justified, it shall order that an answer be served. If the court determines that an answer does not comply with the requirements of this Rule, it may order either that the matter is admitted or that an amended answer be served. The court may, in lieu of these orders, determine that final disposition of the request be made at a pretrial conference or at a designated time prior to trial. The provisions of C.R.C.P. 37(a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion.

(b) Effect of Admission. Any matter admitted under this Rule is conclusively established unless the court on motion permits withdrawal or amendment of the admission. Subject to the provisions of Rule 16 governing amendment of a pretrial order, the court may permit withdrawal or amendment when the presentation of the merits of the action will be subserved thereby and the party who obtained the admission fails to satisfy the court that withdrawal or amendment will prejudice him in maintaining his action or defense on the merits. Any admission made by a party under this Rule is for the purpose of the pending action only and is not an admission by him for any other purpose nor may it be used against him in any other proceeding.

Rule 37. Failure to Make Disclosure or Cooperate in Discovery: Sanctions (Effective July 1, 2015)

(a) Motion for Order Compelling Disclosure or Discovery. A party, upon reasonable notice to other parties and all persons affected thereby, may apply for an order compelling disclosure or discovery and imposing sanctions as follows:

(1) Appropriate Court. An application for an order to a party or to a person who is not a party shall be made to the court in which the action is pending.
(2) Motion.

(A) If a party fails to make a disclosure required by C.R.C.P. 26(a), any other party may move to compel disclosure and for appropriate sanctions. The motion shall be accompanied by a certification that the movant in good faith has conferred or attempted to confer with the party not making the disclosure in an effort to secure the disclosure without court action.
(B) If a deponent fails to answer a question propounded or submitted pursuant to C.R.C.P. Rules 30 or 31, or a corporation or other entity fails to make a designation pursuant to C.R.C.P. Rules 30(b)(6) or 31(a), or a party fails to answer an interrogatory submitted pursuant to C.R.C.P. 33, or if a party, in response to a request for inspection submitted pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34, fails to respond that inspection will be permitted as requested or fails to permit inspection as requested, the discovering party may move for an order compelling an answer, or a designation, or an order compelling inspection in accordance with the request. The motion shall be accompanied by a certification that the moving party in good faith has conferred or attempted to confer with the person or party failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure the information or material without court action. When taking a deposition on oral examination, the proponent of the question may complete or adjourn the examination before applying for an order.

(3) Evasive or Incomplete Disclosure, Answer, or Response. For purposes of this subsection an evasive or incomplete disclosure, answer, or response shall be deemed a failure to disclose, answer, or respond.
(4) Expenses and Sanctions.

(A) If a motion is granted or if the disclosure or requested discovery is provided after the motion was filed, the court may, after reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard, if requested, require the party or deponent whose conduct necessitated the motion or the party or attorney advising such conduct or both of them to pay to the moving party the reasonable expenses incurred in making the motion, including attorney fees, unless the court finds that the motion was filed without the movant’s first making a good faith effort to obtain the disclosure or discovery without court action, or that the opposing party’s nondisclosure, response, or objection was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses manifestly unjust.
(B) If a motion is denied, the court may make such protective order as it could have made on a motion filed pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(c) and may, after affording an opportunity to be heard if requested, require the moving party or the attorney filing the motion or both of them to pay to the party or deponent who opposed the motion the reasonable expenses incurred in opposing the motion, including attorney’s fees, unless the court finds that the making of the motion was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses manifestly unjust.
(C) If the motion is granted in part and denied in part, the court may make such protective order as it could have made on a motion filed pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(c) and may, after affording an opportunity to be heard, apportion the reasonable expenses incurred in relation to the motion among the parties and persons in a just manner.

(b) Failure to Comply with Order.

(1) Non-Party Deponents — Sanctions by Court. If a deponent fails to be sworn or to answer a question after being directed to do so by the court in which the action is pending or from which the subpoena is issued, the failure may be considered a contempt of court.
(2) Party Deponents — Sanctions by Court. If a party or an officer, director, or managing agent of a party, or a person designated under Rule 30(b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a party fails to obey an order to provide or permit discovery, including an order made under section (a) of this Rule or Rule 35, the court in which the action is pending may make such orders in regard to the failure as are just, and among others the following:

(A) An order that the matters regarding which the order was made or any other designated facts shall be taken to be established for the purposes of the action in accordance with the claim of the party obtaining the order;
(B) An order refusing to allow the disobedient party to support or oppose designated claims or defenses, or prohibiting that party from introducing designated matters in evidence;
(C) An order striking out pleadings or parts thereof, or staying further proceedings until the order is obeyed, or dismissing the action or proceeding or any part thereof, or rendering a judgment by default against the disobedient party;
(D) In lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition thereto, an order treating as a contempt of court the failure to obey any orders except an order to submit to a physical or mental examination;
(E) Where a party has failed to comply with an order under Rule 35(a) requiring the party to produce another for examination, such orders as are listed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this subsection (2), unless the party failing to comply shows that he is unable to produce such person for examination.In lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition thereto, the court shall require the party failing to obey the order, or the attorney advising the party, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, caused by the failure, unless the court finds that the failure was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust.

(c) Failure to Disclose; False or Misleading Disclosure; Refusal to Admit.

(1) A party that without substantial justification fails to disclose information required by C.R.C.P. 26(a) or 26(e) shall not be permitted to present any evidence not so disclosed at trial or on a motion made pursuant to C.R.C.P. 56, unless such failure has not caused and will not cause significant harm, or such preclusion is disproportionate to that harm. The court, after holding a hearing if requested, may impose any other sanction proportionate to the harm, including any of the sanctions authorized in subsections (b)(2)(A), (b)(2)(B) and (b)(2)(C) of this Rule, and the payment of reasonable expenses including attorney fees caused by the failure.
(2) If a party fails to admit the genuineness of any document or the truth of any matter as requested pursuant to C.R.C.P. 36, and if the party requesting the admissions thereafter proves the genuineness of the document or the truth of the matter, the requesting party may apply to the court for an order requiring the other party to pay the reasonable expenses incurred in making that proof, including reasonable attorney fees. The court shall make the order unless it finds that

(A) the request was held objectionable pursuant to C.R.C.P. 36(a), or
(B) the admission sought was of no substantial importance, or
(C) the party failing to admit had reasonable ground to believe that the party might prevail on the matter, or
(D) there was other good reason for the failure to admit.

(d) Failure of Party to Attend at Own Deposition or Serve Answers to Interrogatories or Respond to Request for Inspection. If a party or an officer, director, or managing agent of a party or a person designated pursuant to C.R.C.P. Rules 30(b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a party fails (1) to appear before the officer who is to take the deposition, after being served with a proper notice; or (2) to serve answers or objections to interrogatories submitted pursuant to C.R.C.P. 33, after proper service of the interrogatories; or (3) to serve a written response to a request for inspection submitted pursuant to C.R.C.P. 34, after proper service of the request, the court in which the action is pending on motion may make such orders in regard to the failure as are just, and among others it may take any action authorized by subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (b)(2) of this Rule. Any motion specifying a failure under clauses (2) or (3) of this subsection shall be accompanied by a certification that the movant in good faith has conferred or attempted to confer with the party failing to answer or respond in an effort to obtain such answer or response without court action. In lieu of any order or in addition thereto, the court shall require the party failing to act or the attorney advising that party or both to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, caused by the failure unless the court finds that the failure was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust.The failure to act described in this subsection may not be excused on the ground that the discovery sought is objectionable unless the party failing to act has previously filed a motion for a protective order as provided by C.R.C.P. 26(c).

Rule 38. Right to Trial by Jury

(a) Exercise of Right. Upon the filing of a demand and the simultaneous payment of the requisite jury fee by any party in actions wherein a trial by jury is provided by constitution or by statute, including actions for the recovery of specific real or personal property, with or without damages, or for money claimed as due on contract, or as damages for breach of contract, or for injuries to person or property, all issues of fact shall be tried by a jury. The jury fee is not refundable; however, a demanding party may waive that party’s demand for trial by jury pursuant to section (e) of this rule.

(b) Demand. Any party may demand a trial by jury of any issue triable by a jury by filing and serving upon all other parties, pursuant to Rule 5(d), a demand therefor at any time after the commencement of the action but not later than 14 days after the service of the last pleading directed to such issue, except that in actions subject to mandatory arbitration under Rule 109.1 the demand for trial by jury shall be filed and served not later than 14 days following a demand for trial de novo. A demand for trial by jury may be endorsed upon a pleading. The demanding party shall pay the requisite jury fee upon the filing of the demand.

(c) Jury Fees. When a party to an action has exercised the right to demand a trial by jury, every other party to such action shall also pay the requisite jury fee unless such other party, pursuant to Rule 5(d), files and serves a notice of waiver of the right to trial by jury within 14 days after service of the demand.

(d) Specification of Issues. A demand may specify the issues to be tried to the jury; in the absence of such specification, the party filing the demand shall be deemed to have demanded trial by jury of all issues so triable. If a party demands trial by jury on fewer than all of the issues so triable, any other party, within 14 days after service of the demand, may file and serve a demand for trial by jury of any other issues so triable.(

(e) Waiver; Withdrawal. The failure of a party to file and serve a demand for trial by jury and simultaneously pay the requisite jury fee as required by this Rule constitutes a waiver of that party’s right to trial by jury. A demand for trial by jury made pursuant to this rule may not subsequently be withdrawn in the absence of the written consent of every party who has demanded a trial by jury and paid the requisite jury fee and of every party who has failed to waive the right to trial by jury and paid the requisite jury fee.

Rule 39. Trial by Jury or by the Court

(a) By Jury. When trial by jury has been demanded and the requisite jury fee has been paid pursuant to Rule 38, the action shall be designated upon the register of actions as a jury action. The trial shall be by jury of all issues so demanded unless (1) all parties who have demanded a trial by jury and paid the requisite jury fee and all parties who have failed to waive the right to trial by jury and paid the requisite jury fee have, in writing, waived their rights to trial by jury, or (2) the court upon motion or on its own initiative finds that a right to trial by jury of some or all of those issues does not exist, or (3) all parties demanding trial by jury fail to appear at trial.

(b) By the Court. Issues not demanded for trial by jury as provided in Rule 38 shall be tried by the court.

(c) Advisory Jury and Trial by Consent. In all actions not triable by a jury the court upon motion or on its own initiative may try any issue with an advisory jury, or, except in actions against the State of Colorado when a statute provides for trial without a jury, the court, with the consent of both parties, may order a trial with a jury.

Rule 40. Assignment of Cases for Trial

Subject to the directives of the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, trial courts shall provide by rule for the placing of actions upon the trial calendar in such manner as they deem expedient. Precedence shall be given to actions entitled thereto.

Rule 41. Dismissal of Actions

(a) Voluntary Dismissal: Effect Thereof.

(1) By Plaintiff; By Stipulation. Subject to the provisions of Rule 23(e), of Rule 66, and of any statute, an action may be dismissed by the plaintiff without order of court upon payment of costs: (A)By filing a notice of dismissal at any time before filing or service by the adverse party of an answer or of a motion for summary judgment, whichever first occurs; or (B)by filing a stipulation of dismissal signed by all parties who have appeared in the action or by their attorneys. Unless otherwise stated in the notice of dismissal or stipulation, the dismissal is without prejudice, except that a notice of dismissal operates as an adjudication upon the merits when filed by a plaintiff who has once previously dismissed in any court an action based on or including the same claim.
(2) By Order of Court. Except as provided in subsection (a)(1) of this subdivision of this Rule, an action shall not be dismissed at the plaintiff’s instance save upon order of the court and upon such terms and conditions as the court deems proper. If a counterclaim has been pleaded by a defendant prior to the service upon him of the plaintiff’s motion to dismiss, the action shall not be dismissed against the defendant’s objection unless the counterclaim can remain pending for independent adjudication by the court. Unless otherwise specified in the order, a dismissal under this subsection (2) is without prejudice.

(b) Involuntary Dismissal: Effect Thereof.

(1) By Defendant. For failure of a plaintiff to prosecute or to comply with these Rules or any order of court, a defendant may move for dismissal of an action or of any claim against him. After the plaintiff, in an action tried by the court without a jury, has completed the presentation of his evidence, the defendant, without waiving his right to offer evidence in the event the motion is not granted, may move for a dismissal on the ground that upon the facts and the law the plaintiff has shown no right to relief. The court as trier of the facts may then determine them and render judgment against the plaintiff or may decline to render judgment until the close of all the evidence. If the court renders judgment on the merits against the plaintiff, the court shall make findings as provided in Rule 52(a). Unless the court in its order for dismissal otherwise specifies, a dismissal under this section (b) and any dismissal not provided for in this Rule, other than a dismissal for failure to prosecute, for lack of jurisdiction, for failure to file a complaint under Rule 3, or for failure to join a party under Rule 19, operates as an adjudication upon the merits.
(2) By the Court. Actions not prosecuted or brought to trial with due diligence may be dismissed by the court with prejudice after reasonable notice by the court and in accordance with Rule 121, section 1 -10.
(3) All motions for dismissal for failure to prosecute shall be presented in accordance with Rule 121, section 1 -10 and shall specify whether the movant requests dismissal with or without prejudice. All orders dismissing for failure to prosecute shall specify whether the dismissal is with or without prejudice. Motions or orders that do not so specify shall be deemed motions for dismissal without prejudice or orders for dismissal without prejudice as appropriate.

(c) Dismissal of Counterclaim, Cross Claim, or Third-Party Claim. The provisions of this Rule apply to the dismissal of any counterclaim, cross claim, or third-party claim. A voluntary dismissal by the claimant alone pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this Rule shall be made before a responsive pleading is filed or served or, if there is none, before the introduction of evidence at the trial or hearing.

(d) Costs of Previously Dismissed Action. If a plaintiff who has once dismissed an action in any court commences an action based upon or including the same claim against the same defendant, the court may make such order for the payment of costs of the action previously dismissed as it may deem proper and may stay the proceedings in the action until the plaintiff has complied with the order.

Rule 42. Consolidation; Separate Trials

(a) Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

(b) Separate Trials. The court in furtherance of convenience, or to avoid prejudice, or when separate trials will be conducive to expedition or economy may order a separate trial of any separate issue or of any number of claims, cross claims, counterclaims, third-party claims, or issues.

(c) Court Sessions Public; When Closed. All sessions of court shall be public, except that when it appears to the court that the action will be of such character as to injure public morals, or when orderly procedure requires it, it shall be its duty to exclude all persons not officers of the court or connected with such case.

Rule 42.1. Consolidated Multidistrict Litigation

(a) Definitions.

(1) “Panel” means the Panel on Consolidated Multidistrict Litigation. The Panel shall consist of not less than three nor more than seven district judges designated from time to time by the Chief Justice, no two of whom shall be from the same judicial district. One of the judges shall be appointed as Chairman by the Chief Justice. The Panel may sit in departments of three or more, as designated by the Chairman of the Panel. The concurrence of a majority of the members sitting in department shall be necessary to any action by the Panel, except that the chair may approve stipulations and recommend consolidation or order dismissal consistent with those stipulations, may rule on motions of a procedural nature, and may deny consolidation when it appears from the face of the motion that the panel does not have jurisdiction to recommend consolidation.
(2) “Clerk” means the Clerk of the Panel. The Clerk of the Colorado Supreme Court shall be the Clerk of the Panel.

(b) Transfer. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending in different judicial districts, such actions may be transferred to any judge for hearing or trial of any or all of the matters in issue in any action, provided however, (1) any jury trial shall be held in the place prescribed by Rule 98 C.R.C.P.; and (2) such actions shall be consolidated only as permitted by Rule 42 C.R.C.P.

(c) Initiation of Proceedings. Proceedings for the transfer of an action under this rule may be initiated by:

(1) The Panel upon its own initiative or upon the request of any court; or
(2) Upon a motion filed with the Panel by a party in any action in which transfer under this rule may be appropriate, which motion shall not be entertained unless filed more than 91 days (13 weeks) next preceding any trial date set in the affected actions, unless a showing of good cause is made. A copy of such motion shall be filed in the district court in which the moving party’s action is pending.

(d) Order to Show Cause; Hearing; Response. When the transfer of multidistrict litigation is being considered, an order shall be entered by the Panel directing the parties in each action to show cause why the action or actions should not be transferred. A hearing shall be set at the time the show cause order is entered. Any party may file a response to the show cause order and an accompanying brief within 14 days after the order is entered, unless otherwise provided in the order. Within 7 days of receipt of a party’s response or brief, any party may file a reply brief limited to new matters.

(1) Except by permission of the Panel, briefs shall not exceed five (5) pages, exclusive of appendices. An original and seven (7) copies of each brief shall be filed with the Clerk of the Panel.
(2) Each side shall be allowed fifteen (15) minutes of oral argument at the hearing, unless extended by the Panel.

(e) Pending Motion or Order to Show Cause; No Effect. The pendency of a motion or order to show cause before the Panel concerning the transfer of an action pursuant to this rule shall not affect or suspend proceedings and orders in the district court and does not limit the jurisdiction of that court.

(f) Orders of Panel. The Panel may enter such orders as are appropriate including but not limited to staying proceedings in all actions until a determination is made whether the actions should be transferred under the rule and setting any matter for hearing.

(g) Standards Governing Transfer. Transfer of civil actions sharing a common question of law or fact is appropriate if one judge hearing all of the actions will promote the ends of justice and the just and efficient conduct of such actions. The factors to be considered shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: (1) whether the common question of fact or law is predominating and significant to the litigation; (2) the convenience of the parties, witnesses and counsel; (3) the relative development of the action and the work product of counsel; (4) the efficient utilization of judicial facilities and manpower; (5) the calendar of the courts; (6) the disadvantages of duplicative and inconsistent rulings, orders or judgments; and (7) the likelihood of settlement of the actions without further litigation should transfer be denied.

(h) Certification to Chief Justice. Upon the determination by the Panel that the actions should be transferred under this rule, the Panel shall certify the actions to the Chief Justice and recommend the assignment of a specific judge to hear the actions.

(i) Appellate Review; Assignment of Judge. No proceedings for review of any certification order or other order entered by the Panel shall be permitted except as permitted by Rule 21 C.A.R. If no original proceedings are commenced in the Supreme Court or a show cause order is not issued by the Supreme Court within 21 days after entry of the certification order by the Panel, the Chief Justice shall assign the actions to a judge.

(j) Other Cases; Transfer by Clerk. Upon learning of the pendency of a civil action apparently sharing common questions of law or fact with actions previously transferred under this rule, an order may be entered by the Clerk transferring the action to the assigned judge. A copy of the order shall be served on each party to the litigation. The order shall not become final until 14 days after entry thereof. Any party opposing the transfer shall file a notice of opposition with the Clerk within 14 days from the date the order is entered. The notice of opposition shall be supported by a brief. Any party shall have 14 days to file an answer brief. The filing of a notice of opposition and brief shall suspend the finality of the Clerk’s order pending action by the Panel.

(k) Procedure After Transfer.

(1) Upon receipt of an order from the Chief Justice assigning the actions to a judge, the clerk of the transferor court shall submit to the clerk of the court of the assigned judge copies of all papers contained in the original file and a certified copy of the register of actions.
(2) Original pleadings regarding consolidated matters shall thereafter be filed with the clerk of the transferee court.

(l) Adoption of Rules. Subject to approval by the Colorado Supreme Court in accordance with Rule 121 C.R.C.P., the Panel may adopt rules of procedures on Consolidated Multidistrict Litigation consistent with this Rule.

Rule 43. Evidence

(a) Form and Admissibility. In all trials the testimony of witnesses shall be taken orally in open court, unless otherwise provided by these Rules, the Colorado Rules of Evidence, or any statute of this state or of the United States (except the Federal Rules of Evidence).

(b) to (d) Repealed.

(e) Evidence on Motions. When a motion is based on facts not appearing of record, the court may hear the matter on affidavits presented by the respective parties, or the court may direct that the matter be heard wholly or partly on oral testimony or depositions. This shall include applications to grant or dissolve an injunction and for the appointment or discharge of a receiver.

(f) to (h) Repealed.

(i) (1) Request for absentee testimony. A party may request that testimony be presented at a trial or hearing by a person absent from the courtroom by means of telephone or some other suitable and equivalent medium of communication. A request for absentee testimony shall be made by written motion or stipulation filed as soon as practicable after the need for absentee testimony becomes known. The motion shall include:

(A) The reason(s) for allowing such testimony.
(B) A detailed description of all testimony which is proposed to be taken by telephone or other medium of communication.
(C) Copies of all documents or reports which will be used or referred to in such testimony.

(2) Response. If any party objects to absentee testimony, said party shall file a written response within 3 days following service of the motion unless the opening of the proceeding occurs first, in which case the objection shall be made orally in open court at the commencement of the proceeding or as soon as practicable thereafter. If no response is filed or objection is made, the motion may be deemed confessed.
(3) Determination. The court shall determine whether in the interest of justice absentee testimony may be allowed. The facts to be considered by the court in determining whether to permit absentee testimony shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) Whether there is a statutory right to absentee testimony.
(B) The cost savings to the parties of having absentee testimony versus the cost of the witness appearing in person.
(C) The availability of appropriate equipment at the court to permit the presentation of absentee testimony.
(D) The availability of the witness to appear personally in court.
(E) The relative importance of the issue or issues for which the witness is offered to testify.
(F) If credibility of the witness is an issue.
(G) Whether the case is to be tried to the court or to a jury.
(H) Whether the presentation of absentee testimony would inhibit the ability to cross examine the witness.
(I) The efforts of the requesting parties to obtain the presence of the witness.If the court orders absentee testimony to be taken, the court may issue such orders as it deems appropriate to protect the integrity of the proceedings.

Rule 44. Proof of Official Record

(a) Authentication.

(1) Domestic. An official record kept within the United States, or any state, district, or commonwealth, or within a territory subject to the administrative or judicial jurisdiction of the United States, or an entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication thereof or by a copy attested by the officer having the legal custody of the record, or by the officer’s deputy, and accompanied by a certificate that such officer has the custody. The certificate may be made by a judge of a court of record of the district or political subdivision in which the record is kept, authenticated by the seal of the court, or may be made by any public officer having a seal of office and having official duties in the district or political subdivision in which the record is kept, authenticated by the seal of the officer’s office.
(2) Foreign. A foreign official record, or an entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication thereof; or a copy thereof, attested by a person authorized to make the attestation, and accompanied by a final certification as to the genuineness of the signature and official position (A) of the attesting person, or (B) of any foreign official whose certificate of genuineness of signature and official position relates to the attestation or is in a chain of certificates of genuiness of signature and official position relating to the attestation. A final certification may be made by a secretary of embassy or legation, consul general, consul, vice consul, or consular agent of the United States, or a diplomatic or consular official of the foreign country assigned or accredited to the United States. If reasonable opportunity has been given to all parties to investigate the authenticity and accuracy of the documents, the court may, for good cause shown, (A) admit an attested copy without final certification or (B) permit the foreign official record to be evidenced by an attested summary with or without a final certification. The final certification is unnecessary if the record and the attestation are certified as provided in a treaty or convention to which the United States and the foreign country in which the official record is located are parties.

(b) Lack of Record. A written statement that after diligent search no record or entry of a specified tenor is found to exist in the records designated by the statement, authenticated as provided in subsection (a)(1) of this Rule in the case of a domestic record, or complying with the requirements of subsection (a)(2) of this Rule for a summary in the case of a foreign record, is admissible as evidence that the records contain no such record or entry.

(c) Other Proof. This Rule does not prevent the proof of official records or of entry or lack of entry therein by any method authorized by law.

(d) Seal Dispensed With. In the event any office or officer, authenticating any documents under the provisions of this Rule, has no official seal, then authentication by seal is dispensed with.

(e) Statutes and Laws of Other States and Countries. A printed copy of a statute, or other written law, of another state, or of a territory, or of a foreign country, or a printed copy of a proclamation, edict, decree, or ordinance by the executive power thereof, contained in a book or publication purporting or proved to have been published by the authority thereof, or proved to be commonly admitted as evidence of the existing law in the judicial tribunals thereof, is presumptive evidence of the statute, law, proclamation, edict, decree, or ordinance. The unwritten or common law of another state, or of a territory, or of a foreign country, may be proved as a fact by oral evidence. The books of reports of cases adjudged in the courts thereof must also be admitted as presumptive evidence of the unwritten or common law thereof. The law of such state or territory or foreign country is to be determined by the court or master and included in the findings of the court or master or instructions to the jury, as the case may be. Such finding or instruction is subject to review. In determining such law, neither the trial court nor the appellate court shall be limited to the evidence produced on the trial by the parties, but may consult any of the written authorities above named in this section (e), with the same force and effect as if the same had been admitted in evidence.

Rule 44.1. Determination of Foreign Law

A party who intends to raise an issue concerning the law of a foreign country shall give notice in his pleadings or other reasonable written notice. The court, in determining foreign law, may consider any relevant material or source, including testimony, whether or not submitted by a party or admissible under Rule 43. The court’s determination shall be treated as a ruling on a question of law.

Rule 45. Subpoena

(a) In General.

(1) Form and Contents.

(A) Requirements — In General. Every subpoena must:

(i) state the court from which it issued;
(ii) state the title of the action, the court in which it is pending and its case number;
(iii) command each person to whom it is directed to do one or both of the following at a specified time and place: attend and testify at a deposition, hearing or trial; or produce designated books, papers and documents, whether in physical or electronic form (“records”), or tangible things, in that person’s possession, custody, or control;
(iv) identify the party and the party’s attorney, if any, who is serving the subpoena;
(v) identify the names, addresses and phone numbers and email addresses where known, of the attorneys for each of the parties and of each party who has appeared in the action without an attorney;
(vi) state the method for recording the testimony if the subpoena commands attendance at a deposition; and
(vii) if production of records or a tangible thing is sought, set out the text of sections (c) and (d) of this Rule verbatim on or as an attachment to the subpoena.

(B) Combining or Separating a Command to Produce. A command to produce records or tangible things may be included in a subpoena commanding attendance at a deposition, hearing, or trial, or may be contained in a separate subpoena that does not require attendance.
(C) Deposition Subpoena Must Comply With Discovery Rules. A deposition subpoena may require the production of records or tangible things which are within the scope of discovery permitted by C.R.C.P. 26. A subpoena must not be used to avoid the limits on discovery imposed by C.R.C.P. 16.1, 16.2 or 26 or by the Case Management Order applicable to that case.
(D) Subpoenas to Named Parties. A subpoena issued under this Rule may not be utilized to obtain discovery from named parties to the action unless the court orders otherwise for good cause.(2) Issued by Whom. The clerk of the court in which the case is docketed must issue a subpoena, signed but otherwise in blank, to a party who requests it. That party must complete it before service. An attorney who has entered an appearance in the case also may issue, complete and sign a subpoena as an officer of the court.

(b) Service.

(1) Time for Service. Unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause:

(A) Subpoena for Trial or Hearing Testimony. Service of a subpoena only for testimony in a trial or hearing shall be made no later than 48 hours before the time for appearance set out in the subpoena.
(B) Subpoena for Deposition Testimony. Service of a subpoena only for testimony in a deposition shall be made not later than 7 days before compliance is required.
(C) Subpoena for Production of Documents. Service of any subpoena commanding a person to produce records or tangible things in that person’s possession, custody, or control shall be made not later than 14 days before compliance is required. In the case of an expedited hearing pursuant to these rules or any statute, service shall be made as soon as possible before compliance is required.

(2) By Whom Served; How Served. Any person who is at least 18 years old and not a party may serve a subpoena. Serving a subpoena requires delivering a copy to the named person or service as otherwise ordered by the court consistent with due process. Service is also valid if the person named in the subpoena has signed a written acknowledgement or waiver of service. Service may be made anywhere within the state of Colorado.

(3) Tender of Payment for Mileage. If the subpoena requires a person’s attendance, the payment for 1 day’s mileage allowed by law must be tendered to the subpoenaed person at the time of service of the subpoena or within a reasonable time after service of the subpoena, but in any event prior to the appearance date. Payment for mileage need not be tendered when the subpoena issues on behalf of the state of Colorado or any of its officers or agencies.

(4) Proof of Service. Proof of service shall be made as provided in C.R.C.P. 4(h). Original subpoenas and returns of service of such subpoenas need not be filed with the court.

(5) Notice to Other Parties.

(A) Service on the Parties. Immediately following service of a subpoena, the party or attorney who issues the subpoena, shall serve a copy of the subpoena on all parties pursuant to C.R.C.P. 5; provided that such service is not required for a subpoena issued pursuant to C.R.C.P. 69.
(B) Notice of Changes. The party or attorney who issues the subpoena must give the other parties reasonable notice of any written modification of the subpoena or any new date and time for the deposition, or production of records and tangible things.
(C) Availability of Produced Records or Tangible Things. The party or attorney who issues the subpoena for production of records or tangible things must make available in a timely fashion for inspection and copying to all other parties the records or tangible things produced by the responding party.

(c) Protecting a Person Subject to a Subpoena.

(1) Avoiding Undue Burden or Expense; Sanctions. A party or attorney responsible for issuing and serving a subpoena must take reasonable steps to avoid imposing undue burden or expense on a person subject to the subpoena. The issuing court must enforce this duty and impose an appropriate sanction, which may include lost earnings and reasonable attorney’s fees, on a party or attorney who fails to comply.

(2) Command to Produce Records or Tangible Things.

(A) Attendance Not Required. A person commanded to produce records or tangible things need not attend in person at the place of production unless also commanded to attend for a deposition, hearing, or trial.
(B) For Production of Privileged Records.

(i) If a subpoena commands production of records from a person who provides services subject to one of the privileges established by C.R.S. § 13-90-107 , or from the records custodian for that person, which records pertain to services performed by or at the direction of that person (“privileged records”), such a subpoena must be accompanied by an authorization signed by the privilege holder or holders or by a court order authorizing production of such records.
(ii) Prior to the entry of an order for a subpoena to obtain the privileged records, the court shall consider the rights of the privilege holder or holders in such privileged records, including an appropriate means of notice to the privilege holder or holders or whether any objection to production may be resolved by redaction.
(iii) If a subpoena for privileged records does not include a signed authorization or court order permitting the privileged records to be produced by means of subpoena, the subpoenaed person shall not appear to testify and shall not disclose any of the privileged records to the party who issued the subpoena.

(C) Objections. Any party or the person subpoenaed to produce records or tangible things may submit to the party issuing the subpoena a written objection to inspecting, copying, testing or sampling any or all of the materials. The objection must be submitted before the earlier of the time specified for compliance or 14 days after the subpoena is served. If objection is made, the party issuing the subpoena shall promptly serve a copy of the objection on all other parties. If an objection is made, the party issuing the subpoena is not entitled to inspect, copy, test or sample the materials except pursuant to an order of the court from which the subpoena was issued. If an objection is made, at any time on notice to the subpoenaed person and the other parties, the party issuing the subpoena may move the issuing court for an order compelling production.

(3) Quashing or Modifying a Subpoena.

(A) When Required. On motion made promptly and in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, the issuing court must quash or modify a subpoena that:

(i) fails to allow a reasonable time to comply;
(ii) requires a person who is neither a party nor a party’s officer to attend a deposition in any county other than where the person resides or is employed or transacts his business in person, or at such other convenient place as is fixed by an order of court;
(iii) requires disclosure of privileged or other protected matter, if no exception or waiver applies; or
(iv) subjects a person to undue burden.

(B) When Permitted. To protect a person subject to or affected by a subpoena, the issuing court may, on motion made promptly and in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, quash or modify the subpoena if it requires:

(i) disclosing a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information; or
(ii) disclosing an unretained expert’s opinion or information that does not describe specific matters in dispute and results from the expert’s study that was not requested by a party.

(C) Specifying Conditions as an Alternative. In the circumstances described in Rule 45(c)(3)(B), the court may, instead of quashing or modifying a subpoena, order attendance or production under specified conditions if the issuing party:

(i) shows a substantial need for the testimony or material that cannot be otherwise met without undue hardship; and
(ii) ensures that the subpoenaed person will be reasonably compensated.

(d) Duties in Responding to Subpoena.

(1) Producing Records or Tangible Things.

(A) Unless agreed in writing by all parties, the privilege holder or holders and the person subpoenaed, production shall not be made until at least 14 days after service of the subpoena, except that, in the case of an expedited hearing pursuant to these rules or any statute, in the absence of such agreement, production shall be made only at the place, date and time for compliance set forth in the subpoena; and
(B) If not objected to, a person responding to a subpoena to produce records or tangible things must produce them as they are kept in the ordinary course of business or must organize and label them to correspond to the categories in the demand and must permit inspection, copying, testing, or sampling of the materials.

(2) Claiming Privilege or Protection.

(A) Information Withheld. Unless the subpoena is subject to subsection (c)(2)(B) of this Rule relating to production of privileged records, a person withholding subpoenaed information under a claim that it is privileged or subject to protection as trial-preparation material must:

(i) make the claim expressly; and
(ii) describe the nature of the withheld records or tangible things in a manner that, without revealing information itself privileged or protected, will enable the parties to assess the claim.

(B) Information Produced. If information produced in response to a subpoena is subject to a claim of privilege or of protection as trial-preparation material, the person making the claim may notify any party that received the information of the claim and the basis for it. After being notified, a party must promptly return, sequester, or destroy the specified information and any copies it has; must not use or disclose the information until the claim is resolved; must take reasonable steps to retrieve the information if the party disclosed it before being notified; and may promptly present the information to the court under seal for a determination of the claim. The person who produced the information must preserve the information until the claim is resolved.

(e) Subpoena for Deposition; Place of Examination.

(1) Residents of This State. A resident of this state may be required by subpoena to attend an examination upon deposition only in the county wherein the witness resides or is employed or transacts his business in person, or at such other convenient place as is fixed by an order of court.

(2) Nonresidents of This State.A nonresident of this state may be required by subpoena to attend only within forty miles from the place of service of the subpoena in the state of Colorado or in the county wherein the nonresident resides or is employed or transacts business in person or at such other convenient place as is fixed by an order of court.

(f) Contempt. The issuing court may hold in contempt a person who, having been served, fails without adequate excuse to obey the subpoena. A nonparty’s failure to obey must be excused if the subpoena purports to require the nonparty to attend or produce at a place outside the limits of Rule 45(e).

Rule 46. Exceptions Unnecessary

Formal exceptions to rulings or orders of the court are unnecessary; but for all purposes for which an exception has heretofore been necessary it is sufficient that a party, at the time the ruling or order of the court is made or sought, makes known to the court the action which he desires the court to take or his objection to the action of the court and his grounds therefor; and, if a party has no opportunity to object to a ruling or order at the time it is made, the absence of an objection does not thereafter prejudice him.

Rule 47. Jurors

(a) Orientation and Examination of Jurors. An orientation and examination shall be conducted to inform prospective jurors about their duties and service and to obtain information about prospective jurors to facilitate an intelligent exercise of challenges for cause and peremptory challenges.

(1) The jury commissioner is authorized to examine and, when appropriate, excuse prospective jurors who do not satisfy the statutory qualifications for jury service, or who are entitled to a postponement, or as otherwise authorized by appropriate court order.
(2) When prospective jurors have reported to the courtroom, the judge shall explain to them in plain and clear language:

(I) The grounds for challenge for cause;
(II) Each juror’s duty to volunteer information that would constitute a disqualification or give rise to a challenge for cause;
(III) The identities of the parties and their counsel;
(IV) The nature of the case, utilizing the parties’ CJI(3d) Instruction 2:1 or, alternatively, a joint statement of factual information intended to provide a relevant context for the prospective jurors to respond to questions asked of them. Alternatively, at the request of counsel and in the discretion of the judge, counsel may present such information through brief non-argumentative statements.
(V) General legal principles applicable to the case, including burdens of proof, definitions of preponderance and other pertinent evidentiary standards and other matters that jurors will be required to consider and apply in deciding the issues.

(3) The judge shall ask prospective jurors questions concerning their qualifications to serve as jurors. The parties or their counsel shall be permitted to ask the prospective jurors additional questions. In the discretion of the judge, juror questionnaires, posterboards and other methods may be used. The judge may limit the time available to the parties or their counsel for juror examination based on the needs of the case. Any party may request additional time for juror examination in the Trial Management Order, at the commencement of the trial, or during juror examination based on developments during such examination. Any such request shall include the reasons for needing additional juror examination time. Denial of a request for additional time shall be based on a specific finding of good cause reflecting the nature of the particular case and other factors that the judge determines are relevant to the particular case and are appropriate to properly effectuate the purposes of juror examination set forth in section (a) of this Rule. The court may limit or terminate repetitious, irrelevant, unreasonably lengthy, abusive, or otherwise improper examination.
(4) Jurors shall not be required to disclose personal locating information, such as address or place of business in open court and such information shall not be maintained in files open to the public. The trial judge shall assure that parties and counsel have access to appropriate and necessary locating information.
(5) Once the jury is impaneled, the judge will again explain in more detail the general principles of law applicable to civil cases, the procedural guidelines regarding conduct by jurors during the trial, case specific legal principles and definitions of technical or special terms expected to be used during the presentation of the case. Jurors shall be told that they may not discuss the case with anyone until the trial is over with one exception: jurors may discuss the evidence among themselves in the jury room when all jurors are present. Jurors shall also be told that they must avoid discussing any potential outcome of the case and must avoid reaching any conclusion until they have heard all the evidence, final instructions by the court and closing arguments by counsel. The trial court shall have the discretion to prohibit or limit pre-deliberation discussions of the evidence in a particular trial based on a specific finding of good cause reflecting the particular circumstances of the case.

(b) Alternate Jurors. The court may direct that one or two jurors in addition to the regular panel be called and impaneled to sit as alternate jurors. Alternate jurors in the order in which they are called shall replace jurors who, prior to the time the jury retires to consider its verdict, become unable or disqualified to perform their duties. An alternate juror who does not replace a principal juror shall not be discharged until the jury renders its verdict or until such time as determined by the court. If the court and the parties agree, alternate jurors may deliberate and participate fully with the principal jurors in considering and returning a verdict. If one or two alternate jurors are called each side is entitled to one peremptory challenge in addition to those otherwise allowed. The additional peremptory challenge may be exercised as to any prospective juror.

(c) Challenge to Array. Any party may challenge the array of jurors by motion setting forth particularly the causes of challenge; and the party opposing the challenge may join issue on the motion, and the issue shall be tried and decided by the court.

(d) Challenge to Individual Jurors. A challenge to an individual juror may be for cause or peremptory.

(e) Challenges for Cause. Challenges for cause may be taken on one or more of the following grounds:

(1) A want of any of the qualifications prescribed by the statute to render a person competent as a juror;
(2) Consanguinity or affinity within the third degree to any party;
(3) Standing in the relation of guardian and ward, master and servant, employer and clerk, or principal and agent to either party, or being a member of the family of any party; or a partner in business with any party or being security on any bond or obligation for any party;
(4) Having served as a juror or been a witness on a previous trial between the same parties for the same cause of action;
(5) Interest on the part of the juror in the event of the action, or in the main question involved in the action, except the interest of the juror as a member, or citizen of a municipal corporation;
(6) Having formed or expressed an unqualified opinion or belief as to the merits of the action;
(7) The existence of a state of mind in the juror evincing enmity against or bias to either party.

(f) Order and Determination of Challenges for Cause. The plaintiff first, and afterwards the defendant, shall complete challenges for cause. Such challenges shall be tried by the court, and the juror challenged, and any other person, may be examined as a witness.

(g) Order of Selecting Jury. The clerk shall draw by lot and call the number of jurors that are to try the cause plus such an additional number as will allow for all peremptory challenges permitted. After each challenge for cause sustained, another juror shall be called to fill the vacancy and may be challenged for cause. When the challenges for cause are completed, the clerk shall make a list of jurors remaining, in the order called, and each side, beginning with plaintiff, shall indicate thereon its peremptory challenge to one juror at a time in regular turn until all peremptory challenges are exhausted or waived. The clerk shall then swear the remaining jurors, or so many of them in the order listed as will make up the number fixed to try the cause, and these shall constitute the jury.

(h) Peremptory Challenges. Each side shall be entitled to four peremptory challenges, and if there is more than one party to a side they must join in such challenges. Additional peremptory challenges in such number as the court may see fit may be allowed to parties appearing in the action either under Rule 14 or Rule 24 if the trial court in its discretion determines that the ends of justice so require.

(i) Oath of Jurors. As soon as the jury is completed, an oath or affirmation shall be administered to the jurors in substance:That you and each of you will well and truly try the matter at issue between ________, the plaintiff, and ________, the defendant, and a true verdict render, according to the evidence.

(j) When Juror Discharged. If, before verdict, a juror becomes unable or disqualified to perform his duty and there is no alternate juror, the parties may agree to proceed with the other jurors, or that a new juror be sworn and the trial begun anew. If the parties do not so agree the court shall discharge the jury and the case shall be tried anew.

(k) Examination of Premises by Jury. If in the opinion of the court it is proper for the jury to see or examine any property or place, it may order the jury to be conducted thereto in a body by a court officer. A guide may be appointed. The court shall, in the presence of the parties, instruct the officer and guide as to their duties. While the jury is thus absent, no person shall speak to it on any subject connected with the trial excepting only the guide and officer in compliance with such instructions. The parties and their attorneys may be present.

(l) Deliberation of Jury. After hearing the charge the jury may either decide in court or retire for deliberation. If it retires, except as hereinafter provided in this section (l), it shall be kept together in a separate room or other convenient place under the charge of one or more officers until it agrees upon a verdict or is discharged. While the jury is deliberating the officer shall, to the utmost of his ability, keep the jury together, separate from other persons. He shall not suffer any communication to be made to any juror or make any himself unless by order of the court except to ask it if it has agreed upon a verdict; and he shall not, before the verdict is rendered, communicate with any person the state of its deliberations or the verdict agreed upon. The court in its discretion in any individual case may modify the procedure under this Rule by permitting a jury which is deliberating to separate during the luncheon or dinner hour or separate for the night under appropriate cautionary instructions, with directions that they meet again at a time certain to resume deliberations again under the charge of the appropriate officer.

(m) Items Taken to Deliberation. Upon retiring, the jurors shall take the jury instructions, their juror notebooks and notes they personally made, if any, and to the extent feasible, those exhibits that have been admitted as evidence.

(n) Additional Instructions. After the jury has retired for deliberation, if it desires additional instructions, it may request the same from the court; any additional instructions shall be given it in court in the presence of or after notice to the parties.

(o) New Trial if No Verdict. When a jury is discharged or prevented from giving a verdict for any reason, the action shall be tried anew.

(p) When Sealed Verdict. While the jury is absent the court may adjourn from time to time, in respect to other business, but it shall be nevertheless deemed open for every purpose connected with the cause submitted to the jury, until a verdict is rendered or the jury discharged. The court may direct the jury to bring in a sealed verdict at the opening of court, in case of an agreement during a recess or adjournment for the day.

(q) Declaration of Verdict. When the jury has agreed upon its verdict it shall be conducted into court by the officer in charge. The names of the jurors shall be called, and the jurors shall be asked by the court or clerk if they have agreed upon a verdict, and if the answer is in the affirmative, they shall hand the same to the clerk. The clerk shall enter in his records the names of the jurors. Upon a request of any party the jury may be polled.

(r) Correction of Verdict. If the verdict is informal or insufficient in any particular, the jury, under the advice of the court, may correct it or may be again sent out.

(s) Verdict Recorded, Disagreement. The verdict, if agreed upon by all jurors, shall be received and recorded and the jury discharged. If all the jurors do not concur in the verdict, the jury may be again sent out, or may be discharged.

(t) Juror Notebooks. Juror notebooks shall be available during trial and deliberation to aid jurors in the performance of their duties.

(u) Juror Questions. Jurors shall be allowed to submit written questions to the court for the court to ask of witnesses during trial, in compliance with procedure established by the trial court. The court shall, out of the hearing of the jury, review each question with counsel or unrepresented litigants and consider any objections they make. The court shall have discretion to prohibit, modify or limit a question for good cause, even if an objection is not made, before posing it to the witness. The court shall have discretion to allow juror follow up questions in writing. The court shall not allow a juror to clarify a question by an oral statement or pose an oral question directly to a witness. The parties shall be permitted to ask additional questions of the witness within the scope of any juror questions posed by the court.

Rule 48. Number of Jurors

The jury shall consist of six persons, unless the parties agree to a smaller number, not less than three. The parties may stipulate at any time before the verdict is returned that a verdict or a finding of a stated majority of the jurors shall be taken as the verdict or finding of the jury.

Rule 49. Special Verdicts and Interrogatories

(a) Special Verdicts. The court may require a jury to return only a special verdict in the form of a special written finding upon each issue of fact. In that event the court may submit to the jury written questions susceptible of categorical or other brief answer or may submit written forms of the several special findings which might properly be made upon the pleadings and evidence; or it may use such other method of submitting the issues and requiring the written findings thereon as it deems most appropriate. The court shall give to the jury such explanation and instruction concerning the matter thus submitted as may be necessary to enable the jury to make its findings upon each issue. If in so doing the court omits any issue of fact raised by the pleadings or by the evidence, each party waives his right to a trial by jury of the issue so omitted unless before the jury retires he demands its submission to the jury. As to an issue omitted without such demand the court may make a finding; or, if it fails to do so, it shall be deemed to have made a finding in accord with the judgment on the special verdict.

(b) General Verdict Accompanied by Answer to Interrogatories. The court may submit to the jury, together with appropriate forms for a general verdict, written interrogatories upon one or more issues of fact, the decision of which is necessary to a verdict. The court shall give such explanation or instruction as may be necessary to enable the jury both to make answers to the interrogatories and to render a general verdict, and the court shall direct the jury both to make written answers and to render a general verdict. When the general verdict and the answers are harmonious, the appropriate judgment upon the verdict and answers shall be entered pursuant to Rule 58. When the answers are consistent with each other but one or more is inconsistent with the general verdict, judgment may be entered pursuant to Rule 58 in accordance with the answers, notwithstanding the general verdict, or the court may return the jury for further consideration of its answers and verdict or may order a new trial. When the answers are inconsistent with each other or one or more is likewise inconsistent with the general verdict, judgment shall not be entered, but the court shall return the jury for further consideration of its answers and verdict or shall order a new trial.

Rule 50. Motion for Directed Verdict

A party may move for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence offered by an opponent or at the close of all the evidence. A party who moves for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence offered by an opponent may offer evidence in the event that the motion is not granted, without having reserved the right so to do and to the same extent as if the motion had not been made. A motion for a directed verdict which is not granted is not a waiver of trial by jury even though all parties to the action have moved for directed verdicts. A motion for a directed verdict shall state the specific grounds therefor. The order of the court granting a motion for a directed verdict is effective without any assent of the jury.

Rule 51. Instructions to Jury

The parties shall tender jury instructions pursuant to C.R.C.P. 16(g). All instructions shall be submitted to the parties, who shall make all objections thereto before they are given to the jury. Only the grounds so specified shall be considered on motion for a new trial or on appeal or certiorari. Before argument, the court shall read its instructions to the jury but shall not comment upon the evidence. Such instructions shall be taken by the jury when it retires. All instructions offered by the parties, or given by the court, shall be filed with the clerk and, with the endorsement thereon indicating the action of the court, shall be taken as part of the record of the cause.

Rule 51.1. Colorado Jury Instructions

(1) In instructing the jury in a civil case, the court shall use such instructions as are contained in Colorado Jury Instruction (CJI) as are applicable to the evidence and the prevailing law.

(2) In cases in which there are no CJI instructions on the subject, or in which the factual situation or changes in the law warrant a departure from the CJI instructions, the court shall instruct the jury as to the prevailing law applicable to the evidence in a manner which is clear, unambiguous, impartial and free from argument, using CJI instructions as models as to the form so far as possible.

Rule 52. Findings by the Court

In all actions tried upon the facts without a jury or with an advisory jury, the court shall find the facts specially and state separately its conclusions of law thereon and judgment shall be entered pursuant to Rule 58 ; and in granting or refusing interlocutory injunctions the court shall similarly set forth the findings of fact and conclusions of law which constitute the grounds of its action. Neither requests for findings nor objections to findings rendered are necessary for purposes of review. Findings of fact shall not be set aside unless clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given to the opportunity of the trial court to judge the credibility of the witnesses. The findings of a master, to the extent that the court adopts them, shall be considered as the findings of the court. If an opinion or memorandum of decision is filed, it will be sufficient if the findings of fact and conclusions of law appear therein. Findings of fact and conclusions of law are unnecessary on decisions of motions under Rule 12 or 56 or any other motion except as provided in Rule 41(b).

Rule 53. Masters

(a) Appointment and Compensation. The court in which any action is pending may appoint a master therein. As used in these rules the word “master” includes a referee, an auditor, and an examiner. The compensation to be allowed to a master shall be fixed by the court, and may be charged upon such of the parties or paid out of any fund or subject matter of the action, which is in the custody and control of the court as the court may direct. The master shall not retain the master’s report as security for the master’s compensation; but when the party ordered to pay the compensation allowed by the court does not pay it after notice and within the time prescribed by the court, the master is entitled to a writ of execution against the delinquent party.

(b) Reference. A reference to a master shall be the exception and not the rule. In actions to be tried by a jury, a reference shall be made only when the issues are complicated; in actions to be tried without a jury, save in matters of account, a reference shall be made only upon a showing that some exceptional condition requires it.

(c) Powers. The order of reference to the master may specify or limit the master’s powers and may direct the master to report only upon particular issues, or to do or perform particular acts or to receive and report evidence only and may fix the time and place for beginning and closing the hearings and for the filing of the master’s report. Subject to the specifications and limitations stated in the order, the master has and shall exercise the power to regulate all proceedings in every hearing before the master and to do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the efficient performance of the master’s duties under the order. The master may require the production before the master of evidence upon all matters embraced in the reference, including the production of all books, papers, vouchers, documents, and writings applicable thereto. The master may rule upon the admissibility of evidence unless otherwise directed by the order of reference and has the authority to put witnesses on oath and may himself (or herself) examine them and may call the parties to the action and examine them upon oath. When a party so requests, the master shall make a record of the evidence received, offered, and excluded in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as a court sitting without a jury.

(d) Proceedings.

(1) Meetings. When a reference is made, the clerk shall forthwith furnish the master with a copy of the order of reference. Upon receipt thereof unless the order of reference otherwise provides, the master shall forthwith set a time and place for the first meeting of the parties or their attorneys to be held within 21 days after the date of the order of reference and shall notify the parties or their attorneys. It is the duty of the master to proceed with all reasonable diligence. Either party, on notice to the parties and master, may apply to the court for an order requiring the master to speed the proceedings and to make his or her report. If a party fails to appear at the time and place appointed, the master may proceed ex parte or, in the master’s discretion, adjourn the proceedings to a future day, giving notice to the absent party of the adjournment.
(2) Witnesses. The parties may procure the attendance of witnesses before the master by the issuance and service of subpoenas as provided in Rule 45. If without adequate excuse a witness fails to appear or give evidence, he may be punished as for a contempt and be subjected to the consequences, penalties, and remedies provided in Rules 37 and 107.
(3) Statement of Accounts. When matters of accounting are in issue before the master, the master may prescribe the form in which the accounts shall be submitted and in any proper case may require or receive in evidence a statement by a certified public accountant who is called as a witness. Upon objection of a party to any of the items thus submitted or upon a showing that the form of statement is insufficient, the master may require a different form of statement to be furnished, or the accounts or specific items thereof to be proved by oral examination of the accounting parties or upon written interrogatories or in such other manner as the master directs.

(e) Report.

(1) Contents and Filing. The master shall prepare a report upon the matters submitted to the master by the order of reference and, if required to make findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall set them forth in the report. The master shall file the report with the clerk of the court and in an action to be tried without a jury, unless otherwise directed by the order of reference, shall file with it a transcript of the proceedings and of the evidence and the original exhibits. Unless otherwise directed by the order of reference, the master shall serve a copy of the report on each party.
(2) In Nonjury Actions. In an action to be tried without a jury the court shall accept the master’s finding of fact unless clearly erroneous. Within 14 days after being served with notice of the filing of the report any party may serve written objections thereto upon the other parties. Application to the court for action upon the report and upon objections thereto shall be by motion. The court, after hearing, may adopt the report or may modify it or may reject it in whole or in part or may receive further evidence or may recommit it with instructions.
(3) In Jury Action. In an action to be tried by a jury the master shall not be directed to report the evidence. The master’s findings upon the issues submitted to the master are admissible as evidence of the matters found and may be read to the jury, subject to the ruling of the court upon any objections in point of law which may be made to the report.
(4) Stipulation as to Findings. The effect of a master’s report is the same whether or not the parties have consented to the reference; but, when the parties stipulate that a master’s findings of fact shall be final, only questions of law arising upon the report shall thereafter be considered.
(5) Draft Report. Before filing the master’s report a master may submit a draft thereof to counsel for all parties for the purpose of receiving their suggestions.

Rule 54. Judgments; Costs (Effective July 1, 2015)

(a) Definition; Form. “Judgment” as used in these rules includes a decree and order to or from which an appeal lies. A judgment shall not contain a recital of pleadings, the report of a master, or the record of prior proceedings.

(b) Judgment Upon Multiple Claims or Involving Multiple Parties. When more than one claim for relief is presented in an action, whether as a claim, counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim, or when multiple parties are involved, the court may direct the entry of a final judgment as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims or parties only upon an express determination that there is no just reason for delay and upon an express direction for the entry of judgment. In the absence of such determination and direction, any order or other form of decision, however designated, which adjudicates fewer than all the claims or the rights and liabilities of fewer than all the parties shall not terminate the action as to any of the claims, or parties and the order or other form of decision is subject to revision at any time before the entry of judgment adjudicating all the claims and the rights and liabilities of all the parties.

(c) Demand for Judgment. A judgment by default shall not be different in kind from that prayed for in the demand for judgment. Except as to a party against whom a judgment is entered by default, every final judgment shall grant the relief to which the party in whose favor it is rendered is entitled, even if the party has not demanded such relief in his pleadings.

(d) Costs. Except when express provision therefor is made either in a statute of this state or in these rules, costs shall be allowed as of course to the prevailing party unless the court otherwise directs; but costs against the state of Colorado, its officers or agencies, shall be imposed only to the extent permitted by law.

(e) Against Partnership. Any judgment obtained against a partnership or unincorporated association shall bind only the joint property of the partners or associates, and the separate property of the parties personally served.

(f) After Death, How Payable. If a party dies after a verdict or decision upon any issue of fact, and before judgment, the court may, nevertheless, render judgment thereon. Such judgment shall not be a lien on the real property of the deceased party, but shall be paid as a claim against his estate.

(g) Against Unknown Defendants. The judgment in an action in rem shall apply to and conclude the unknown defendants whose interests are described in the complaint.

(h) Revival of Judgments. A judgment may be revived against any one or more judgment debtors whether they are jointly or severally liable under the judgment. To revive a judgment a motion shall be filed alleging the date of the judgment and the amount thereof which remains unsatisfied. Thereupon the clerk shall issue a notice requiring the judgment debtor to show cause within 14 days after service thereof why the judgment should not be revived. The notice shall be served on the judgment debtor in conformity with Rule 4. If the judgment debtor answer, any issue so presented shall be tried and determined by the court. A revived judgment must be entered within twenty years after the entry of the judgment which it revives, and may be enforced and made a lien in the same manner and for like period as an original judgment. If a judgment is revived before the expiration of any lien created by the original judgment, the filing of the transcript of the entry of revivor in the register of actions with the clerk and recorder of the appropriate county before the expiration of such lien shall continue that lien for the same period from the entry of the revived judgment as is provided for original judgments. Revived judgments may themselves be revived in the manner herein provided.

Rule 55. Default

(a) Entry. When a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise defend as provided by these rules and that fact is made to appear by affidavit or otherwise, the clerk shall enter his default.

(b) Judgment. A party entitled to a judgment by default shall apply to the court therefor; but no judgment by default shall be entered against an infant or incompetent person unless represented in the action by a general guardian, guardian ad litem, conservator, or such other representative who has appeared in the action. If the party against whom judgment by default is sought has appeared in the action, the party (or, if appearing by representative, the party’s representative) shall be served with written notice of the application for judgment at least 7 days prior to the hearing on such application. If, in order to enable the court to enter judgment or to carry it into effect, it is necessary to take an account or to determine the amount of damages or to establish the truth of any averment by evidence or to make an investigation of any other matter, the court may conduct such hearings or order such references as it deems necessary and proper. However, before judgment is entered, the court shall be satisfied that the venue of the action is proper under Rule 98.

(c) Setting Aside Default. For good cause shown the court may set aside an entry of default and, if a judgment by default has been entered, may likewise set it aside in accordance with Rule 60(b).

(d) Plaintiffs, Counterclaimants, Cross Claimants. The provisions of this Rule apply whether the party entitled to the judgment by default is a plaintiff, a third-party plaintiff, or a party who has pleaded a cross claim or counterclaim. In all cases a judgment by default is subject to the limitations of Rule 54(c).

(e) Judgment Against an Officer or Agency of the State of Colorado. No judgment by default shall be entered against an officer or agency of the State of Colorado unless the claimant establishes his claim or right to relief by evidence satisfactory to the court.

(f) Judgment on Substituted Service. In actions where the service of summons was by publication, mail, or personal service out of the state, the plaintiff, upon expiration of the time allowed for answer, may upon proof of service and of the failure to plead or otherwise defend, apply for judgment. The court shall thereupon require proof to be made of the claim and may render judgment subject to the limitations of Rule 54(c).

Rule 56. Summary Judgment and Rulings on Questions of Law

(a) For Claimant. A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim or to obtain a declaratory judgment may, after the expiration of 21 days from the commencement of the action or after filing of a motion for summary judgment by the adverse party, move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in the claiming party’s favor upon all or any part thereof.

(b) For Defending Party. A party against whom a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim is asserted or a declaratory judgment is sought may, move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in the defending party’s favor as to all or any part thereof.

(c) Motion and Proceedings Thereon. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, any motion for summary judgment shall be filed no later than 91 days (13 weeks) prior to trial. A cross-motion for summary judgment shall be filed no later than 70 days (10 weeks) prior to trial. The motion may be determined without oral argument. The opposing party may file and serve opposing affidavits within the time allowed for the responsive brief, unless the court orders some lesser or greater time. The judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of damages.

(d) Case Not Fully Adjudicated on Motion. If on motion under this Rule judgment is not rendered upon the whole case or for all the relief asked and a trial is necessary, the court at the hearing of the motion, by examining the pleadings and the evidence before it and by interrogating counsel, shall if practicable ascertain what material facts exist without substantial controversy and what material facts are actually in good faith controverted. It shall thereupon make an order specifying the facts that appear without substantial controversy, including the extent to which the amount of damages or other relief is not in controversy, and directing such further proceedings in the action as are just. Upon the trial of the action the facts so specified shall be deemed established, and the trial shall be conducted accordingly.

(e) Form of Affidavits; Further Testimony; Defense Required. Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Sworn or certified copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in an affidavit shall be attached thereto or served therewith. The court may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions, answers to interrogatories, or by further affidavits. When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this Rule, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of the opposing party’s pleadings, but the opposing party’s response by affidavits or otherwise provided in this Rule, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If there is no response, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered.

(f) When Affidavits are Unavailable. Should it appear from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion that the opposing party cannot for reasons stated present by affidavit facts essential to justify its opposition, the court may refuse the application for judgment or may order a continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be had or may make such other order as is just.

(g) Affidavits Made in Bad Faith. Should it appear to the satisfaction of the court at any time that any of the affidavits presented pursuant to this Rule are presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the court shall forthwith order the party employing them to pay to the other party the amount of the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits caused the other party to incur, including reasonable attorney’s fees, and any offending party or attorney may be adjudged guilty of contempt.

(h) Determination of a Question of Law. At any time after the last required pleading, with or without supporting affidavits, a party may move for determination of a question of law. If there is no genuine issue of any material fact necessary for the determination of the question of law, the court may enter an order deciding the question.

Rule 57. Declaratory Judgments

(a) Power to Declare Rights, etc.; Force of Declaration. District and superior courts within their respective jurisdictions shall have power to declare rights, status, and other legal relations whether or not further relief is or could be claimed. No action or proceedings shall be open to objection on the ground that a declaratory judgment or decree is prayed for. The declaration may be either affirmative or negative in form and effect; and such declarations shall have the force and effect of a final judgment or decree.

(b) Who May Obtain Declaration of Rights. Any person interested under a deed, will, written contract, or other writings constituting a contract, or whose rights, status, or other legal relations are affected by a statute, municipal ordinance, contract, or franchise, may have determined any question of construction or validity arising under the instrument, statute, ordinance, contract, or franchise and obtain a declaration of rights, status, or other legal relations thereunder.

(c) Contract Construed Before Breach. A contract may be construed either before or after there has been a breach thereof.

(d) For What Purposes Interested Person May Have Rights Declared. Any person interested as or through an executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or other fiduciary, creditor, devisee, legatee, heir, next of kin, or cestui que trust, in the administration of a trust, or of the estate of a decedent, an infant, lunatic, or insolvent, may have a declaration of rights or legal relations in respect thereto:

(1) To ascertain any class of creditors, devisees, legatees, heirs, next of kin or other; or
(2) To direct the executors, administrators, or trustees to do or abstain from doing any particular act in their fiduciary capacity; or
(3) To determine any question arising in the administration of the estate or trust, including questions of construction of wills and other writings.

(e) Not a Limitation. The enumeration in sections (b), (c), and (d) of this Rule does not limit or restrict the exercise of the general powers conferred in section (a) of this Rule, in any proceeding where declaratory relief is sought, in which a judgment or decree will terminate the controversy or remove an uncertainty.

(f) When Court May Refuse to Declare Right. The court may refuse to render or enter a declaratory judgment or decree where such judgment or decree if rendered or entered, would not terminate the uncertainty or controversy giving rise to the proceeding.

(g) Review. All orders, judgments, and decrees under this Rule may be reviewed as other orders, judgments, and decrees.

(h) Further Relief. Further relief based on a declaratory judgment or decree may be granted whenever necessary or proper. The application therefor shall be by petition to a court having jurisdiction to grant the relief. If the application is deemed sufficient, the court shall, on reasonable notice, require any adverse party whose rights have been adjudicated by the declaratory judgment or decree, to show cause why further relief should not be granted forthwith.

(i) Issues of Fact. When a proceeding under this Rule involves the determination of an issue of fact, such issues may be tried and determined in the same manner as issues of facts are tried and determined in other actions in the court in which the proceeding is pending.

(j) Parties; Municipal Ordinances. When declaratory relief is sought, all persons shall be made parties who have or claim any interest which would be affected by the declaration, and no declaration shall prejudice the rights of persons not parties to the proceeding. In any proceeding which involves the validity of a municipal ordinance or franchise, such municipality shall be made a party, and is entitled to be heard, and if the statute, ordinance, or franchise is alleged to be unconstitutional, the attorney general of the state shall also be served with a copy of the proceeding and is entitled to be heard.

(k) Rule is Remedial; Purpose. This Rule is declared to be remedial; its purpose is to settle and to afford relief from uncertainty and insecurity with respect to rights, status, and other legal relations; and is to be liberally construed and administered.

(l) Interpretation and Construction. This Rule shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it, and to harmonize, as far as possible, with federal laws and regulations on the subject of declaratory judgment and decrees.

(m) Trial by Jury; Remedies; Speedy Hearing. Trial by jury may be demanded under the circumstances and in the manner provided in Rules 38 and 39. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate. The court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory judgment and may advance it on the calendar.

Rule 58. Entry of Judgment

(a) Entry. Subject to the provisions of C.R.C.P. 54(b), upon a general or special verdict of a jury, or upon a decision by the court, the court shall promptly prepare, date, and sign a written judgment and the clerk shall enter it on the register of actions as provided in C.R.C.P. 79(a). The term “judgment” includes an appealable decree or order as set forth in C.R.C.P. 54(a). The effective date of entry of judgment shall be the actual date of the signing of the written judgment. The notation in the register of actions shall show the effective date of the judgment. Entry of the judgment shall not be delayed for the taxing of costs. Whenever the court signs a judgment and a party is not present when it is signed, a copy of the signed judgment shall be immediately mailed or e-served by the court, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 5, to each absent party who has previously appeared.

(b) Satisfaction. Satisfaction in whole or in part of a money judgment may be entered in the judgment record (Rule 79(d) ) upon an execution returned satisfied in whole or in part, or upon the filing of a satisfaction with the clerk, signed by the judgment creditor’s attorney of record unless a revocation of authority is previously filed, or by the signing of such satisfaction by the judgment creditor, attested by the clerk, or notary public, or by the signing of the judgment record (Rule 79(d) ) by one herein authorized to execute satisfaction. Whenever a judgment shall be so satisfied in fact otherwise than upon execution, it shall be the duty of the judgment creditor or the judgment creditor’s attorney to give such satisfaction, and upon motion the court may compel it or may order the entry of such satisfaction to be made without it.

Rule 59. Motions for Post-Trial Relief

(a) Post-Trial Motions. Within 14 days of entry of judgment as provided in C.R.C.P. 58 or such greater time as the court may allow, a party may move for post-trial relief including:

(1) A new trial of all or part of the issues;
(2) Judgment notwithstanding the verdict;
(3) Amendment of findings; or
(4) Amendment of judgment. Motions for post-trial relief may be combined or asserted in the alternative. The motion shall state the ground asserted and the relief sought.

(b) No Post-Trial Motion Required. Filing of a motion for post-trial relief shall not be a condition precedent to appeal or cross-appeal, nor shall filing of such motion limit the issues that may be raised on appeal.

(c) On Initiative of Court. Within the time allowed the parties and upon any ground available to a party, the court on its own initiative, may:

(1) Order a new trial of all or part of the issues;
(2) Order judgment notwithstanding the verdict;
(3) Order an amendment of its findings; or
(4) Order an amendment of its judgment. The court’s order shall specify the grounds for such action.

(d) Grounds for New Trial. Subject to provisions of Rule 61, a new trial may be granted for any of the following causes:

(1) Any irregularity in the proceedings by which any party was prevented from having a fair trial;
(2) Misconduct of the jury;
(3) Accident or surprise, which ordinary prudence could not have guarded against;
(4) Newly discovered evidence, material for the party making the application which that party could not, with reasonable diligence, have discovered and produced at the trial;
(5) Excessive or inadequate damages; or
(6) Error in law. When application is made under grounds (1), (2), (3), or (4), it shall be supported by affidavit filed with the motion. The opposing party shall have 21 days after service of an affidavit within which to file opposing affidavits, which period may be extended by the court or by written stipulation between the parties. The court may permit reply affidavits.

(e) Grounds for Judgment Notwithstanding Verdict. A judgment notwithstanding verdict may be granted for either of the following grounds:

(1) Insufficiency of evidence as a matter of law; or
(2) No genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving party being entitled to judgment as a matter of law. A motion for directed verdict shall not be a prerequisite to any form of post-trial relief, including judgment notwithstanding verdict.

(f) Scope of Relief in Trials to Court. On motion for post-trial relief in an action tried without a jury, the court may, if a ground exists, open the judgment if one has been entered, take additional testimony, amend findings of fact and conclusions of law or make new findings and conclusions, and direct entry of a new judgment.

(g) Scope of Relief in Trials to a Jury. On motion for post-trial relief in a jury trial, the court may, if a ground exists, order a new trial or direct entry of judgment. If no verdict was returned, the court may, if a ground exists, direct entry of judgment or order a new trial.

(h) Effect of Granting New Trial. The granting of a new trial shall not be an appealable order, but a party by participating in the new trial shall not be deemed to have waived any objection to the granting of the new trial, and the validity of the order granting new trial may be raised by appeal after final judgment has been entered in the case.

(i) Effect of Granting Judgment Notwithstanding Verdict, Amendment of Findings or Amendment of Judgment. Subject to C.R.C.P. 54(b), granting of judgment notwithstanding the verdict, amendment of findings or amendment of judgment shall be an appealable order.

(j) Time for Determination of Post-Trial Motions. The court shall determine any post-trial motion within 63 days (9 weeks) of the date of the filing of the motion. Where there are multiple motions for post-trial relief, the time for determination shall commence on the date of filing of the last of such motions. Any post-trial motion that has not been decided within the 63-day determination period shall, without further action by the court, be deemed denied for all purposes including Rule 4(a) of the Colorado Appellate Rules and time for appeal shall commence as of that date.

(k) When Judgment Becomes Final. For purposes of this Rule 59, judgment shall be final and time for filing of notice of appeal shall commence as set forth in Rule 4(a) of the Colorado Appellate Rules.

Rule 60. Relief from Judgment or Order

(a) Clerical Mistakes. Clerical mistakes in judgments, orders, or other parts of the record and errors therein arising from oversight or omission may be corrected by the court at any time of its own initiative or on the motion of any party and after such notice, if any, as the court orders. During the pendency of an appeal such mistakes may be so corrected before the case is docketed in the appellate court, and thereafter while the appeal is pending may be so corrected with leave of the appellate court.

(b) Mistakes; Inadvertence; Surprise; Excusable Neglect; Fraud; etc. On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or his legal representative from a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons: (1) Mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect; (2) fraud (whether heretofore denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party; (3) the judgment is void; (4) the judgment has been satisfied, released, or discharged, or a prior judgment upon which it is based has been reversed or otherwise vacated, or it is no longer equitable that the judgment should have prospective application; or (5) any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time, and for reasons (1) and (2) not more than six months after the judgment, order, or proceeding was entered or taken. A motion under this section (b) does not affect the finality of a judgment or suspend its operation. This Rule does not limit the power of a court: (1) To entertain an independent action to relieve a party from a judgment, order, or proceeding, or (2) to set aside a judgment for fraud upon the court; or (3) when, for any cause, the summons in an action has not been personally served within or without the state on the defendant, to allow, on such terms as may be just, such defendant, or his legal representatives, at any time within six months after the rendition of any judgment in such action, to answer to the merits of the original action. Writs of coram nobis, audita querela, and bills of review and bills in the nature of a bill of review, are abolished, and the procedure for obtaining any relief from a judgment shall be by motion as prescribed in these rules or by an independent action.

Rule 61. Harmless Error

No error in either the admission or the exclusion of evidence and no error or defect in any ruling or order or in anything done or omitted by the court or by any of the parties is ground for granting a new trial or for setting aside a verdict or for vacating, modifying or otherwise disturbing a judgment or order, unless refusal to take such action appears to the court inconsistent with substantial justice. The court at every stage of the proceeding must disregard any error or defect in the proceeding which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties.

Rule 62. Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment

(a) Automatic Stay; Exceptions; Injunctions; Receiverships. Except as stated herein, no execution shall issue upon a judgment nor shall proceedings be taken for its enforcement until the expiration of 14 days after its entry; provided that an interlocutory or final judgment in an action for an injunction or in a receivership action shall not be stayed during the period after its entry and until an appeal is taken or during the pendency of an appeal. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the provisions of section (c) of this Rule govern the suspending, modifying, restoring, or granting of an injunction during the pendency of an appeal.

(b) Discretionary stay. In its discretion and on such conditions for the security of the adverse party as are proper, the court may stay the execution of, or any proceedings to enforce, a judgment: (1) pending the disposition of a motion for post-trial relief made pursuant to C.R.C.P. 59; (2) pending a motion for relief from a judgment or order made pursuant to C.R.C.P. 60; (3) during the time permitted for filing of a notice of appeal; or (4) during the pendency of a motion for approval of a supersedeas bond.

(c) Injunction Pending Appeal. When an appeal is taken from an interlocutory or final judgment granting, dissolving, or denying an injunction, the trial court in its discretion may suspend, modify, restore, or grant an injunction during the pendency of the appeal upon such terms as to bond or otherwise as it considers proper for the security of the rights of the adverse party.

(d) Stay upon Appeal. When an appeal is taken the appellant by giving a supersedeas bond may obtain a stay from the trial court subject to the exceptions contained in section (a) of this Rule. The bond may be given at or after the time of filing the notice of appeal or of procuring the order allowing the appeal, as the case may be. The stay is effective when the supersedeas bond is approved by the court.

(e) Stay in Favor of the State of Colorado or Municipalities Thereof. When an appeal is taken by the State of Colorado, or by any county or municipal corporation of this state, or of any officer or agency thereof acting in official capacity and the operation or enforcement of the judgment is stayed, no bond, obligation, or other security shall be required from the appellant unless otherwise ordered by the court.

(f) [There is no section (f).]

(g) Power of Appellate Court Not Limited. The provisions in this Rule do not limit any power of the appellate courts or of a justice or judge thereof to stay proceedings during the pendency of an appeal or to suspend, modify, restore, or grant an injunction during the pendency of an appeal or to make any order appropriate to preserve the status quo or the effectiveness of the judgment subsequently to be entered. (See Rule 8, Colorado Appellate Rules.)

(h) Stay of Judgment as to Multiple Claims or Multiple Parties. When a court has ordered a final judgment under the conditions stated in Rule 54 (b), the court may stay enforcement of that judgment until the entering of a subsequent judgment or judgments and may prescribe such conditions as are necessary to secure the benefit thereof to the party in whose favor the judgment is entered.

Rule 63. Disability of a Judge

If by reason of death, sickness, or other disability, a judge before whom an action has been tried is unable to perform the duties to be performed by the court under these rules after a verdict is returned or findings of fact and conclusions of law are filed, then any other judge sitting in or assigned to the court in which the action was tried may perform those duties; but if such other judge is satisfied that he cannot perform those duties because he did not preside at the trial or for any other reason, he may in his discretion grant a new trial.

Rule 64.

[Note: There is no Colorado rule under this heading. The number is here retained to preserve correspondence between federal and state numbering system rules 1 to 97.]

Rule 65. Injunction

(a) Preliminary Injunction.

(1) Notice. No preliminary injunction shall be issued without notice to the adverse party.
(2) Consolidation of Hearing with Trial on Merits. Before or after the commencement of the hearing on an application for a preliminary injunction, the court may order the trial of the action on the merits to be advanced and consolidated with the hearing of the application. Even when this consolidation is not ordered, any evidence received upon an application for a preliminary injunction which would be admissible upon a trial on the merits becomes part of the record on the trial and need not be repeated upon the trial, this subsection (a)(2) shall be so construed and applied as to save the parties any rights they may have to trial by jury.

(b) Temporary Restraining Order; Notice; Hearing; Duration. A temporary retraining order may be granted without written or oral notice to the adverse party or his attorney only if: (1) It clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit or by the verified complaint or by testimony that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the applicant before the adverse party or his attorney can be heard in opposition, and (2) the applicant’s attorney certifies to the court in writing or on the record the efforts, if any, which have been made to give the notice and the reasons supporting his claim that notice should not be required. Every temporary restraining order granted without notice shall be endorsed with the date and hour of issuance; shall be filed forthwith in the clerk’s office and entered of record; shall define the injury and state why it is irreparable and why the order was granted without notice; and shall expire by its terms within such time after entry not to exceed 14 days, as the court fixes, unless within the time so fixed, the order, for good cause shown, is extended for a like period or unless the party against whom the order is directed consents that it may be extended for a longer period. The reasons for the extension shall be entered of record. In case a temporary restraining order is granted without notice, the motion for a preliminary injunction shall be set down for hearing at the earliest possible time and take precedence of all matters except older matters of the same character; and when the motion comes on for hearing the party who obtained the temporary restraining order shall proceed with the application for a preliminary injunction and, if he does not do so, the court shall dissolve the temporary restraining order. On two (2) business days’ notice to the party who obtained the temporary restraining order without notice or on such shorter notice to that party as the court may prescribe, the adverse party may appear and move its dissolution or modification and in that event the court shall proceed to hear and determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require.

(c) Security. No restraining order or preliminary injunction shall issue except upon the giving of security by the applicant, in such sum as the court deems proper, for the payment of such costs and damages as may be incurred or suffered by any party who is found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. No such security shall be required of the state or of any county or municipal corporation of this state or of any officer or agency thereof acting in official capacity. If at any time it shall appear to the court that security given under this Rule has become impaired or is insufficient, the court may vacate the restraining order or preliminary injunction unless within such time as the court may fix the security be made sufficient.

(d) Form and Scope of Injunction or Restraining Order. Every order granting an injunction and every restraining order shall set forth the reasons for its issuance; shall be specific in terms; shall describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the complaint or other document, the act or acts sought to be restrained; and is binding only upon the parties to the action, their officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and upon those persons in active concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of the order by personal service or otherwise.

(e) [There is no section (e).]

(f) Mandatory. If merely restraining the doing of an act or acts will not effectuate the relief to which the moving party is entitled, an injunction may be made mandatory. Such relief may include an injunction restoring to any person any property from which he may have been ousted or deprived of possession by fraud, force, or violence, or from which he may have been kept out of possession by threats or words or actions which have a natural tendency to excite fear or apprehension of danger.

(g) When Relief Granted. Relief under this Rule may also be granted on the motion of any party at any time after an action is commenced and before or in connection with final judgment.

(h) When Inapplicable. This Rule shall not apply to suits for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, maintenance, child support, or custody of minors. In such suits, the court may make prohibitive or mandatory orders, without notice or bond, as may be just.

(i) State Court’s Jurisdiction When Suit Commenced in Federal Court; Stay of Proceedings; Notice; Appeal. Whenever a suit praying for an interlocutory injunction shall have been begun in a federal district court to restrain any official or officials of this state from enforcing or administering any statute or administrative order of this state, or to set aside such statute or administrative order, any defendant in such suit or the attorney general of the state may bring a suit to enforce such statute or order in the district court of the state at any time before the hearing on the application for an interlocutory injunction in the suit in the federal court; and the district courts of this state may entertain such suits and the state appellate courts may entertain appeals from judgments therein. When such suit is brought, the district court shall grant a stay of proceedings by any state officer or officers under such statute or order pending the determination of such suit in the courts of this state. Upon the bringing of such suit, the district court shall at once cause a notice thereof together with a copy of the stay order by it granted, to be sent to the federal district court in which the action was originally begun. An appeal may be taken within 14 days after the termination of the suit in the state district court to the appropriate state appellate court and such appeal shall be in every way expedited and set for an early hearing.

Rule 65.1. Security: Proceedings Against Sureties

Whenever these Rules require or permit the giving of security by a party, and security is given in the form of a bond or stipulation or other undertaking with one or more sureties, each surety submits himself to the jurisdiction of the court and irrevocably appoints the clerk of the court as his agent upon whom any papers affecting his liability on the bond or undertaking may be served. His liability may be enforced on motion without the necessity of an independent action. The motion and such notice of the motion as the court prescribes may be served on the clerk of the court, who shall forthwith mail copies to the sureties if their addresses are known.

Rule 66. Receivers

(a) When Appointed. A receiver may be appointed by the court in which the action is pending at any time:

(1) Before judgment, provisionally, on application of either party, when he establishes a prima facie right to the property, or to an interest therein, which is the subject of the action and is in possession of an adverse party and such property, or its rents, issues, and profits are in danger of being lost, removed beyond the jurisdiction of the court, or materially injured or impaired; or
(2) By or after judgment, to dispose of the property according to the judgment, or to preserve it during appellate proceedings; or
(3) In other cases where proper and in accordance with the established principles of equity.

(b) Oath and Bond; Suit on Bond. Before entering upon his duties, the receiver shall be sworn to perform them faithfully, and shall execute, with one or more sureties, an undertaking with the people of the state of Colorado, in such sum as the court shall direct, to the effect that he will faithfully discharge his duties and will pay over and account for all money and property which may come into his hands as the court may direct, and will obey the orders of the court therein. The undertaking, with the sureties, must be approved by the court, or by the clerk thereof when so ordered by the court, and may be sued upon in the name of the people of the state of Colorado, at the instance and for the use of any party injured.

(c) Dismissal of Receivership Action. An action in which a receiver has been appointed shall not be dismissed except by order of the court.

(d) Sole Claim for Relief; Service of Process; Notice.

(1) The appointment of a receiver may be the sole claim for relief in an action. The action shall be commenced by filing a complaint, or by service of a summons and a complaint, as provided in C.R.C.P. 3(a).
(2) If the receivership is requested in connection with a mortgage, trust deed or other lien on real property, the current owner of the property, as shown by the records of the clerk and recorder, and any other person then collecting the rents and profits as a result of that person’s lien on the rents or profits, shall be named as defendants.
(3) If a receiver is appointed by the court ex parte, copies of the summons, complaint, and order appointing the receiver shall be served on the defendants without delay, as provided in C.R.C.P. 4 or as directed by the court. The court, in its order for appointment of the receiver, shall direct the receiver to provide written notice of the action to any persons in possession of the property or otherwise affected by the order.

Rule 67. Deposit in Court

(a) By Party. In an action in which any part of the relief sought is a judgment for a sum of money or the disposition of a sum of money or the disposition of any other thing capable of delivery, a party, upon notice to every other party, and by leave of court, may deposit with the court all or any part of such sum or thing, to be held by the clerk of the court subject to withdrawal in whole or in part at any time thereafter upon order of the court.

(b) By Trustee. When it is admitted by the pleadings or examination of a party that he has in his possession or under his control any money or other things capable of delivery which, being the subject of litigation, is held by him as trustee for another party, or which belongs or is due to another party, upon motion, the court may order the same to be deposited in court or delivered to such party, upon such conditions as may be just, subject to the further direction of the court.

Rule 68. Offer of Judgment

Repealed July 12, 1990, effective, nunc pro tunc, July 1, 1990.

Rule 69. Execution and Proceedings Subsequent to Judgment

(a) In General. Except as provided in C.R.C.P. 103 or an order of court directing otherwise, process to enforce a final money judgment shall be by writ of execution.

(b) Proceedings for Costs. Costs finally awarded by order of court may be enforced in the same manner as any final money judgment. Costs awarded by an appellate court may be enforced in the same manner upon application by filing a remittitur or other order of the appellate court with the clerk of the trial court showing the award of costs.

(c) Debtor of Judgment Debtor; Debtor May Pay Sheriff. After issuance of a writ of execution against property, the judgment debtor or any person indebted to the judgment debtor may pay to the sheriff to whom the writ of execution is directed the amount necessary to satisfy the execution. The sheriff’s receipt for the amount shall be a discharge for the amount so paid.

(d) Requirement That Judgment Debtor Answer Written Interrogatories.

(1) At any time after entry of a final money judgment, the judgment creditor may serve written interrogatories upon the judgment debtor in accordance with C.R.C.P. 45, requiring the judgment debtor to answer the interrogatories. Within 21 days of service of the interrogatories upon the judgment debtor, the judgment debtor shall appear before the clerk of the court in which the judgment was entered to sign the answers to the interrogatories under oath and file them.
(2) If the judgment debtor, after being properly served with written interrogatories as provided by this Rule, fails to answer the served interrogatories, the judgment creditor may file a motion, with return of the previously served written interrogatories attached thereto, and request an order of court requiring the judgment debtor to either answer the previously served written interrogatories within 21 days in accordance with the provisions of (d)(1) of this Rule or appear in court at a specified time to show cause why the judgment debtor shall not be held in contempt of court for failure to comply with the order requiring answers to interrogatories; a copy of the motion, written interrogatories and a certified order of court shall be served upon judgment debtor in accordance with C.R.C.P. 45.

(e) Subpoena for Appearance of Judgment Debtor.

(1) At any time after entry of a final money judgment, a judgment creditor may cause a subpoena or subpoena to produce to be served as provided in C.R.C.P. 45 requiring the judgment debtor to appear before the court, master or referee with requested documents at a specified time obtained from the court to answer concerning property. A judgment debtor may be required to attend outside the county where such judgment debtor resides and the court may make reasonable orders for mileage and expenses. The subpoena shall include on its face a conspicuous notice to the judgment debtor that provides: “Failure to Appear Will Result in Issuance of a Warrant for Your Arrest.”
(2) If the judgment debtor, after being properly served with a subpoena or subpoena to produce as provided in C.R.C.P. 45, fails to appear, the court upon motion of the judgment creditor shall issue a bench warrant commanding the sheriff of any county in which the judgment debtor may be found, to arrest and bring the judgment debtor forthwith before the court for proceedings under this Rule.

(f) Subpoena for Appearance of Debtor of Judgment Debtor. At any time after entry of a final money judgment, upon proof to the satisfaction of the court, that any person has property of, or is indebted to a judgment debtor in any amount exceeding Five Hundred Dollars not exempt from execution, the court may issue a subpoena or subpoena to produce to such person to appear before the court, master or referee at a specified time and answer concerning the same. Service shall be made in accordance with C.R.C.P. 45, and the court may make reasonable orders for mileage and expenses.

(g) Order to Apply Property on Judgment; Contempt. The court, master, or referee may order any party or other person over whom the court has jurisdiction, to apply any property other than real property, not exempt from execution, whether in the possession of such party or other person, or owed the judgment debtor, towards satisfaction of the judgment. Any party or person who disobeys an order made under the provisions of this Rule may be punished for contempt. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to prevent an action in the nature of a creditor’s bill.

(h) Witnesses. Witnesses may be subpoenaed to appear and testify in accordance with C.R.C.P. 45.

(i) Depositions. After entry of a final money judgment, the judgment creditor, upon order of court which may be obtained ex parte, may take the deposition of any person including the judgment debtor, in the manner provided in these Rules.

Rule 70. Judgment for Specific Acts; Vesting Title

If a judgment directs a party to execute a conveyance of land or to deliver deeds or other documents or to perform any other specific act and the party fails to comply within the time specified, the court may direct the act to be done at the cost of the disobedient party by some other person appointed by the court and the act when so done has like effect as if done by the party. On application of the party entitled to performance, the clerk shall issue a writ of attachment against the property of the disobedient party to compel obedience to the judgment. The court may also in proper cases adjudge the party in contempt. If real or personal property is within the district, the court in lieu of directing a conveyance thereof may enter a judgment divesting the title of any party and vesting it in others and such judgment has the effect of a conveyance executed in due form of law. When any order or judgment is for the delivery of possession, the party in whose favor it is entered is entitled to a writ of execution or assistance upon application to the clerk.

Rule 71. Process in Behalf of and Against Persons Not Parties

When an order is made in favor of a person who is not a party to the action, he may enforce obedience to the order by the same process as if he were a party; and, when obedience to an order may be lawfully enforced against a person who is not a party, he is liable to the same process for enforcing obedience to the order as if he were a party.

Rule 71-A. Condemnation of Property

No Colorado Rule

Rule 72.

[Note: There are at present no Colorado Rules 72 to 76.]

Rule 77. Courts and Clerks

(a) Courts Always Open. Courts shall be deemed always open for the purpose of filing any pleading or other proper paper, of issuing and returning process, and of making and directing all interlocutory motions, orders, and rules. Each term shall be deemed open and continuous until the commencement of the next succeeding term.

(b) Proceedings in Court and Chambers. All trials upon the merits shall be conducted in open court and so far as convenient in a regular courtroom. All other acts or proceedings may be done or conducted in open court or by a judge in chambers, without the attendance of the clerk or other court officials and at any place within the state; but no hearing, other than on ex parte, shall be conducted outside the judicial district in which the action is pending without the consent of all parties affected thereby who are not in default.

(c) Clerk’s Office and Orders by Clerk. The clerk’s office with the clerk or a deputy in attendance shall be open at such hours and on such days as may be provided by law, and by local rule not in conflict with law. All motions and applications in the clerk’s office for issuing process, for entering defaults or judgments by default, and for other proceedings which do not require allowance or order of the court are grantable of course by the clerk; but his action may be suspended or altered or rescinded by the court upon cause shown.

(d) Orders in Any County. Any ex parte order in any pending action may be entered by the court, or by any judge thereof in any county of the district, irrespective of the county in which said action is pending.

Rule 78. Motion Day

Each court may establish regular times and places, at intervals sufficiently frequent for the prompt dispatch of business, at which motions requiring notice and hearing may be heard and disposed of; but the judge at any time or place and on such notice, if any, as he considers reasonable may make orders for the advancement, conduct, and hearing of actions. To expedite its business, the court may make provision by rule or order for the submission and determination of motions without oral hearing, upon brief written statements of reasons in support and opposition. Trial courts may also provide by local rule for notices to set motions for hearing or for calling upon motions for hearing without prior setting.

Rule 79. Records

(a) Register of Actions. The clerk shall keep a record known as the register of actions and shall enter therein those items set forth below. The register of actions may be in any of the following forms or styles:

(1) A page, sheet, or printed form in a book, case jacket, or separate file.
(2) A microfilm roll, film jacket, or microfiche card.
(3) Computer magnetic tape or magnetic disc storage, where the register of actions items appear on the terminal screen, or on a paper print-out of the screen display.
(4) Any other form or style prescribed by supreme court directive. A register of actions shall be prepared for each case or matter filed. The file number of each case or matter shall be noted on every page, film, or computer record whereon the first and all subsequent entries of actions are made. All papers filed with the clerk, all process issued and return made thereon, all costs, appearances, orders, verdicts, and judgments shall be noted chronologically in the register of actions. These notations shall be brief but shall show the nature of each paper filed or writ issued and the substance of each order or judgment of the court and of the returns showing execution of process. The notation of an order, or of the entry of judgment, shall show the date the order or judgment was ordered in open court, in chambers, or under the provisions of Rule 55 regarding default. When trial by jury has been demanded or ordered, the clerk shall enter the word jury on the page, film, or computer record assigned to that case.

(b) Copies of Civil Judgments and Orders. (Repealed effective September 4, 1974.)

(c) Indices; Calendars. The clerk shall keep suitable indices of all records as directed by the court. The clerk shall also keep, as directed by the court, calendars of all hearings and all cases ready for trial, which shall distinguish trials to a jury from trials to the court. Indices and calendars may be in any of the following forms or styles:

(1) A page or sheet in a book or separate file.
(2) A mechanical or hand-operated index machine or card file.
(3) Computer magnetic tape or magnetic disc storage, where the information appears on the terminal screen, or on a print-out of the screen display.
(4) Microfilm copies of 1, 2, and 3 above.
(5) Any other form or style prescribed by supreme court directive.

(d) Judgment Record. The clerk shall keep a judgment record in which a notation shall be made of every money judgment. The judgment record may be in any of the following forms or styles:

(1) A page, sheet, or printed form in a book, case jacket, or separate file.
(2) Computer magnetic tape or magnetic disc storage, where the judgment and subsequent transactions appear on the terminal screen, or on a paper print-out of the screen display.
(3) A microfilm copy of 1 and 2 above.
(4) Any other form or style prescribed by supreme court directive.

(e) Retention and Disposition of Records. The clerk shall retain and dispose of all court records, including those created under Rule 79(b) prior to its repeal, in accordance with instructions provided in the manual entitled, Colorado Judicial Department, Records Management.

Rule 80. Reporter; Stenographic Report or Transcript as Evidence

(a) Reporter. Unless the parties stipulate to the contrary, a district court or superior court shall, and any other court or referee or master in its discretion may, direct that evidence be taken stenographically and appoint a reporter for that purpose. His fee shall be fixed by the court subject to limitations imposed by law, and shall be paid in the manner provided by law; and if taxed to litigant may be taxed ultimately as costs in the discretion of the court. The cost of a transcript shall be paid in the first instance by the party ordering same.

(b) Official Reporters. Each court of record may designate one or more official court reporters.

(c) Stenographic Report or Transcript as Evidence. Whenever the testimony of a witness at a trial or hearing which was stenographically reported is admissible in evidence at a later trial, it may be proved by the transcript thereof duly certified by the person who reported the testimony.

(d) Reporter’s Notes: Custody, Use, Ownership, Retention. All reporter’s notes shall be the property of the state. Reporter’s notes shall be retained by the court for no less than twenty-one years after the creation of the notes, or such other period as may be prescribed by supreme court directive or by instructions in the manual entitled, Colorado Judicial Department, Records Management. During the period of retention, reporter’s notes shall be made available to the reporter of record, or to any other reporter or person the court may designate. During the trial or the taking of other matters on the record, the notes shall be considered the property of the state, even though in the custody of the reporter. After the trial and appeal period, the reporter shall list, date, and index all notes and shall properly pack them for storage. The state shall provide the storage containers and space.

Rule 81. Applicability in General

(a) Special Statutory Proceedings. These rules do not govern procedure and practice in any special statutory proceeding insofar as they are inconsistent or in conflict with the procedure and practice provided by the applicable statute. Where the applicable statute provides for procedure under a former Code of Civil Procedure, such procedure shall be in accordance with these rules.

(b) Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation. These rules shall not govern procedure and practice in actions in dissolution of marriage and legal separation insofar as they may be inconsistent or in conflict with the procedure and practice provided by the applicable statutes.

(c) Appeals from County to District Court. These rules do not supersede the provisions of the statutes of this state now or hereafter in effect relating to appeals from final judgments and decrees of the county court to the district court.

Rule 82. Jurisdiction Unaffected

These rules shall not be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of any court.

Rule 83. Rules by Courts

Repealed April 1, 1982, effective July 1, 1982.

Rule 84. Forms

The forms contained in the Appendix to chapters 1 to 17 are sufficient under the rules and are intended to indicate the simplicity and brevity of statement which the rules contemplate.

Rule 85. Title

Repealed December 5, 1996, effective January 1, 1997.

Rule 86. Pending Water Adjudications Under 1943 Act

In any water adjudication under the provisions of article 9 of chapter 148, C.R.S. 1963, as amended, pending on August 12, 1971, in which any applicant files any statement of claim asking that his date of priority antedate any earlier decrees or adjudications, in order not to be forever barred the owners of affected rights must object and protest within the times and in the manner provided by the Water Right Determination and Administration Act of 1969; and the judge shall direct the clerk to publish once in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in the water division as set forth in said Act of 1969, within which the water district is incorporated, to provide, and which shall be, notice to all water users within the division. The language of such notice shall be substantially as follows:

“There has been filed in this proceeding a claim or claims which may affect in priority any water right claimed or heretofore adjudicated within this division and owners of affected rights must appear to object and protest as provided in the Water Right Determination and Administration Act of 1969, or be forever barred.”

Rule 87. Application of Following Water Rules

Rules 88 through 91 shall govern proceedings under article 92 of title 37, C.R.S. 1973.

Rule 88. Judgments and Decrees

(a) Record and Indices. The water clerk shall prepare and maintain books of all judgments and decrees in the sequence of their entry by the court, or shall keep microfilm or magnetic tape copies of the same. The water clerk shall prepare and maintain suitable indices of the judgments and decrees.

(b) Entry and Finality of Judgment. Immediately following the issuance of a judgment and decree the water clerk shall make an entry of record concerning the same, and the judgment and decree shall then be deemed final.

(c) Notice. A copy of such judgment and decree or notice thereof shall be given promptly to applicants and to any protestors and objectors, or their attorneys.

Rule 89. Notice When Priority Antedating an Adjudication Is Sought

Whenever a claimant makes application for the determination of a water right or a conditional water right and claims that his date of priority will antedate any earlier adjudication or claims a priority date earlier than the effective date of one or more priorities awarded by a previous decree or decrees within the water division in which the application is filed (except when provision for such antedation or earlier priority is made by statute), in order not to be forever barred, the owners of affected rights must object and protest within the times and in the manner provided by statute, and the water clerk shall include in the resume required by statute a specific notification in boldface type substantially as follows:

“The water right claimed by this application may affect in priority any water right claimed or heretofore adjudicated within this division and owners of affected rights must appear to object and protest within the time provided by statute, or be forever barred.”

Rule 90. Dispositions of Water Court Applications

(a) The water clerk shall receive and file all applications and number them upon payment of filing fees. The water clerk shall not accept for filing any application that is not accompanied by the required filing fee. Each application filed within each division shall be consecutively numbered, preceded by the year and the letters CW (e.g. 2009CW100) to identify such applications as concerning water matters. The applicant for a finding of reasonable diligence relating to a conditional water right and/or to make a conditional water right absolute shall include in the application a listing of the original and any other prior case numbers pertaining to the conditional water right included in the application; thereafter, the assigned case number for the application shall appear on any document, pleading, or other item in the case. Referee rulings and water court judgments and decrees shall include all relevant prior case numbers.

(b) The water clerk shall include in the resume all applications filed during the preceding month that substantially contain the information required by Rule 3 of the Uniform Local Rules for All State Water Court Divisions and the standard forms approved by the water judges under C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2)(a), which together provide the information sufficient for publication to the public and potential parties. The water clerk, in consultation with the referee pursuant to Rule 6 of the Uniform Local Rules For All State Water Court Divisions, shall promptly refer to the water judge for consideration and disposition any application that does not substantially contain the information required by Rule 3 of the Uniform Local Rules For All State Water Court Divisions and the standard forms approved by the water judges under C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2)(a). Any such application shall not be published in the resume pending disposition by the water judge. The water clerk shall promptly inform the applicant that the application has been referred to the water judge and provide the applicant with a list of the required information that was not contained in the application.

(c) In determining whether or not to order publication of the application in the resume pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-92-302(3)(a), the water judge shall promptly review the application and shall employ an inquiry notice standard in conducting the review. Upon a finding that the application does not provide sufficient inquiry notice contemplated by Rule 3 of the Uniform Local Rules for All State Water Court Divisions and the standard forms approved by the water judges under C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2)(a) to justify publication, the water judge shall set a date pursuant to C.R.C.P. 41(b)(2) and C.R.C.P. 1 21, Section 1-10, by which date the application will be dismissed unless, prior to that date, a sufficient application is filed. The application will retain its original filing date unless and until the application is dismissed.

(d) For purposes of relation back of the filing date of a subsequent applicant’s application for a water right or conditional water right pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-92-306.1 , the subsequent application shall be filed within sixty days of the date the prior application is published in the resume.

(e) Upon request, the water clerk shall provide a prospective applicant or opposer with one copy of the form for the relevant application or statement of opposition. The standard forms for applications and statements of opposition may also be found in the “Water Courts” section of the Colorado Judicial Branch web page.

Rule 91. Entry of Decree When No Protest Has Been Filed

The water judge may enter a decree at any time upon any ruling of the referee to which no protest has been filed, and it shall be sufficient for such purpose to enter thereon substantially the following language:

No protest was filed in this matter. The foregoing ruling is confirmed and approved, and is made the Judgment and Decree of this Court.

Dated: ____________ Water Judge

Rule 92. Conditional Water Rights – Extension of Time for Entry of Findings of Reasonable Diligence

Where a decree or other determination with respect to a conditional water right was entered not earlier than June 7, 1971, and not later than June 6, 1973, the time during which the owner or user thereof must obtain a finding of reasonable diligence in the development of the proposed appropriation in order to maintain the conditional water right shall be extended by two years.

Rule 93 to 96.

[Note: There are at present no Colorado Rules 93 to 96.]

Rule 97. Change of Judge

A judge shall be disqualified in an action in which he is interested or prejudiced, or has been of counsel for any party, or is or has been a material witness, or is so related or connected with any party or his attorney as to render it improper for him to sit on the trial, appeal, or other proceeding therein. A judge may disqualify himself on his own motion for any of said reasons, or any party may move for such disqualification and a motion by a party for disqualification shall be supported by affidavit. Upon the filing by a party of such a motion all other proceedings in the case shall be suspended until a ruling is made thereon. Upon disqualifying himself, a judge shall notify forthwith the chief judge of the district who shall assign another judge in the district to hear the action. If no other judge in the district is available or qualified, the chief judge shall notify forthwith the court administrator who shall obtain from the Chief Justice the assignment of a replacement judge.

Rule 98. Place of Trial

(a) Venue for Real Property, Franchises, and Utilities. All actions affecting real property, franchises, or utilities shall be tried in the county in which the subject of the action, or a substantial part thereof, is situated.

(b) Venue for Recovery of Penalty, etc. Actions upon the following claims shall be tried in the county where the claim, or some part thereof, arose:

(1) For the recovery of a penalty or forfeiture imposed by statute, except that when it is imposed for an offense committed on a lake, river, or other stream of water, situated in two or more counties, the action may be brought in any county bordering on such lake, river, or stream and opposite the place where the offense was committed;
(2) Against a public officer or person specially appointed to execute his duties, for an act done by him in virtue of his office, or against a person who by his command, or in his aid, does anything touching the duties of such officer, or for a failure to perform any act or duty which he is by law required to perform.

(c) Venue for Tort, Contract, and Other Actions.

(1) Except as provided in sections (a), (b), and (c)(2) through (6) of this Rule, an action shall be tried in the county in which the defendants, or any of them, may reside at the commencement of the action, or in the county where the plaintiff resides when service is made on the defendant in such county; or if the defendant is a nonresident of this state, the same may be tried in any county in which the defendant may be found in this state, or in the county designated in the complaint, and if any defendant is about to depart from the state, such action may be tried in any county where plaintiff resides, or where defendant may be found and service had.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, an action on book account or for goods sold and delivered may also be tried in the county where the plaintiff resides or where the goods were sold; an action upon contract may also be tried in the county where the same was to be performed.
(3)

(A) For the purposes of this Rule, a consumer contract is any sale, lease, or loan in which (i) the buyer, lessee, or debtor is a person other than an organization; (ii) the goods are purchased or leased, the services are obtained, or the debt is incurred, primarily for a personal, family, or household purpose; and (iii) the initial amount due under the contract, the total amount initially payable under the lease, or the initial principal does not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars.
(B) An action on a consumer contract shall be tried (i) in the county in which the contract was signed or entered into by any defendant; or (ii) in the county in which any defendant resided at the time the contract was entered into; or (iii) in the county in which any defendant resides at the time the action is commenced. If the defendant is a nonresident of this state, the same may be tried in any county in which the defendant may be found in this state, or in the county designated in the complaint, and if any defendant is about to depart from the state, such action may be tried in any county where plaintiff resides, or where defendant may be found and service had.
(C) In any action on a consumer contract if the plaintiff fails to state facts in the complaint or by affidavit showing that the action has been commenced in the proper county as described in this Rule, or if it appears from the stated facts that venue is improper, the court may, upon its own motion or upon motion of any party, dismiss any such action without prejudice; however, if appropriate facts appear in the record, the court shall transfer the action to an appropriate county. Any provision or authorization in any consumer contract purporting to waive any rights under subsection (3) of section (c) of this Rule is void.
(D) Any debt collector covered by the provisions of the Federal “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act” shall comply with the provisions of said Act set forth in 15 U.S.C. 1692(i) concerning legal actions by debt collectors, notwithstanding any provision of this Rule.

(4) An action upon a contract for services may also be tried in the county in which the services were to be performed.
(5) An action for tort may also be tried in the county where the tort was committed.
(6) An action in interpleader may also be tried in any county where a claimant resides.

(d) Venue for Injunction to Stay Proceedings. When any injunction shall be granted to stay a suit or judgment, the proceeding shall be had in the county where the judgment was obtained or the suit is pending.

(e) Motion to Change Venue; When Presented; Waiver; Effect of Filing.

(1) Except for actions under section (c)(3), (f)(2), or (g) of this Rule, a motion to change venue shall be filed within the time permitted for the filing of motions under the defenses numbered (1) to (4) of section (b) of Rule 12, and if any such motion, or any other motion permitted by Rule 12, is filed within said time, simultaneously therewith. Unless so filed, the right to have venue changed is waived. A motion under sections (c)(3), (f)(2), or (g) of this Rule, shall be filed prior to the time a case is set for trial, or the right to have venue changed on said grounds is waived, unless the court, in its discretion, upon motion filed or of its own motion, finds that a change of venue should be ordered.
(2) If a motion to change venue is filed within the time permitted by section (a) of Rule 12 for the filing of a motion under the defenses numbered (1) to (4) of section (b) of Rule 12, the filing of such motion by a party under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section (e) alters his time to file his responsive pleading as follows: If the motion is overruled the responsive pleading shall be filed within 14 days thereafter unless a different time is fixed by the court, and if it is allowed the responsive pleading shall be filed within 14 days after the action has been docketed in the court to which the action is removed unless that court fixes a different time.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in an order allowing a motion to change venue, earlier ex parte and other orders affecting an action, or the parties thereto, shall remain in effect, subject to change or modification by order of the court to which the action is removed.

(f) Causes of Change. The court may, on good cause shown, change the place of trial in the following cases: (1) When the county designated in the complaint is not the proper county; (2) When the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change.

(g) Change from County. If either party fears that he will not receive a fair trial in the county in which the action is pending, because the adverse party has an undue influence over the minds of the inhabitants thereof, or that they are prejudiced against him so that he cannot expect a fair trial, he may file a motion supported by an affidavit for a change of venue. The opposite party may file a counter motion and affidavit. If the motion is sustained the venue shall be changed.

(h) Transfers Where Concurrent Jurisdiction. All actions or proceedings in which district and county courts have concurrent jurisdiction, may, by stipulation of the parties and order of the court, be transferred by either court to such other court of the same county. Upon transfer, the court to which such cause is removed shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction as if originally commenced therein.

(i) Place Changed if All Parties Agree. When all parties assent, or when all parties who have entered their appearance assent and the remaining nonappearing parties are in default, the place of trial of an action in a district court may be changed to any other county in the district. The judgment entered therein, if any, shall be transmitted to the clerk of the district court of the original county for filing and recording in his office.

(j) Parties Must Agree on Change. Where there are two or more plaintiffs or defendants, the place of trial shall not be changed unless the motion is made by or with the consent of all the plaintiffs or defendants, as the case may be.

(k) Only One Change; No Waiver. In case the place of trial is changed the party securing the same shall not be permitted to apply for another change upon the same ground. A party does not waive his right to change of judge or place of trial if his objection thereto is made in apt time.

Rule 100. Contested Elections

(a) Statement of Contest; Where Filed. Any qualified elector wishing to contest the election of any person to the office of presidential elector, supreme court justice, court of appeals judge, district, or county judge, shall within 35 days after the canvass of the secretary of state, in case of a presidential elector, supreme court justice, court of appeals judge, or district judge, file in the office of the secretary of state a written statement of his intention to contest; and where the contest is for the office of county judge, such statement shall be filed in the office of the county clerk of the proper county within 35 days after the canvass by the county board of canvassers, which statement shall set forth: (1) The name of the contestor; (2) the name of the contestee; (3) the office; (4) the time of the election; (5) the particular cause of contest. The statement shall be verified by the affidavit of the contesting party.

(b) Trial. The contestor, or some one in behalf of the person for whose benefit the contest is made, shall, within 35 days after the filing of the statement of contest, file a complaint in the office of the clerk of the supreme court, if the contest relates to a presidential elector or supreme court justice, or in the office of the clerk of the court of appeals, if the contest relates to a court of appeals judge, or in the office of the clerk of the district court in the proper county, if the contest relates to a district or county judge. Upon the filing of such complaint the clerk shall issue summons. When the case is at issue, the court shall hear and determine the same in a summary manner, without the intervention of a jury.

Rule 101. Arrest and Exemplary Damages

Repealed May 29, 1986, effective January 1, 1987.

Rule 102. Attachments

(a) Before Judgment. Any party, at the time of filing a claim, in an action on contract, express or implied, or in an action to recover damages for tort committed against the person or property of a resident of this state, or at any time after the filing but before judgment, may have nonexempt property of the party against whom the claim is asserted (hereinafter defendant), attached by an ex parte order of court in the manner and on the grounds prescribed in this Rule, unless the defendant shall give good and sufficient security as required by section (f) of this Rule. No ex parte attachments before judgment shall be permitted other than those specified in this Rule.

(b) Affidavit. No writ of attachment shall issue unless the party asserting the claim (hereinafter plaintiff), his agent or attorney, or some credible person for him shall file in the court in which the action is brought an affidavit setting forth that the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff, or that the defendant is liable in damages to the plaintiff for a tort committed against the person or property of a resident of this state, stating the nature and amount of such indebtedness or claim for damages and setting forth facts showing one or more of the causes of attachment of section (c) of this Rule.

(c) Causes. No writ of attachment shall issue unless it be shown by affidavit or testimony in specific factual detail, within the personal knowledge of an affiant or witness, that there is a reasonable probability that any of the following causes exist:

(1) The defendant is a foreign corporation without a certificate of authority to do business in this state.
(2) The defendant has for more than four months been absent from the state, or the whereabouts of the defendant are unknown, or the defendant is a nonresident of this state, and all reasonable efforts to obtain in personam jurisdiction over the defendant have failed. Plaintiff must show what efforts have been made to obtain jurisdiction over the defendant.
(3) The defendant conceals himself or stands in defiance of an officer, so that process of law cannot be served upon him.
(4) The defendant is presently about to remove his property or effects, or a material part thereof, from this state with intent to defraud, delay, or hinder one or more of his creditors, or to render process of execution unavailing if judgment is obtained.
(5) The defendant has fraudulently conveyed, transferred, or assigned his property or effects, or a material part thereof, so as to hinder or delay one or more of his creditors, or to render process or execution unavailing if judgment is obtained.
(6) The defendant has fraudulently concealed, removed, or disposed of his property or effects, or a material part thereof, so as to hinder or delay one or more of his creditors, or to render process of execution unavailing if judgment is obtained.
(7) The defendant is presently about to fraudulently convey, transfer, or assign his property or effects, or a material part thereof, so as to hinder or delay one or more of his creditors, or to render process of execution unavailing if judgment is obtained.
(8) The defendant is presently about to fraudulently conceal, remove, or dispose of his property or effects, or a material part thereof, so as to hinder or delay one or more of his creditors, or to render process of execution unavailing if judgment is obtained.
(9) The defendant has departed or is presently about to depart from this state, with the intention of having his property or effects, or a material part thereof, removed from the state.

(d) Plaintiff to Give Bond. Before the issuance of a writ of attachment the plaintiff shall furnish a bond that complies with the requirements of C.R.C.P. 1 21, § 1-23, in an amount set by the court in its discretion, not exceeding double the amount claimed, to the effect that if the defendant recover judgment, or if the court shall finally decide that the plaintiff was not entitled to an attachment, the plaintiff will pay all costs that may be awarded to the defendant, and all damages defendant may sustain by reason of the wrongful suing out of the attachment. The defendant may require the sureties to satisfy the court that each, for himself, is worth the amount for which he has become surety over and above his just debts and liabilities, in property located in this state and not by law exempt from execution.

(e) Court Issues Writ of Attachment. After the affidavit and bond are filed as aforesaid and testimony had as the court may require, the court may issue a writ of attachment, directed to the sheriff of a specified county, commanding him to attach the lands, tenements, goods, chattels, rights, credits, moneys, and effects of said defendant, of every kind, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to satisfy the claim sworn to, regardless of whose hands or possession in which the same may be found.

(f) Contents of Writ and Notice. The writ shall direct the sheriff to serve a copy of the writ on the defendant if found in the county, and to attach and keep safely all the property of the defendant within the county, not exempt from execution, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy the plaintiff’s claim, the amount of which shall be stated in conformity with the affidavit. The writ shall also inform the defendant of his right to traverse and to have a hearing to contest the attachment. If the defendant’s property is or may be located in more than one county, additional or alias writs may be issued contemporaneously. If the defendant deposit the amount of money claimed by the plaintiff or give and furnish security by an undertaking, approved by the sheriff, of a corporate surety company or of at least two sureties in an amount sufficient to satisfy such claim, the sheriff shall take such money or undertaking in lieu of the property. Alias writs may issue at any time to the sheriffs of different counties.

(g) Service; How Made. The writ of attachment shall be served in like manner and under the same conditions as are provided in these rules for the service of process. Service shall be deemed completed upon the expiration of the same period as is provided for service of process.

(h) Execution of Writ. The sheriff to whom the writ is directed and delivered shall execute the same without delay as follows:

(1) Real property standing upon the records of the county in the name of the defendant shall be attached by filing a copy of the writ, together with a description of the property attached, with the recorder of the county.
(2) Real property, or any interest therein belonging to the defendant, and held by any person, or standing upon the records of the county in the name of any other person but belonging to the defendant, shall be attached by leaving with such person or his agent, if either be found in the county, a copy of the writ and a notice that such real property (giving a description thereof), and any interest therein belonging to the defendant, are attached pursuant to such writ, and filing a copy of such writ and notice with the recorder of the county.
(3) Personal property shall be attached by taking it into custody.

(i) Return of Writ. The sheriff shall return the writ of attachment within 21 days after its receipt, with a certificate of his proceedings endorsed thereon, or attached thereto, making a full inventory of the property attached as a part of his return upon the writ.

(j) Execution of Writ on Sunday or Legal Holiday. If an affidavit or testimony is received stating that it is necessary to execute the writ of attachment on Sunday or on a legal holiday, to secure property sufficient to satisfy the judgment to be obtained, and if the court is so satisfied, the court shall endorse on the writ an order to the officer directing the writ to be executed on such day.

(k) No Final Judgment Until 35 Days After Levy.

(1) Creditors. No final judgment shall be rendered in a cause wherein an attachment writ has been issued and a levy made thereunder, until the expiration of 35 days after such levy has been made; and any creditor of the defendant making and filing within said 35-day period an affidavit and undertaking, as hereinbefore required of the plaintiff, together with his complaint setting forth his claim against the defendant, shall be made a party plaintiff and have like remedies against the defendant to secure his claim, as the law gives to the original plaintiff.
(2) Judgment Creditors. Any other creditor whose claim has been reduced to judgment in this state may upon motion filed within said 35 days be made a party and have like remedies against the attached property. Such judgment creditor shall not be required to make or file an affidavit, undertaking or complaint, or have summons issue, provided, that any such judgment creditor may be required to prove to the satisfaction of the court that his judgment is bona fide and not in fraud of the rights of other creditors.

(l) Dismissal by One Creditor Does Not Affect Others. After any additional creditor has been made a party to the action, as hereinbefore provided, a dismissal by the first or any subsequent attaching creditor of his cause of action, or proceedings in attachment, shall not operate as a dismissal of the attachment proceedings as to any other attaching creditor; but the remaining creditors may proceed to final judgment therein the same as though no such dismissal had been made.

(m) Final Judgment Prorated; When Creditors Preferred. The final judgment in said action shall be a several judgment, wherein each creditor named as plaintiff shall have and recover of the defendant the amount of his claim or demand, as found by the court to be due, together with his costs; and the money realized from the attachment proceedings, after paying all costs taxed in the attachment action, shall be paid to the participating creditors in proportion to the amounts of their several judgments; and any surplus moneys, if any, shall be paid to the defendant by order of the court, upon proof thereof. Provided, when the property is attached while the defendant is removing the same or after the same has been removed from the county, and the same is overtaken and returned, or while same is secreted by the defendant, or put out of his hands, for the purpose of defrauding his creditors, the court may allow the creditor or creditors through whose diligence the same shall have been secured a priority over other attachments or judgment creditors.

(n) Traverse of Affidavit.

(1) The defendant may, at any time before trial, by affidavit, traverse and put in issue the matters alleged in the affidavit, testimony, or other evidence upon which the attachment is based and if the plaintiff shall establish the reasonable probability that any one of the causes alleged in the affidavit exists, said attachment shall be sustained, otherwise the same shall be dissolved. A hearing on the defendant’s traverse shall be held within 7 days from the filing of the traverse and upon no less than two business days’ notice to the plaintiff. If the debt for which the action is brought is not due and for that reason the attachment is not sustained, the action shall be dismissed; but if the debt is due, but the attachment nevertheless is not sustained, the action may proceed to judgment after the attachment is dissolved, as in other actions where no attachment is issued.
(2) A plaintiff who fails to prevail at the hearing provided by this section is liable to the defendant for any damages sustained as a result of the issuance of process, costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees. A claim for damages under this subsection may be brought as part of the existing action, and the defendant shall be permitted to amend his answer and any counterclaim for this purpose.

(o) Amendment of Affidavit. If at the hearing of issues formed by the traverse it shall appear that the evidence introduced does not prove the cause or causes alleged in the affidavits, but the evidence does tend to prove another cause of attachment in existence at the time of the issuance of the writ, then on motion the affidavits may be amended to conform to proof the same as pleadings are allowed to be amended in cases of variance.

(p) Intervention; Damages. Any third person claiming any of the property attached, or any lien thereon or interest therein, may intervene under the provisions of Rule 24, and in case of a judgment in his favor may also recover such damages as he may have suffered by reason of the attachment of the property.

(q) Perishable Property May Be Sold. Where property taken by writ of execution or attachment, or seized under order of court, is in danger of serious and immediate decay or waste, or likely to depreciate rapidly in value pending the determination of the issues, or, where the keeping of it will be attended with great expense, any party to the action may apply to the court, upon due notice, for a sale thereof, and, thereupon the court may, in its discretion, order the property sold in the manner provided for in said order and the proceeds of said sale shall, thereupon, be deposited with the clerk to abide the further order of the court.

(r) Application of Proceeds; Satisfaction of Judgment. If judgment is recovered by the plaintiff or any intervenor, on order of court, all funds previously deposited with the clerk, or in the hands of the sheriff, shall be first applied thereto. If any balance remain due, execution shall issue and be delivered to the sheriff who shall sell so much of the attached property as may be sufficient to satisfy the judgment. Sales shall be conducted as in cases of sales on execution. If there is a personal judgment and after such sale the same is not satisfied in full, the sheriff shall thereupon collect the balance as upon an execution in other cases.

(s) Balance Due; Surplus. Whenever the judgment shall have been paid, the sheriff, upon demand, shall deliver over to the defendant the attached property remaining in his hands, and any proceeds of the property attached unapplied on the judgment.

(t) Procedure When Judgment is For Defendant. If the defendant recover judgment against the plaintiff, any undertaking received in the action, all the proceeds of sales, all money collected by the sheriff, and all the property attached remaining in the sheriff’s hands shall be delivered to the defendant, the writ of attachment shall be discharged, and the property released therefrom.

(u) Defendant May Release Property; Bond. The defendant may at any time before judgment have released to him any money in the hands of the clerk or any property in the hands of the sheriff, by virtue of any writ of attachment, by executing the undertaking provided in section (v) of this Rule. All the proceeds of sales, all money collected by the sheriff, and all the property attached remaining in the sheriff’s hands shall thereupon be released from the attachment and delivered to the defendant upon the delivery and approval of the undertaking.

(v) Conditions of Bond; Liability of Sheriff. Before releasing the attached property to the defendant, the sheriff shall require and approve an undertaking executed by the defendant to the plaintiff either of a corporate surety company or with at least two sureties in such sum as may be fixed by the sheriff in not less than the value of the property, to the effect that in case the plaintiff recover judgment in the action, and the attachment is not dissolved, defendant will, on demand, redeliver such attached property so released to the proper officer, to be applied to the payment of the judgment, and that in default thereof the defendant and sureties will pay to the plaintiff the full value of the property so released. If a sheriff shall release any property held by him under any writ of attachment without taking a sufficient bond, he and his sureties shall be liable to the plaintiff for the damages sustained thereby.

(w) Application to Discharge Attachment. The defendant may also, at any time before trial, move that the attachment be discharged, on the ground that the writ was improperly issued, for any reason appearing upon the face of the papers and proceedings in the action. If on such application it shall satisfactorily appear that the writ of attachment was improperly issued, it shall be discharged.

(x) New Bond; When Ordered; Failure to Furnish. If at any time where an attachment has been issued it shall appear to the court that the undertaking is insufficient, the court shall order another undertaking, and if the plaintiff fails to comply with such order within 21 days after the same shall be made, all or any writs of attachment issued therein shall be quashed. The additional undertaking shall be executed in the same manner as the original, and the sureties therein shall be jointly and severally liable with those in the original undertaking.

(y) New Trial; Appeal and Writs of Certiorari. Motions for new trial may be made in the same time and manner, and shall be allowed in attachment proceedings, as in other actions. Appeals from the county court to the district court and writs of certiorari may be taken and prosecuted from any final judgment or order in such proceedings as in other civil cases. Any order by which an attachment is released or sustained is a final judgment.

Rule 103. Garnishment [Effective March 1, 2016]

This rule sets forth the exclusive process for garnishment. There shall be five (5) types of writs: (1) Writ of Continuing Garnishment, (2) Writ of Garnishment with Notice of Exemption and Pending Levy, (3) Writ of Garnishment for Support, (4) Writ of Garnishment — Judgment Debtor Other Than Natural Person, and (5) Writ of Garnishment in Aid of Writ of Attachment.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 1. WRIT OF CONTINUING GARNISHMENT (ON EARNINGS OF A NATURAL PERSON)

(a) Definitions.

(1) “Continuing garnishment” means the exclusive procedure for withholding the earnings of a judgment debtor for successive pay periods for payment of a judgment debt other than a judgment for support as provided in subsection (c) of this rule.
(2) “Earnings” shall be defined in section 13-54.5-101(2), C.R.S., as applicable.

(b) Form of Writ of Continuing Garnishment and Related Forms. A writ of continuing garnishment shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 26, C.R.C.P. It shall also include at least four (4) “Calculation of Amount of Exempt Earnings” forms to be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 27, C.R.C.P. Objection to the calculation of exempt earnings shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 28, C.R.C.P.

(c) When Writ of Continuing Garnishment Issues. After entry of judgment when a writ of execution can issue, a writ of continuing garnishment against earnings shall be issued by the clerk of the court upon request. Under a writ of continuing garnishment, a judgment creditor may garnish earnings except to the extent such earnings are exempt under law. Issuance of a writ of execution shall not be required.

(d) Service of Writ of Continuing Garnishment. A judgment creditor shall serve two (2) copies of the writ of continuing garnishment, together with a blank copy of C.R.C.P. Form 28, “Objection to the Calculation of the Amount of Exempt Earnings” (Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 28, C.R.C.P.), upon the garnishee, one copy of which the garnishee shall deliver to the judgment debtor as provided in subsection (h)(1) of this rule. Service of the writ shall be in accordance with C.R.C.P. 4, and the person who serves the writ shall note the date and time of such service on the return service. In any civil action, a judgment creditor shall serve no more than one writ of continuing garnishment upon any one garnishee for the same judgment debtor during the Effective Garnishment Period. This restriction shall not preclude the issuance of a subsequent writ within the Effective Garnishment Period.

(e) Jurisdiction. Service of a writ of continuing garnishment upon the garnishee shall give the court jurisdiction over the garnishee and any earnings of the judgment debtor within the control of the garnishee.

(f) Effective Garnishment Period.

(1) A writ of continuing garnishment shall be a lien and continuing levy against the nonexempt earnings of the judgment debtor until such time as earnings are no longer due, the underlying judgment is vacated, modified or satisfied in full, the writ is dismissed, or for 91 days (13 weeks) following service of the writ, if the judgment was entered prior to August 8, 2001, and 182 days (26 weeks) following service of the writ if the judgment was entered on or after August 8, 2001, except when such writ is suspended pursuant to subsection (j) of this rule.
(2) When a writ of continuing garnishment is served upon a garnishee during the Effective Garnishment Period of a prior writ, it shall be effective for the Effective Garnishment Period following the Effective Garnishment Period of any prior writ.
(3) If a writ of garnishment for support pursuant to C.R.S. 14-14-105 is served during the effective period of a writ of continuing garnishment, the Effective Garnishment Period shall be tolled and all priorities preserved until the termination of the writ of garnishment for support.

(g) Exemptions. A garnishee shall not be required to deduct, set up or plead any exemption for or on behalf of a judgment debtor excepting as set forth in the writ.

(h) Delivery of Copy to Judgment Debtor.

(1) The garnishee shall deliver a copy of the writ of continuing garnishment, together with the calculation of the amount of exempt earnings and the blank copy of C.R.C.P. Form 28, “Objection to the Calculation of the Amount of Exempt Earnings” (Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 28, C.R.S.), to the judgment debtor at the time the judgment debtor receives earnings for the first pay period affected by such writ.
(2) For all subsequent pay periods affected by the writ, the garnishee shall deliver a copy of the calculation of the amount of exempt earnings to the judgment debtor at the time the judgment debtor receives earnings for that pay period.

(i) Objection to Calculation of Amount of Exempt Earnings. A judgment debtor may object to the calculation of exempt earnings. A judgment debtor’s objection to calculation of exempt earnings shall be in accordance with Section 6 of this rule.
(j) Suspension. A writ of continuing garnishment may be suspended for a specified period of time by the judgment creditor upon agreement with the judgment debtor, which agreement shall be in writing and filed by the judgment creditor with the clerk of the court in which judgment was entered and a copy shall be delivered by the judgment creditor to the garnishee. No suspension shall extend the running of the Effective Garnishment Period nor affect priorities.

(k) Answer and Tender of Payment by Garnishee.

(1) The garnishee shall file the answer to the writ of continuing garnishment with the clerk of the court and send a copy to the judgment creditor no less than 7 nor more than 14 days following the time the judgment debtor receives earnings for the first pay period affected by such writ, or 42 days following the date such writ was served pursuant to section (1)(d) of this rule, whichever is less. However, if the judgment creditor is represented by an attorney, or is a collection agency licensed pursuant to section 12-14-101 , et seq., C.R.S., the garnishee may be directed to pay any nonexempt earnings and deliver a calculation of the amount of exempt earnings to the attorney or the licensed collection agency.
(2) The garnishee shall pay any nonexempt earnings and deliver a calculation of the amount of exempt earnings to the clerk of the court which issued such writ no less than 7 nor more than 14 days following the time the judgment debtor receives earnings affected by such writ. However, if the answer and subsequent calculations are only mailed to an attorney or licensed collection agency under subsection (k)(1), the payment shall accompany the answer.
(3) Any writ of continuing garnishment served upon the garnishee while any previous writ is still in effect shall be answered by the garnishee with a statement that the garnishee has been previously served with one or more writs of continuing garnishment and/or writs of garnishment for support and specify the date on which such previously served writs are expected to terminate.

(l) Disbursement of Garnished Earnings.

(1) If no objection is filed by the judgment debtor within 7 days, the garnishee shall send the nonexempt earnings to the attorney, collection agency licensed pursuant to section 12-14-101 , et seq., C.R.S., or court designated on the writ of continuing garnishment (C.R.C.P. Form 26, page 1, paragraph e). The judgment creditor shall refund to the judgment debtor any disbursement in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy the judgment.
(2) If a written objection to the calculation of exempt earnings is filed with the clerk of the court, the garnishee shall send the garnished nonexempt earnings to the clerk of the court. The garnished nonexempt earnings shall be placed in the registry of the court pending further order of the court.

(m) Request for accounting of garnished funds by judgment debtor. Upon reasonable written request by a judgment debtor, the judgment creditor shall provide an accounting in writing of all funds received to the date of the request, including the balance due at the date of the request.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 2. WRIT OF GARNISHMENT (ON PERSONAL PROPERTY OTHER THAN EARNINGS OF A NATURAL PERSON) WITH NOTICE OF EXEMPTION AND PENDING LEVY

(a) Definition. “Writ of garnishment with notice of exemption and pending levy” means the exclusive procedure through which the personal property of any kind (other than earnings of a natural person) in the possession or control of a garnishee including the credits, debts, choses in action, or money owed to the judgment debtor, whether they are due at the time of the service of the writ or are to become due thereafter, is required to be held for payment of a judgment debt. For the purposes of this rule such writ is designated “writ with notice.”

(b) Form of Writ With Notice and Claim of Exemption. A writ with notice shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 29, C.R.C.P. A judgment debtor’s written claim of exemption shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 30, C.R.C.P.

(c) When Writ With Notice Issues. After entry of a judgment when a writ of execution may issue, a writ with notice shall be issued by the clerk of the court upon request. Under such writ any indebtedness, intangible personal property, or tangible personal property capable of manual delivery, other than earnings of a natural person, owed to, or owned by, the judgment debtor, and in the possession or control of the garnishee at the time of service of such writ upon the garnishee, shall be subject to the process of garnishment. Issuance of a writ of execution shall not be required before the issuance of a writ with notice.

(d) Service of Writ With Notice.

(1) Service of a writ with notice shall be made in accordance with C.R.C.P. 4.
(2) Following service of the writ with notice on the garnishee, a copy of the writ with notice, together with a blank copy of C.R.C.P. Form 30 “Claim of Exemption to Writ of Garnishment with Notice” (Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 30, C.R.C.P.), shall be served upon each judgment debtor whose property is subject to garnishment by such writ as soon thereafter as practicable. Such service shall be in accordance with C.R.S. 13-54.5-107(2).

(e) Jurisdiction. Service of a writ with notice upon the garnishee shall give the court jurisdiction over the garnishee and any personal property of any description, owned by, or owed to the judgment debtor in the possession or control of the garnishee.

(f) Claim of Exemption. A judgment debtor’s claim of exemption shall be in accordance with Section 6 of this rule.

(g) Court Order on Garnishment Answer.

(1) If an answer to a writ with notice shows the garnishee is indebted to the judgment debtor, the clerk shall enter judgment in favor of the judgment debtor and against the garnishee for the use of the judgment creditor in an amount not to exceed the total amount due and owing on the judgment and if the judgment creditor is pro se, request such indebtedness paid into the registry of the court. However, if the judgment creditor is represented by an attorney or is a collection agency licensed pursuant to 12-14-101, et. seq., C.R.S., the garnishee shall pay the funds directly to the attorney or licensed collection agency.
(2) No such judgment and request shall enter until the judgment creditor has made a proper showing that: (A) a copy of the writ with notice was properly served upon the judgment debtor, and (B) no written claim of exemption was filed within 14 days after such service or a written claim of exemption was properly filed and the same was disallowed.
(3) If an answer to a writ with notice shows the garnishee to possess or control intangible personal property or personal property capable of manual delivery owned by the judgment debtor, the court shall order the garnishee to deliver such property to the sheriff to be sold as upon execution and the court may enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties. Any proceeds received by the sheriff upon such sale shall be paid to the registry of the court to be applied to the judgment debt, but any surplus of property or proceeds shall be delivered to the judgment debtor.
(4) No such order shall enter until the judgment creditor has made a proper showing that: (A) a copy of the writ with notice was properly served upon the judgment debtor, and (B) no written claim of exemption was filed within 14 days after such service or a written claim of exemption was properly filed with the court and the same was disallowed.

(h) Disbursement by Clerk of Court. The clerk of the court shall disburse funds to the judgment creditor without further application or order and enter the disbursement in the court records. The judgment creditor shall refund to the clerk of the court any disbursement in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy the judgment.

(i) Automatic Release of Garnishee. If a garnishee answers a writ with notice that the garnishee is indebted to the judgment debtor in an amount less than $50.00 and no traverse has been filed, the garnishee shall automatically be released from said writ if the garnishee shall not have been ordered to pay the indebtedness to the clerk of the court within six (6) months from the date of service of such writ.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 3. WRIT OF GARNISHMENT FOR SUPPORT

(a) Definitions.

(1) “Writ of garnishment for support” means the exclusive procedure for withholding the earnings of a judgment debtor for payment of a judgment debt for child support arrearages, maintenance when combined with child support, or child support debts, or maintenance.
(2) “Earnings” shall be as defined in Section 13-54.5-101(2), C.R.S., as applicable.

(b) Form of Writ of Garnishment for Support. A writ of garnishment for support shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 31, C.R.C.P. and shall include at least four (4) “Calculation of Amount of Exempt Earnings” forms which shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 27, C.R.C.P.

(c) When Writ of Garnishment for Support Issues. Upon compliance with C.R.S. 14-10-122(1)(c), a writ of garnishment for support shall be issued by the clerk of the court upon request. Under such writ a judgment creditor may garnish earnings except to the extent such are exempt under law. Issuance of a writ of execution shall not be required.

(d) Service of Writ of Garnishment for Support. Service of a writ of garnishment for support shall be in accordance with C.R.C.P. 4.

(e) Jurisdiction. Service of a writ of garnishment for support upon the garnishee shall give the court jurisdiction over the garnishee and any earnings of the judgment debtor within the control of the garnishee.

(f) Effective Garnishment Period and Priority.

(1) A writ of garnishment for support shall be continuing and shall require the garnishee to withhold, pursuant to law, the portion of earnings subject to garnishment at each succeeding earnings disbursement interval until the judgment is satisfied or the garnishment released by the court or released in writing by the judgment creditor.
(2) A writ of garnishment for support shall have priority over any writ of continuing garnishment notwithstanding the fact such other writ may have been served upon the garnishee previously.

(g) Answer and Tender of Payment by Garnishee.

(1) The garnishee shall answer the writ of garnishment for support no less than 7 nor more than 14 days following the time the judgment debtor receives earnings for the first pay period affected by such writ. If the judgment debtor is not employed by the garnishee at the time the writ is served, the garnishee shall answer the writ within 14 days from the service thereof.
(2) The garnishee shall pay any nonexempt earnings and deliver a calculation of the amount of exempt earnings, as directed in the writ of garnishment for support, to the family support registry, the clerk of the court which issued such writ, or to the judgment creditor no less than 7 nor more than 14 days following the time the judgment debtor receives earnings during the Effective Garnishment Period of such writ.

(h) Disbursement of Garnished Earnings. The family support registry or the clerk of the court shall disburse nonexempt earnings to the judgment creditor without further application or order and enter such disbursement in the court records. The judgment creditor shall refund to the clerk of the court any disbursement in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy the judgment.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 4. WRIT OF GARNISHMENT – JUDGMENT DEBTOR OTHER THAN NATURAL PERSON

(a) Definition. “Writ of garnishment — judgment debtor other than natural person” means the exclusive procedure through which personal property of any kind of a judgment debtor other than a natural person in the possession or control of the garnishee including the credits, debts, choses in action, or money owed to the judgment debtor, whether they are due at the time of the service of the writ or are to become due thereafter is required to be held by a garnishee for payment of a judgment debt. For purposes of this rule, such writ is designated “writ of garnishment — other than natural person.”

(b) Form of Writ of Garnishment — Other Than Natural Person. A writ of garnishment under this Section shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 32, C.R.C.P.

(c) When Writ of Garnishment — Other Than Natural Person Issues. When the judgment debtor is other than a natural person, after entry of a judgment, and when a writ of execution may issue, a writ of garnishment shall be issued by the clerk of the court upon request. Under such writ of garnishment, the judgment creditor may garnish personal property of any description owned by, or owed to, such judgment debtor and in the possession or control of the garnishee. Issuance of a writ of execution shall not be required.

(d) Service of Writ of Garnishment — Other Than Natural Person. Service of the writ of garnishment — other than natural person shall be made in accordance with C.R.C.P. 4. No service of the writ or other notice of levy need be made on the judgment debtor.

(e) Jurisdiction. Service of the writ of garnishment — other than natural person shall give the court jurisdiction over the garnishee and personal property of any description, owned by, or owed to, a judgment debtor who is other than a natural person, in the possession or control of the garnishee.

(f) Court Order on Garnishment Answer. When the judgment debtor is other that a natural person:

(1) If the answer to a writ of garnishment shows the garnishee is indebted to such judgment debtor, the clerk shall enter judgment in favor of such judgment debtor and against the garnishee for the use of the judgment creditor for the amount of the indebtedness shown in such answer and if the judgment creditor is pro se, request such indebtedness be paid into the registry of the court. However, if the judgment creditor is represented by an attorney or is a collection agency licensed pursuant to 12-14-101, et. seq., C.R.S., the garnishee shall pay the funds directly to the attorney or licensed collection agency. In no event shall any judgment against the garnishee be more than the total amount due and owing on the judgment.
(2) If the answer to a writ of garnishment shows the garnishee to possess or control personal property of any description, owned by, or owed to, such judgment debtor, the court shall order the garnishee to deliver such property to the sheriff to be sold as upon execution and the court may enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties. Any proceeds received by the sheriff upon such sale shall be paid to the registry of the court to be applied to the judgment debt, but any surplus of property or proceeds shall be delivered to the judgment debtor.

(g) Disbursement by Clerk of Court. The clerk of the court shall disburse any funds in the registry of court to the judgment creditor without further application or order and enter such disbursement in the court records. The judgment creditor shall refund to the clerk of the court any disbursement in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy the judgment.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 5. WRIT OF GARNISHMENT IN AID OF WRIT OF ATTACHMENT

(a) Definition. “Writ of garnishment in aid of writ of attachment” means the exclusive procedure through which personal property of any kind of a defendant in an attachment action (other than earnings of a natural person) in the possession or control of the garnishee including the credits, debts, choses in action, or money owed to the judgment debtor, whether they are due at the time of the service of the writ or are to become due thereafter, is required to be held by a garnishee. For purposes of this rule, such writ is designated “writ of garnishment in aid of attachment.”

(b) Form of Writ of Garnishment in Aid of Attachment and Form of Notice of Levy. A writ of garnishment in aid of attachment shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 33, C.R.C.P. A Notice of Levy shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 34, C.R.C.P.

(c) When Writ of Garnishment in Aid of Attachment Issues. At any time after the issuance of a writ of attachment in accordance with C.R.C.P. 102, a writ of garnishment shall be issued by the clerk of the court upon request. Under such writ of garnishment the plaintiff in attachment may garnish personal property of any description, except earnings of a natural person, owed to, or owned by, such defendant in attachment and in the possession or control of the garnishee.

(d) Service of Writ of Garnishment in Aid of Attachment. Service of the writ of garnishment in aid of attachment shall be made in accordance with C.R.C.P. 4. If the defendant in attachment is a natural person, service of a notice of levy shall be made as required by C.R.S. 13-55-102 . If the defendant in attachment is other than a natural person, a notice of levy need not be served on the defendant in attachment.

(e) Jurisdiction. Service of the writ of garnishment in aid of attachment shall give the court jurisdiction over the garnishee and personal property of any description (except earnings of a natural person), owned by, or owed to, a defendant in attachment in the possession or control of the garnishee.

(f) Court Order on Garnishment Answer.

(1) When the defendant in attachment is an entity other than a natural person:

(A) If the answer to a writ of garnishment in aid of attachment shows the garnishee is indebted to such defendant in attachment, the clerk shall enter judgment in favor of such defendant in attachment and against the garnishee for the use of the plaintiff in attachment for the amount of the indebtedness shown in such answer and order such amount paid into the registry of the court. In no event shall any judgment against the garnishee be more than the total amount due and owing nor shall such judgment enter for the benefit of a plaintiff in attachment until a judgment has been entered by the court against such defendant in attachment.
(B) If the answer to a writ of garnishment in aid of attachment shows the garnishee to possess or control personal property of any description, owned by, or owed to, such defendant in attachment, at any time after judgment has entered against such defendant in attachment, the court shall order the garnishee to deliver such property to the sheriff to be sold as upon execution and the court may enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties. Any proceeds received by the sheriff upon such sale shall be paid to the registry of the court to be applied to the judgment debt, but any surplus of property or proceeds shall be delivered to the judgment debtor/defendant in attachment.

(2) When the defendant in attachment is a natural person:

(A) If the answer to a writ of garnishment in aid of attachment shows the garnishee is indebted to such defendant in attachment, after judgment has entered against such defendant in attachment/judgment debtor upon a showing that such defendant in attachment has been served with a notice of levy as required by C.R.S. 13-55-102 , the court shall enter judgment in favor of the defendant in attachment/judgment debtor and against the garnishee for the use of the plaintiff in attachment/judgment creditor for the amount of the indebtedness shown in such answer and order such amount paid into the registry of the court. In no event shall any judgment against the garnishee be more than the amount of the judgment against the defendant in attachment/judgment debtor.
(B) If the answer to a writ of garnishment in aid of attachment shows the garnishee to possess or control personal property owned by, or owed to, such defendant in attachment, after judgment has entered against such defendant in attachment/judgment debtor and upon a showing that such defendant in attachment has been served with a notice of levy as required by C.R.S. 13-55-102 , the court shall order the garnishee to deliver the property to the sheriff to be sold as upon execution and the court may enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties. Any proceeds received by the sheriff upon such sale shall be paid to the registry of the court to be applied to the judgment debt but any surplus of property or proceeds shall be delivered to the defendant in attachment/judgment debtor.

(g) Disbursement by Clerk of Court. The clerk of the court shall disburse any funds in the registry of the court to the judgment creditor without further application or order and enter such disbursement in the court records. The judgment creditor shall refund to the clerk of the court any disbursement in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy the judgment.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 6. JUDGMENT DEBTOR’S OBJECTION – WRITTEN CLAIM OF EXEMPTION – HEARING

(a) Judgment Debtor’s Objection to Calculation of Exempt Earnings Under Writ of Continuing Garnishment.

(1) If a judgment debtor objects to the initial or a subsequent calculation of the amount of exempt earnings, the judgment debtor shall have 7 days from the receipt of the copy of the writ of garnishment or calculation of the amount of exempt earnings for subsequent pay periods, within which to resolve the issue of such miscalculation by agreement with the garnishee.
(2) If the judgment debtor’s objection is not resolved with the garnishee within 7 days upon good faith effort, the judgment debtor may file a written objection setting forth, with reasonable detail, the grounds for such objection. Such objection must be filed within 14 days from receipt of the copy of writ of garnishment or calculation of the amount of exempt earnings for subsequent pay periods.
(3) The written objection shall be filed with the clerk of the court by the judgment debtor in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 28, C.R.C.P.
(4) The judgment debtor shall, by certified mail, return receipt requested, immediately deliver a copy of such objection to the garnishee and the judgment creditor’s attorney of record, or if none, to the judgment creditor. If the garnishee has been directed to transmit the nonexempt earnings to an attorney or a collection agency licensed pursuant to section 12-14-101 , et seq, C.R.S., then upon receipt of the objection, the garnishee shall transmit the nonexempt earnings to the clerk of the court.
(5) Upon the filing of a written objection, all proceedings with relation to the earnings of the judgment debtor in possession and control of the garnishee, the judgment creditor, the attorney for the judgment creditor, or in the registry of the court shall be stayed until the written objection is determined by the court.

(b) Judgment Debtor’s Claim of Exemption Under a Writ With Notice.

(1) When a garnishee, pursuant to a writ with notice, holds any personal property of the judgment debtor, other than earnings, which the judgment debtor claims to be exempt, the judgment debtor, within 14 days after being served a copy of such writ as required by Section 2(d)(2) of this rule, shall make and file a written claim of exemption with the clerk of the court in which the judgment was entered.
(2) The claim of exemption to the writ of garnishment with notice shall be in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17, Form 30, C.R.C.P.
(3) The judgment debtor shall, by certified mail, return receipt requested, deliver a copy of the claim of exemption to the garnishee and the judgment creditor’s attorney of record, or if none, to the judgment creditor.
(4) Upon the filing of a claim of exemption to a writ with notice, all proceedings with relation to property in the possession or control of the garnishee shall be stayed until such claim is determined by the court.

(c) Hearing on Objection or Claim of Exemption.

(1) Upon the filing of an objection pursuant to Section 6(a) of this rule or the filing of a claim of exemption pursuant to Section 6(b) of this rule, the court in which the judgment was entered shall set a time for hearing of such objection or claim of exemption which hearing shall not be more than 14 days after the filing of such objection or claim of exemption.
(2) When an objection or claim of exemption is filed, the clerk of the court shall immediately inform the judgment creditor, the judgment debtor and the garnishee, or their attorneys of record, by telephone, by mail, or in person, of the date and time of such hearing.
(3) The clerk of the court shall document in the court record that notice of the hearing has been given in the manner required by this rule. Said documentation in the court record shall constitute a sufficient return and prima facie evidence of such notice.
(4) The court in which judgment was entered shall conduct a hearing at which all interested parties may testify, and shall determine the validity of the objection or claim of exemption filed by the judgment debtor and shall enter a judgment in favor of the judgment debtor to the extent of the validity of the objection or claim of exemption, which judgment shall be a final judgment for the purpose of appellate review.
(5) If the court shall find the amount of exempt earnings to have been miscalculated or if said property is found to be exempt, the court shall order the clerk of the court to remit the amount of over-garnished earnings, or the garnishee to remit such exempt property to the clerk of the court for the use and benefit of the judgment debtor within three (3) business days.

(d) Objection or Claim of Exemption Within Six (6) Months.

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6(a)(2) and Section 6(b)(1) of this rule, a judgment debtor failing to make and file a written objection or claim of exemption within the time therein provided, may, at any time within six (6) months from receipt of the copy of the writ with notice or a copy of the writ of continuing garnishment or the calculation of the amount of exempt earnings, move the court in which the judgment was entered to hear an objection or claim of exemption as to any earnings of property levied in garnishment which the judgment debtor claims to have been miscalculated or which the judgment debtor claims to be exempt.
(2) A hearing pursuant to this subsection shall be held only upon a verified showing, under oath, of good cause which shall include: mistake, accident, surprise, irregularity in proceedings, newly discovered evidence, events not in the control of the judgment debtor, or such other grounds as the court may allow, but in no event shall a hearing be held pursuant to this subsection on grounds available to the judgment debtor as the basis of an objection or claim of exemption within the time periods provided in Section 6(a)(2) and Section 6(b)(1).
(3) At such hearing, if the judgment giving rise to such claim has been satisfied against property or earnings of the judgment debtor, the court shall hear and summarily try and determine whether the amount of the judgment debtor’s earnings paid to the judgment creditor was correctly calculated and whether the judgment debtor’s property sold as upon execution was exempt. If the court finds earnings to have been miscalculated of if property is found to be exempt, the court shall enter judgment in favor of the judgment debtor for the amount of the over-garnished earnings or such exempt property or the value thereof which judgment shall be satisfied by payment to the clerk of the court or the return of exempt property to the judgment debtor within three (3) business days.

(e) Reinstatement of Judgment Debt. If at any time the court orders a return of over-garnished earnings or exempt property or the value of such exempt property pursuant to Sections 6(c)(5) and 6(d)(3) of this rule, the court shall thereupon reinstate the judgment to the extent of the amount of such order.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 7. FAILURE OF GARNISHEE TO ANSWER (ALL FORMS OF GARNISHMENT)

(a) Default Entered by Clerk of Court.

(1) If a garnishee, having been served with any form of writ provided for by this rule, fails to answer or pay any nonexempt earnings as directed within the time required, the clerk of the court shall enter a default against such garnishee upon request.
(2) No default shall be entered in an attachment action against the garnishee until the expiration of 35 days after service of a writ of garnishment upon the garnishee.

(b) Procedure After Default of Garnishee Entered.

(1) After a default is entered, the judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment or any intervenor in attachment, may proceed before the court to prove the liability of the garnishee to the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment.
(2) If a garnishee is under subpoena to appear before the court for a hearing to prove such liability and such subpoena shall have been issued and served in accordance with C.R.C.P. 45 and shall fail to appear, the court shall thereupon enter such sanctions as are just, including, but not limited to, contempt of court, issuance of a bench warrant, reasonable attorney fees and the cost and expense of the judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment or intervenor in attachment.
(3) Upon hearing, if the court finds the garnishee liable to the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment or in the possession or control of personal property of the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment at the time of service of the writ:

(A) The court shall enter judgment in favor of the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment against the garnishee for the use and benefit of the judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment or intervenor in attachment, if the garnishee was liable to the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment;
(B) The court shall order the garnishee to deliver the personal property to the sheriff to be sold as upon execution in the same manner as section 4(f)(2) of this rule, if the garnishee was in the possession or control of personal property of the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment and may enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties. Provided, however, in the event that the garnishee no longer has possession or control over the personal property, the court may either enter a judgment for the value of such property at the time of the service of the writ or enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties or both.

(4) At any hearing the court shall make such orders as to reasonable attorney’s fees, costs and expense of the parties to such hearing, as are just.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 8. TRAVERSE OF ANSWER (ALL FORMS OF GARNISHMENT)

(a) Time for Filing of Traverse. The judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment or intervenor in attachment, may file a traverse of an answer to any form of writ provided by this rule provided such traverse is filed within the greater time period of 21 days from the date such answer should have been filed with the court or 21 days after such answer was filed with the court. The failure to timely file a traverse shall be deemed an acceptance of the answer as true.

(b) Procedure.

(1) Within the time provided, the judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment, or intervenor in attachment, shall state, in verified form, the grounds of traverse and shall mail a copy of the same to the garnishee in accordance with C.R.C.P. 5.
(2) Upon application of the judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment, or intervenor in attachment, the traverse shall be set for hearing before the court at which hearing the statements in the traverse shall be deemed admitted or denied.
(3) Upon hearing of the traverse, if the court finds the garnishee liable to the judgment debtor or defendant in the attachment or in the possession or control of personal property of the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment at the time of service of the writ:

(A) The court shall enter judgment in favor of the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment against the garnishee for the use and benefit of the judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment or intervenor in attachment, if the garnishee was liable to the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment;
(B) The court shall order the garnishee to deliver the personal property to the sheriff to be sold as upon execution in the same manner as section 4(f)(2) of this rule, if the garnishee was in the possession or control of personal property of the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment and may enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties. Provided, however, in the event that the garnishee no longer has possession or control over the personal property, the court may either enter a judgment for the value of such property at the time of the service of the writ or enter any order necessary to protect the interests of the parties or both.

(4) If a garnishee is under subpoena to appear for a hearing upon a traverse and such subpoena shall have been issued and served in accordance with C.R.C.P. 45, and shall fail to appear, the court shall thereupon enter such sanctions as are just, including, but not limited to, contempt of court, issuance of a bench warrant, reasonable attorney fees and the cost and expense of the judgment creditor, plaintiff in attachment or intervenor in attachment.
(5) At any hearing upon a traverse, the court shall make such orders as to reasonable attorney fees, costs and expense of the parties to such hearing as are just.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 9. INTERVENTION (ALL FORMS OF GARNISHMENT)

Any person who claims an interest in any personal property of any description of a judgment debtor or defendant in attachment which property is the subject of any answer made by a garnishee, may intervene as provided in C.R.C.P. 24 at any time prior to entry of judgment against the garnishee.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 10. SET-OFF BY GARNISHEE (ALL FORMS OF GARNISHMENT)

Every garnishee shall be allowed to claim as a set-off and retain or deduct all demands or claims on the part of the garnishee against any party to the garnishment proceedings, which the garnishee might have claimed if not summoned as a garnishee, whether such are payable or not at the time of service of any form or writ provided for by this rule.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 11. GARNISHEE NOT REQUIRED TO DEFEND CLAIMS OF THIRD PERSONS (ALL FORMS OF GARNISHMENT)

(a) Garnishee With Notice. A garnishee with notice of the claim of a third person in any property of any description of a judgment debtor or defendant in attachment which is the subject of any answer made by the garnishee in response to any form of writ provided for by this rule shall not be required to defend on account of such claim, but shall state in such answer that the garnishee is informed of such claim of a third person.

(b) Court to Issue Summons. When such an answer has been filed, the clerk of the court, upon application, shall issue a summons requiring such third person to appear within the time specified in C.R.C.P. 12 to answer, set up, and assert a claim or be barred thereafter.

(c) Delivery of Property by Garnishee.

(1) If the answer states that the garnishee is informed of the claim of a third person, the garnishee may at any time pay to the clerk of the court any garnished amount payable at the time of the service of any writ provided for by this rule, or deliver to the sheriff any property the garnishee is required to hold pursuant to any form of writ provided for in this rule.
(2) Upon service of the summons upon such third person pursuant to C.R.C.P. 4, the garnishee shall thereupon be released and discharged of any liability to any person on account of such indebtedness to the extent of any amount paid to the clerk of the court or any property delivered to the sheriff.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 12. RELEASE AND DISCHARGE OF GARNISHEE (ALL FORMS OF GARNISHMENT)

(a) Effect of Judgment. A judgment against a garnishee shall release and discharge such garnishee from all claims or demands of the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment to the extent of all sums paid or property delivered by the garnishee pursuant to such judgment.

(b) Effect of Payment. Payment by a garnishee of any sums required to be remitted by such garnishee pursuant to Sections 1(k)(2) or 3(g)(2) of this rule shall release and discharge such garnishee from all claims or demands of the judgment debtor to the extent of all such sums paid.

(c) Release by Judgment Creditor or Plaintiff in Attachment. A judgment creditor or plaintiff in attachment may issue a written release of any writ provided by this rule. Such release shall state the effective date of the release and shall be promptly filed with the clerk of the court.

Rule 103. Garnishment – § 13. GARNISHMENT OF PUBLIC BODY (ALL FORMS OF GARNISHMENT)

Any writ provided for in this rule wherein a public body is designated as the garnishee, shall be served upon the officer of such body whose duty it is to issue warrants, checks or money to the judgment debtor or defendant in attachment, or, such officer as the public body may have designated to accept service. Such officer need not include in any answer to such writ, as money owing, the amount of any warrant or check drawn and signed prior to the time of service of such writ.

Rule 104. Replevin

(a) Personal Property. The plaintiff in an action to recover the possession of personal property may, at the time of the commencement of the action, or at any time before trial, claim the delivery of such property to him as provided in this Rule.

(b) Causes, Affidavit. Where a delivery is claimed, the plaintiff, his agent or attorney, or some credible person for him, shall, by verified complaint or by complaint and affidavit under penalty of perjury show to the court as follows:

(1) That the plaintiff is the owner of the property claimed or is entitled to possession thereof and the source of such title or right; and if plaintiff’s interest in such property is based upon a written instrument, a copy thereof shall be attached;
(2) That the property is being detained by the defendant against the plaintiff’s claim of right to possession; the means by which the defendant came into possession thereof, and the specific facts constituting detention against the right of the plaintiff to possession;
(3) A particular description of the property, a statement of its actual value, and a statement to his best knowledge, information and belief concerning the location of the property and of the residence and business address, if any, of the defendant;
(4) That the property has not been taken for a tax assessment or fine pursuant to a statute; or seized under an execution against the property of the plaintiff; or if so seized, that it is by statute exempt from seizure.

(c) Show Cause Order; Hearing within 14 Days. The court shall without delay, examine the complaint and affidavit, and if it is satisfied that they meet the requirements of section (b), it shall issue an order directed to the defendant to show cause why the property should not be taken from the defendant and delivered to the plaintiff. Such order shall fix the date and time for the hearing thereof. The hearing date shall be not more than 14 days from the date of the issuance of the order and the order must have been served at least 7 days prior to the hearing date. The plaintiff may request a hearing date beyond 14 days, which request shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing not more than 14 days from the date of issuance of the order. Such order shall inform the defendant that he may file affidavits on his behalf with the court and may appear and present testimony in his behalf at the time of such hearing, or that he may, at or prior to such hearing, file with the court a written undertaking to stay the delivery of the property, in accordance with the provisions of section (j) of this rule, and that, if he fails to appear at the hearing on the order to show cause or to file an undertaking, plaintiff may apply to the court for an order requiring the sheriff to take immediate possession of the property described in the complaint and deliver same to the plaintiff. The summons and complaint, if not previously served, and the order shall be served on the defendant and the order shall fix the manner in which service shall be made, which shall be by service in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4, C.R.C.P., or in such manner as the court may determine to be reasonably calculated to afford notice thereof to the defendant under the circumstances appearing from the complaint and affidavit.

(d) Order for Possession Prior to Hearing. Subject to the provisions of section 5-5-104 , C.R.S. 1973, and upon examination of the complaint and affidavit and such other evidence or testimony as the court may thereupon require, an order of possession may be issued prior to hearing, if probable cause appears that any of the following exist:

(1) The defendant gained possession of the property by theft.
(2) The property consists of one or more negotiable instruments or credit cards.
(3) By reason of specific, competent evidence shown, by testimony with the personal knowledge of an affiant or witness, the property is perishable, and will perish before any noticed hearing can be had, or that the defendant may destroy, dismantle, remove parts from, or in any way substantially change the character of the property, or the defendant may conceal or remove the property from the jurisdiction of the court to sell the property to an innocent purchaser.
(4) That the defendant has by contract voluntarily and intelligently and knowingly waived his right to a hearing prior to losing possession of the property by means of a court order.Where an order of possession has been issued prior to hearing under the provisions of this section, the defendant or other persons from whom possession of said property has been taken, may apply to the court for an order shortening time for hearing on the order to show cause, and the court may, upon such application, shorten the time for hearing, and direct that the matter shall be heard on not less than forty-eight hours’ notice to the plaintiff.

(e) Bond. An order of possession shall not issue pursuant to section (d) of this rule until plaintiff has filed with the court in an amount set by the court in its discretion not to exceed double the value of the property a written undertaking executed by plaintiff and such surety as the court may require for the return of the property to the defendant, if return thereof be ordered, and for the payment to the defendant of any sum that may from any cause be recovered against the plaintiff.

(f) Temporary Order to Preserve Property. Under the circumstances described in section (b) of this Rule, or in lieu of the immediate issuance of an order of possession under any circumstances described in section (d) of this Rule, the court may, in addition to the issuance of the order to show cause, issue such temporary orders, directed to the defendant, prohibiting or requiring such acts with respect to the property as may appear to be necessary for the preservation of the rights of the parties and the status of the property.

(g) Order for Possession after Hearing; Bond; Directed to Sheriff. Upon the hearing on the order to show cause, which hearing shall be held as a matter of course by the court, the court shall consider the showing made by the parties appearing, and shall make a preliminary determination of which party, with reasonable probability, is entitled to possession, use, and disposition of the property pending final adjudication of the claims of the parties. If the court determines that the action is one in which a pre-judgment order of possession should issue, it shall direct the issuance of such order and may require a bond in such amount and with such surety as the court may determine to protect the rights of the parties. Failure of the defendant to be present or represented at the hearing on the order to show cause shall not constitute a default in the main action. The order of possession shall be directed to the sheriff within whose jurisdiction the property is located.

(h) Contents of Possession Order. The order of possession shall describe the specific property to be seized, and shall specify the location or locations where there is probable cause to believe the property or some part thereof will be found. It shall direct the sheriff to seize the same as it is found, and to retain it in his custody. There shall be attached to such order a copy of the written undertaking filed by the plaintiff, and such order shall inform the defendant that he has the right to except to the sureties or to the amount of the bond upon the undertaking or to file a written undertaking for the redelivery of such property as provided in section (j).Upon probable cause shown by further affidavit or declaration by the plaintiff or someone in his behalf, filed with the court, an order of possession may be endorsed by the court, without further notice, to direct the sheriff to search for the property at another specified location or locations and to seize the same if found.

The sheriff shall forthwith take the property if it be in the possession of the defendant or his agent, and retain it in his custody; except that when the personal property is then occupied as a dwelling [such as but not limited to a mobile home], the sheriff shall take constructive possession of the property and shall remove its occupants and take the property into his actual custody at the expiration of 10 days after the issuance of the order of possession, or at such earlier time as the property shall have been vacated.

(i) Sheriff May Break Building; When. If the property or any part thereof is in a building or enclosure, the sheriff shall demand its delivery, announcing his identity, purpose, and the authority under which he acts. If it is not voluntarily delivered, he shall cause the building or enclosure to be broken open in such manner as he reasonably believes will cause the least damage to the building or enclosure, and take the property into his possession. He may call upon the power of the county to aid and protect him, but if he reasonably believes that entry and seizure of the property will involve a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm to any person, he shall refrain from seizing the property, and shall forthwith make a return before the court from which the order issued, setting forth the reasons for his belief that such risk exists. The court may make such orders and decrees as may be appropriate.The sheriff shall, without delay, serve upon the defendant a copy of the order of possession and written undertaking by delivering the same to him personally, if he can be found or to his agent from whose possession the property is taken; or, if neither can be found, by leaving them at the usual place of abode of either with some person of suitable age and discretion; or if neither has any known place of abode, by mailing them to the last known address of either.

(j) When Returned to Defendant; Bond. At any time prior to the hearing on the order to show cause, or before the delivery of the property to the plaintiff, the defendant may require the return thereof upon filing with the court a written undertaking, in an amount set by the court in its discretion not to exceed double the value of the property and executed by the defendant and such surety as the court may direct for the delivery of the property to the plaintiff, if such delivery be ordered, and for the payment to the plaintiff of such sum as may for any cause be recovered against the defendant. At the time of filing such undertaking, the defendant shall serve upon the plaintiff or his attorney, in the manner provided by Rule 5, C.R.C.P., a notice of filing of such undertaking, to which a copy of such undertaking shall be attached, and shall cause proof of service thereof to be filed with the court. If such undertaking be filed prior to hearing on the order to show cause, proceedings thereunder shall terminate, unless exception is taken to the amount of the bond or the sufficiency of the surety. If, at the time of filing of such undertaking, the property shall be in the custody of the sheriff, such property shall be redelivered to the defendant 7 days after service of notice of filing such undertaking upon the plaintiff or his attorney.

(k) Exception to Sureties. Either party may, within two business days after service of an undertaking or notice of filing and undertaking under the provisions of this Rule, give written notice to the court and the other party that he excepts to the sufficiency of the surety or the amount of the bond. If he fails to do so, he is deemed to have waived all objections to them. When a party excepts the court shall hold a hearing to determine the sufficiency of the bond or surety. If the property be in the custody of the sheriff, he shall retain custody thereof until the hearing is completed or waived. If the excepting party prevails at the hearing, the sheriff shall proceed as if no such undertaking had been filed. If the excepting party does not prevail at the hearing, or the exception is waived, he shall deliver the property to the party filing such undertaking.

(l) Duty of Sheriff in Holding Goods. When the sheriff has taken property as provided in this Rule, he shall keep it in a secure place and deliver it to the party entitled thereto, upon receiving his fees for taking and his necessary expenses for keeping the same, after expiration of the time for filing of an undertaking for redelivery and for exception to the sufficiency of the bond, unless the court shall by order stay such delivery.

(m) Claim by Third Person. If the property taken is claimed by any other person than the defendant or plaintiff, such person may intervene under the provisions of Rule 24, C.R.C.P., and in the event of a judgment in his favor, he may also recover such damages as he may have suffered by reason of any wrongful detention of the property.

(n) Return; Papers by Sheriff. The sheriff shall return the order of possession and undertakings and affidavits with his proceedings thereon, to the court in which the action is pending, within 21 days after taking the property mentioned therein.

(o) Precedence on Docket. In all proceedings brought to recover the possession of personal property, all courts, in which such actions are pending, shall, upon request of any party thereto, give such actions precedence over all other civil actions, except actions to which special precedence is otherwise given by law, in the matter of the setting of the same for hearing or trial, and in hearing or trial thereof, to the end that all such actions shall be quickly heard and determined.

(p) Judgment. In an action to recover the possession of personal property, judgment for the plaintiff may be for the possession or the value thereof in case a delivery cannot be had, and damages for the detention. If the property has been delivered to the plaintiff, and the defendant claims a return thereof, judgment for the defendant may be for a return of the property, or the value thereof in case a return cannot be had, and damages for taking and withholding the same. The provisions of Rule 13, C.R.C.P., shall apply to replevin actions.

Rule 105. Actions Concerning Real Estate

(a) Complete Adjudication of Rights. An action may be brought for the purpose of obtaining a complete adjudication of the rights of all parties thereto, with respect to any real property and for damages, if any, for the withholding of possession. The court in its decree shall grant full and adequate relief so as to completely determine the controversy and enforce the rights of the parties. The court may at any time after the entry of the decree make such additional orders as may be required in aid of such decree.

(b) Record Interest; Actual Possession Requires Occupant Be Party. No person claiming any interest under or through a person named as a defendant need be made a party unless his interest is shown of record in the office of the recorder of the county where the real property is situated, and the decree shall be as conclusive against him as if he had been made a party; provided, however, if such action be for the recovery of actual possession of the property, the party in actual possession shall be made a party.

(c) Disclaimer Saves Costs. If any defendant in such action disclaims in his answer any interest in the property or allows judgment to be taken against him without answer, the plaintiff shall not recover costs against him, unless the court shall otherwise direct, provided that this section shall not apply to a defendant primarily liable on any indebtedness sought to be foreclosed or established as a lien.

(d) Execution of Quitclaim Deed Saves Costs. If a party, 21 days or more before bringing an action for obtaining an adjudication of the rights of another person with respect to any real property, shall request of such person the execution of a quitclaim deed to such property and shall also tender to such person $20.00 to cover the expense of the execution and delivery of a deed and if such person shall refuse or neglect to execute and deliver such deed, the filing by such person of a disclaimer shall not avoid the imposition upon such person of the costs in the action afterwards brought.

(e) Set-off for Improvements. Where a party or those under whom he claims, holding under color of title adversely to the claims of another party, shall in good faith have made permanent improvements upon real property (other than mining property) the value of such improvements shall be allowed as a set-off or as a counterclaim in favor of such party, in the event that judgment is entered against such party for possession or for damages for withholding of possession.

(f) Lis Pendens.

(1) Filing and Notice. A notice of lis pendens may be recorded as provided by statute.
(2) Determination of Effect on Real Property. Any interested person may petition the court in the action identified in the notice of lis pendens for a determination that a judgment on the issues raised by the pleadings in the pending action will not affect all, or a designated part, of the real property described in the notice of lis pendens, or a specifically described interest therein. After a hearing on such petition, the court shall make findings of fact and enter an order setting forth the description of the property as contained in the recorded notice of lis pendens and the description of the portion thereof or the interest therein, if any, the title to which will not be affected by judgment on the issues then pending in the action. Such order shall be a final judgment as to the matters set forth therein and if the order includes the determination required by Rule 54(b) as to its finality apart from remaining issues, it shall be appealable only as a separate judgment of that date.
(3) Disclaimer. Nothing in this Rule 105(f) shall be construed so as to preclude any party litigant from disclaiming an interest in all or any part of the real property affected by such notice of lis pendens, by filing with the court an instrument so indicating, containing a reference to the notice of lis pendens by its recording data sufficient to locate it in the records of the clerk and recorder. The filing of such instrument with the court then having jurisdiction shall bar any further claims of said party to such real property in said action.
(4) Repealed, effective April 1, 1993.

(g) Description of Real Property. In any proceeding for the recovery of real property or an interest therein, such property shall be designated by legal description.

Rule 105.1. Spurious Lien or Document

(a) Petition; Contents, Order to Show Cause. Any person whose real or personal property is affected by a spurious lien or spurious document, as defined by law, may file a petition in the district court in the county in which the lien or document was recorded or filed, or in the district court for the county in which affected real property is located, for an order to show cause why the lien or document should not be declared invalid. The petition, which may also be brought as a counterclaim or a cross-claim in a pending action, shall set forth a concise statement of the facts upon which the petition is based, shall be supported by the affidavit of the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney, and shall be accompanied by a copy of the lien or document as recorded or filed in the public records. The order to show cause may be granted ex parte and shall:

(1) Direct any lien claimant and any person who recorded or filed the lien or document to appear as respondent before the court at a time and place certain not less than 14 days nor more than 21 days after service of the order to show cause why the lien or document should not be declared invalid and why such other relief provided for by statute should not be granted;
(2) State that if the respondent fails to appear at the time and place specified, the lien or document, if found by the court to be spurious, will be declared invalid and released; and
(3) State that the court shall award costs, including reasonable attorney fees, to the prevailing party.

(b) Notice; Service. The petitioner shall issue a notice to respondent setting forth the time and place for the hearing on the show cause order, which hearing shall be set not less than 14 days nor more than 21 days from service of the show cause order, and shall advise respondent of the right to file and serve a response as provided in section (c), including a reference to the last day for filing a response and the addresses at which such response must be filed and served. The notice shall contain the return address of the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney. The notice and a copy of the petition and order to show cause shall be served by the petitioner on the respondent not less than 14 days prior to the date set for the hearing, by (1) mailing a true copy thereof by first class mail to each respondent at the address or addresses stated in the lien or document and (2) filing a copy with the clerk of the district court and delivering a second copy to the clerk of the district court for posting in the clerk’s office, which shall be evidenced by the certificate of the petitioner or petitioner’s agent or attorney. Alternatively, the petitioner may serve the petition, notice, and show cause order upon each respondent in accordance with Rule 4, or, in the event the claim is brought as a counterclaim or cross-claim in a pending action in which the parties have appeared, in accordance with Rule 5.

(c) Response; Contents; Filing and Service. Not less than 7 days prior to the date set for the hearing, the respondent shall file and serve a verified response to the petition, setting forth the facts supporting the validity of the lien or document and attaching copies of all documents which support the validity of the lien or document. Service of such response shall be made in accordance with Rule 5(b).

(d) Hearing; Decree; Hearing Dispensed With If No Response Filed. If, following a hearing on the order to show cause, the court determines that the lien or document is a spurious lien or a spurious document, the court shall make findings of fact and enter an order and decree declaring the spurious lien or document and any related notices of lis pendens invalid, releasing the recorded or filed spurious lien or spurious document, and entering a monetary judgment in the amount of the petitioner’s costs, including reasonable attorney fees, against the respondent and in favor of the petitioner. If, following the hearing on the order to show cause, the court determines that the lien or document is not a spurious lien or document, the court shall issue an order so finding and enter a monetary judgment against the petitioner and in favor of the respondent in the amount of the respondent’s costs, including reasonable attorney fees. If necessary, the court may in its discretion continue the hearing on the show cause order for further proceedings and trial. If no response is filed and served by the respondent within the time permitted by section (c), the court shall examine the petition and, if satisfied that venue is proper and that the lien or document is spurious, the court shall dispense with the hearing and forthwith enter the order, which shall be a final judgment for purposes of appeal. If the petition has been personally served upon the respondent in accordance with Rule 4(e) or (g), the court shall enter judgment in favor of petitioner and against the respondent for the petitioner’s costs, including reasonable attorney fees.

(e) Docket Fee. A docket fee in the amount specified by law shall be paid by the petitioner. The respondent shall pay, at the time of the filing of the response, a docket fee in the amount specified by law for a defendant or respondent in a civil action under section 13-32-101(1)(d), C.R.S.

Rule 106. Forms of Writs Abolished

(a) Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Quo Warranto, Certiorari, Prohibition, Scire Facias and Other Remedial Writs in the District Court. Special forms of pleadings and writs in habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, prohibition, scire facias, and proceedings for the issuance of other remedial writs, as heretofore known, are hereby abolished in the district court. Any relief provided hereunder shall not be available in the superior or county courts. In the following cases relief may be obtained in the district court by appropriate action under the practice prescribed in the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure:

(1) Where any person not being committed or detained for any criminal or supposed criminal matter is illegally confined or restrained of his liberty;
(2) Where the relief sought is to compel a lower judicial body, governmental body, corporation, board, officer or person to perform an act which the law specially enjoins as a duty resulting from an office, trust, or station, or to compel the admission of a party to the use and enjoyment of a right or office to which he is entitled, and from which he is unlawfully precluded by such lower judicial body, governmental body, corporation, board, officer, or person. The judgment shall include any damages sustained;
(3) When any person usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises any office or franchise, the district attorney of the proper district may and, when directed by the governor so to do, shall bring an action against such person in the name of the people of the state, but if the district attorney declines so to do, it may be brought upon the relation and complaint of any person. The Rule heretofore existing requiring leave of court to institute such proceedings is hereby abolished. When such an action is brought against a defendant alleged to have usurped, intruded into, or who allegedly unlawfully holds or exercises any public office, civil or military, or any franchise it shall be given precedence over other civil actions except similar actions previously commenced. The judgment may determine the rightful holder of the office or franchise;
(4) Where any governmental body or officer or any lower judicial body exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions has exceeded its jurisdiction or abused its discretion, and there is no plain, speedy and adequate remedy otherwise provided by law:

(I) Review shall be limited to a determination of whether the body or officer has exceeded its jurisdiction or abused its discretion, based on the evidence in the record before the defendant body or officer.
(II) Review pursuant to this subsection (4) shall be commenced by the filing of a complaint. An answer or other responsive pleading shall then be filed in accordance with the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
(III) If the complaint is accompanied by a motion and proposed order requiring certification of a record, the court shall order the defendant body or officer to file with the clerk on a specified date, the record or such portion or transcript thereof as is identified in the order, together with a certificate of authenticity. The date for filing the record shall be after the date upon which an answer to the complaint must be filed.
(IV) Within 21 days after the date of receipt of an order requiring certification of a record, a defendant may file with the clerk a statement designating portions of the record not set forth in the order which it desires to place before the court. The cost of preparing the record shall be advanced by the plaintiff, except that the court may, on objection by the plaintiff, order a defendant to advance payment for the costs of preparing such portion of the record designated by the defendant as the court shall determine is unessential to a complete understanding of the controversy; and upon a failure to comply with such order, the portions for which the defendant has been ordered to advance payment shall be omitted from the record. Any party may move to correct the record at any time.
(V) The proceedings before or decision of the body or officer may be stayed, pursuant to Rule 65 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
(VI) Where claims other than claims under this Rule are properly joined in the action, the court shall determine the manner and timing of proceeding with respect to all claims.
(VII) A defendant required to certify a record shall give written notice to all parties, simultaneously with filing, of the date of filing the record with the clerk. The plaintiff shall file, and serve on all parties, an opening brief within 42 days after the date on which the record was filed. If no record is requested by the plaintiff, the plaintiff shall file an opening brief within 42 days after the defendant has served its answer upon the plaintiff. The defendant may file and serve an answer brief within 35 days after service of the plaintiff’s brief, and the plaintiff may file and serve a reply brief to the defendant’s answer brief within 14 days after service of the answer brief.
(VIII) The court may accelerate or continue any action which, in the discretion of the court, requires acceleration or continuance.
(IX) In the event the court determines that the governmental body, officer or judicial body has failed to make findings of fact or conclusions of law necessary for a review of its action, the court may remand for the making of such findings of fact or conclusions of law.

(5) When judgment is recovered against one or more of several persons jointly indebted upon an obligation, and it is desired to proceed against the persons not originally served with the summons who did not appear in the action. Such persons may be cited to show cause why they should not be bound by the judgment in the same manner as though they had been originally served with the summons, and in his answer any such person may set up any defense either to the original obligation or which may have arisen subsequent to judgment, except a discharge from the original liability by the statute of limitations.

(b) Limitations as to Time. Where a statute provides for review of the acts of any governmental body or officer or judicial body by certiorari or other writ, or for a proceeding in quo warranto, relief therein provided may be had under this Rule. If no time within which review may be sought is provided by any statute, a complaint seeking review under subsection (a)(4) of this Rule shall be filed in the district court not later than 28 days after the final decision of the body or officer. A timely complaint may be amended at any time with leave of the court, for good cause shown, to add, dismiss or substitute parties, and such amendment shall relate back to the date of filing of the original complaint.

Rule 106.5. Correctional Facility Quasi-Judicial Hearing Review

(a) Scope. This rule applies to every action brought by an inmate to review a decision resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing of any facility of the Colorado Department of Corrections (“CDOC”) or any private facility in Colorado involving a CDOC inmate for events that occurred at the facility. To the extent this rule does not cover procedures in such cases, the parties shall follow C.R.C.P. 106(a)(4). All other provisions of C.R.C.P. 106(a)(4) shall apply except where modified by this Rule 106.5. The provisions of C.R.C.P. 106(b) and C.R.C.P. 5 shall govern all cases brought under this Rule 106.5.

(b) Designation of Defendant. Only the Executive Director of the CDOC and the Warden of the facility shall be named as Defendants and shall be listed as such. The District Court shall dismiss any other Defendant.

(c) Venue. All actions under this rule shall be filed in the district court in the county in which the quasi-judicial agency action occurred, even if the inmate is no longer assigned to that facility at the time the complaint is filed.

(d) Service of Process.

(1) If the inmate does not qualify for in forma pauperis status, the rules relating to service of process set forth in C.R.C.P. 4(e)(10) shall apply, but only the Warden, the Executive Director of the Department of Corrections, and the Attorney General shall be served.
(2) If the inmate files a motion to proceed in forma pauperis status and that motion is granted, service of process shall be accomplished in the following manner: The clerk of the District Court shall scan the complaint and serve it by electronic means on the Attorney General, the Executive Director of the Department of Corrections, and the Warden of the Facility (or the designee of each of these officials), along with a notice indicating the fact of the inmate’s filing and the date received by the Court. Each person notified shall send an acknowledgment by electronic means indicating that the specified official has received the electronic notice and the scanned copy of the complaint.

(e) Response of Defendant. Within 21 days after the date on which the Attorney General sends acknowledgment that it has received the notice and complaint from the Clerk of the District Court, the Defendants shall file either (1) an answer to the complaint and a certified copy of the record as explained below, or (2) a motion in response to the complaint.

(f) Notice to Submit Record. The facility shall file the certified record and affidavit of certification directly to the Court no later than the deadline to file an answer or motion as indicated above. This obligation to submit the record shall not apply if the Attorney General notifies the Warden within 14 days of the electronic service that a motion to dismiss the complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction has been filed, in which event the filing of the record shall be suspended pending disposition of the motion.

(g) Contents of the Record. The certified record submitted by the Warden to the District Court shall contain all material related to the proceeding at the facility to permit the Court to address the issues raised in the complaint. The record shall include the Notice of Charges, the Disposition of Charges, the Offender Appeal Form, all exhibits offered at the hearing, and the current applicable version of the Code of Penal Discipline. If any part of the proceeding was recorded, a copy of the recording shall be provided.

(h) Cost of the Record. The cost of preparation of the record shall initially be paid by the Warden but, upon the filing of the certified record with the Court, the Warden shall immediately deduct the cost of preparation of the record, including the recording, from the inmate’s account. If there are insufficient funds in that account, the Warden shall apply a charge to that account. In no event shall the filing of the record be delayed because the inmate has no assets and no means by which to pay the cost of certification of the record.

(i) Briefs.

(1) If counsel for the Defendants files a motion to dismiss, the inmate shall have 14 days after service of the motion to file a brief in response, and the defense counsel shall have 14 days after service of the response to file a reply.
(2) If the defense counsel files an answer and the Warden files the certified record, the inmate shall have 42 days following notice of filing of the record in which to file a brief. In this event, the brief shall set forth the reasons why the inmate believes that the District Court should rule that the Warden has exceeded his or her jurisdiction or abused his or her discretion. The inmate must set forth in the brief specific references to the record that support the inmate’s position. Defense counsel shall have 35 days after service of the brief to file a response and the inmate shall have 14 days after service of the response to file a reply.

(j)Time Periods. The parties shall follow the time periods set forth above unless the Court, on motion and for good cause shown, enters an order altering those time periods.

(k) Promulgation of Rule. A copy of this Rule 106.5 shall be made available in the law library of every facility operated by the Colorado Department of Corrections and every private prison in Colorado that houses CDOC inmates.

Rule 107. Remedial and Punitive Sanctions for Contempt

(a) Definitions.

(1) Contempt: Disorderly or disruptive behavior, a breach of the peace, boisterous conduct or violent disturbance toward the court, or conduct that unreasonably interrupts the due course of judicial proceedings; behavior that obstructs the administration of justice; disobedience or resistance by any person to or interference with any lawful writ, process, or order of the court; or any other act or omission designated as contempt by the statutes or these rules.
(2) Direct Contempt: Contempt that the court has seen or heard and is so extreme that no warning is necessary or that has been repeated despite the court’s warning to desist.
(3) Indirect Contempt: Contempt that occurs out of the direct sight or hearing of the court.
(4) Punitive Sanctions for Contempt: Punishment by unconditional fine, fixed sentence of imprisonment, or both, for conduct that is found to be offensive to the authority and dignity of the court.
(5) Remedial Sanctions for Contempt: Sanctions imposed to force compliance with a lawful order or to compel performance of an act within the person’s power or present ability to perform.
(6) Court: For purposes of this rule, “court” means any judge, magistrate, commissioner, referee, or a master while performing official duties.

(b) Direct Contempt Proceedings. When a direct contempt is committed, it may be punished summarily. In such case an order shall be made on the record or in writing reciting the facts constituting the contempt, including a description of the person’s conduct, a finding that the conduct was so extreme that no warning was necessary or the person’s conduct was repeated after the court’s warning to desist, and a finding that the conduct is offensive to the authority and dignity of the court. Prior to the imposition of sanctions, the person shall have the right to make a statement in mitigation.

(c) Indirect Contempt Proceedings. When it appears to the court by motion supported by affidavit that indirect contempt has been committed, the court may ex parte order a citation to issue to the person so charged to appear and show cause at a date, time and place designated why the person should not be punished. The citation and a copy of the motion, affidavit and order shall be served directly upon such person at least 21 days before the time designated for the person to appear. If such person fails to appear at the time so designated, and it is evident to the court that the person was properly served with copies of the motion, affidavit, order, and citation, a warrant for the person’s arrest may issue to the sheriff. The warrant shall fix the date, time and place for the production of the person in court. The court shall state on the warrant the amount and kind of bond required. The person shall be discharged upon delivery to and approval by the sheriff or clerk of the bond directing the person to appear at the date, time and place designated in the warrant, and at any time to which the hearing may be continued, or pay the sum specified. If the person fails to appear at the time designated in the warrant, or at any time to which the hearing may be continued, the bond may be forfeited upon proper notice of hearing to the surety, if any, and to the extent of the damages suffered because of the contempt, the bond may be paid to the aggrieved party. If the person fails to make bond, the sheriff shall keep the person in custody subject to the order of the court.

(d) Trial and Punishment.

(1) Punitive Sanctions. In an indirect contempt proceeding where punitive sanctions may be imposed, the court may appoint special counsel to prosecute the contempt action. If the judge initiates the contempt proceedings, the person shall be advised of the right to have the action heard by another judge. At the first appearance, the person shall be advised of the right to be represented by an attorney and, if indigent and if a jail sentence is contemplated, the court will appoint counsel. The maximum jail sentence shall not exceed six months unless the person has been advised of the right to a jury trial. The person shall also be advised of the right to plead either guilty or not guilty to the charges, the presumption of innocence, the right to require proof of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, the right to present witnesses and evidence, the right to cross-examine all adverse witnesses, the right to have subpoenas issued to compel attendance of witnesses at trial, the right to remain silent, the right to testify at trial, and the right to appeal any adverse decision. The court may impose a fine or imprisonment or both if the court expressly finds that the person’s conduct was offensive to the authority and dignity of the court. The person shall have the right to make a statement in mitigation prior to the imposition of sentence.
(2) Remedial Sanctions. In a contempt proceeding where remedial sanctions may be imposed, the court shall hear and consider the evidence for and against the person charged and it may find the person in contempt and order sanctions. The court shall enter an order in writing or on the record describing the means by which the person may purge the contempt and the sanctions that will be in effect until the contempt is purged. In all cases of indirect contempt where remedial sanctions are sought, the nature of the sanctions and remedies that may be imposed shall be described in the motion or citation. Costs and reasonable attorney’s fees in connection with the contempt proceeding may be assessed in the discretion of the court. If the contempt consists of the failure to perform an act in the power of the person to perform and the court finds the person has the present ability to perform the act so ordered, the person may be fined or imprisoned until its performance.

(e) Limitations. The court shall not suspend any part of a punitive sanction based upon the performance or non-performance of any future acts. The court may reconsider any punitive sanction. Probation shall not be permitted as a condition of any punitive sanction. Remedial and punitive sanctions may be combined by the court, provided appropriate procedures are followed relative to each type of sanction and findings are made to support the adjudication of both types of sanctions.

(f) Appeal. For the purposes of appeal, an order deciding the issue of contempt and sanctions shall be final.

Rule 108. Affidavits

An affidavit may be sworn to either within or without this state before any officer authorized by law to take and certify the acknowledgment of deeds conveying lands.

Rule 109. Arbitration

Repealed March 17, 1994, as to cases filed on or after July 1, 1994.

Rule 109.1. Mandatory Arbitration

Repealed May 30, 1991, as to cases filed on and after July 1, 1991.

Rule 110. Miscellaneous

(a) Amendments. No writ or process shall be quashed, nor any order or decree set aside, nor any undertaking be held invalid, nor any affidavit, traverse, or other paper be held insufficient if the same is corrected within the time and manner prescribed by the court, which shall be liberal in permitting amendments.

(b) Use of Terms. Words used in the present tense shall include the future; singular shall include the plural; masculine shall include the feminine; person or party shall include all manner of organizations which may sue or be sued. The use of the word clerk, sheriff, marshal, or other officer means such officer or his deputy or other person authorized to perform his duties. The word “oath” includes the word “affirmation”; and the phrase “to swear” includes “to affirm”; signature or subscription shall include mark, when the person is unable to write, his name being written near it and witnessed by a person who writes his own name as a witness. A superintendent, overseer, foreman, sales director, or person occupying a similar position, may be considered a managing agent for the purposes of these rules.

(c) Certificates. Certificates shall be made in the name of the officer either by the officer or by his deputy.

(d) Cross Claimants, Counterclaimants and Third-Party Claimants. Where a cross claim, counterclaim or third-party claim is filed, the claimant thereunder shall have the same rights and remedies as if a plaintiff.

Rule 111 to 119.

Rules 111 to 119, inclusive, Supreme Court Proceedings, are deleted and are replaced by Chapter 32, Colorado Appellate Rules 1 through 58.

Rule 120. Orders Authorizing Sales Under Powers

(a) Motion; Contents. Whenever an order of court is desired authorizing a sale under a power of sale contained in an instrument, any interested person or someone on such person’s behalf may file a verified motion in a district court seeking such order. The motion shall be accompanied by a copy of the instrument containing the power of sale, shall describe the property to be sold, and shall specify the default or other facts claimed by the moving party to justify invocation of the power of sale. When the property to be sold is personal property, the motion shall state the names and last known addresses, as shown by the records of the moving party, of all persons known or believed by the moving party to have an interest in such property which may be materially affected by such sale. When the property to be sold is real property and the power of sale is contained in a deed of trust to a public trustee, the motion shall state the name and last known address, as shown by the records of the moving party, of the grantor of such deed of trust, of the current record owner of the property to be sold, and of any person known or believed by the moving party to be personally liable upon the indebtedness secured by the deed of trust, as well as the names and addresses of those persons who appear to have acquired a record interest in such real property, subsequent to the recording of such deed of trust and prior to the recording of the notice of election and demand for sale, whether by deed, mortgage, judgment or any other instrument of record. In giving notice to persons who appear to have acquired a record interest in real property, the address of each such person shall be the address which is given in the recorded instrument evidencing such person’s interest, except that if such recorded instrument does not give an address or if only the county and state are given as the address of such person, no address need be stated for such person in the motion. The clerk shall fix a time not less than 21 nor more than 35 days after the filing of the motion and a place for the hearing of such motion.

(b) Notice; Contents; Service. The moving party shall issue a notice describing the instrument containing the power of sale, the property sought to be sold thereunder, and the default or other facts upon which the power of sale is invoked. The notice shall also state the time and place set for the hearing and shall refer to the right to file and serve responses as provided in section (c), including a reference to the last day for filing such responses and the addresses at which such responses must be filed and served. The notice shall contain the following advisement: “If this case is not filed in the county where your property is located, you have the right to ask the court to move the case to that county. Your request may be made as a part of your response or any paper you file with the court at least 7 days before the hearing.” The notice shall contain the return address of the moving party. Such notice shall be served by the moving party not less than 14 days prior to the date set for the hearing, by: (1)mailing a true copy thereof to each person named in the motion (other than persons for whom no address is stated) at the address or addresses stated in the motion; (2)and by filing a copy with the clerk and by delivering a second copy to the clerk for posting by the clerk; and (3)if a residential property as defined by statute, by posting a true copy in a conspicuous place on the subject property as required by statute. Such mailing and delivery to the clerk for posting, and property posting shall be evidenced by the certificate of the moving party or moving party’s agent. For the purpose of this section, posting may be electronic on the court’s public website so long as the electronic address for the posting is displayed conspicuously at the courthouse.

(c) Response; Contents; Filing and Service. Any interested person who disputes, on grounds within the scope of the hearing provided for in section (d), the moving party’s entitlement to an order authorizing sale may file and serve a response to the motion, verified by the oath of such person, setting forth the facts upon which he relies and attaching copies of all documents which support his position. The response shall be filed and served not less than 7 days prior to the date set for the hearing, said interval including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, C.R.C.P. 6(a) notwithstanding, unless the last day of the period so computed is a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday. Service of such response upon the moving party shall be made in accordance with C.R.C.P. 5(b). C.R.C.P. 6(e) shall not apply to computation of time periods under this section (c).

(d) Hearing; Scope of Issues; Order; Effect. At the time and place set for the hearing or to which the hearing may have been continued, the court shall examine the motion and the responses, if any. The scope of inquiry at such hearing shall not extend beyond the existence of a default or other circumstances authorizing, under the terms of the instrument described in the motion, exercise of a power of sale contained therein, and such other issues required by the Service Member Civil Relief Act (SCRA), 50 U.S.C. § 520, as amended. The court shall determine whether there is a reasonable probability that such default or other circumstance has occurred, and whether an order authorizing sale is otherwise proper under said Service Member Civil Relief Act, and shall summarily grant or deny the motion in accordance with such determination. Neither the granting nor the denial of a motion under this Rule shall constitute an appealable order or judgment. The granting of any such motion shall be without prejudice to the right of any person aggrieved to seek injunctive or other relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the denial of any such motion shall be without prejudice to any right or remedy of the moving party. The court shall not require the appointment of an attorney to represent any interested person as a condition of granting such motion, unless it appears from the motion or other papers filed with the court that there is a reasonable probability that the interested person is in the military service.

(e) Hearing Dispensed with if no Response Filed. If no response has been filed within the time permitted by section (c), the court shall examine the motion and, if satisfied that venue is proper and the moving party is entitled to an order authorizing sale upon the facts stated therein, the court shall dispense with the hearing and forthwith enter an order authorizing sale.

(f) Venue. For the purposes of this section, a consumer obligation is any obligation (i) as to which the obligor is a natural person, and (ii) is incurred primarily for a personal, family, or household purpose. Any proceeding under this Rule involving a consumer obligation shall be brought in and heard in the county in which such consumer signed the obligation or in which the property or a substantial part thereof is located. Any proceeding under this Rule which does not involve a consumer obligation or an instrument securing a consumer obligation may be brought and heard in any county. However, in any proceeding under this Rule, if a response is filed, and if in the response or in any other writing filed with the court, the responding party requests a change of venue to the county in which the encumbered property or a substantial part thereof is situated, the court shall order transfer of the proceeding to such county.

(g) Return of Sale. The court shall require a return of such sale to be made to the court, and if it appears therefrom that such sale was conducted in conformity with the order authorizing the sale, the court shall thereupon enter an order approving the sale.

(h) Docket Fee. A docket fee in the amount specified by law shall be paid by the person filing such motion. Unless the court shall otherwise order, any person filing a response to the motion shall pay, at the time of the filing of such response, a docket fee in the amount specified by law for a defendant or respondent in a civil action under section 13-32-101(1) (d), C.R.S.

Rule 120.1. Order Authorizing Expedited Sale Pursuant to Statute

(a) Motion; Contents. An order of the court authorizing an expedited sale pursuant to section 38-38-903 , C.R.S. may be sought in conjunction with the order authorizing sale. An eligible holder as defined by statute may file a verified motion, together with a supporting affidavit, in a district court seeking an order authorizing an expedited sale together with the motion for order authorizing sale pursuant to C.R.C.P. Rule 120. The affidavit shall state the following: (1)The moving party is an eligible holder as that term is defined by statute; (2)the subject deed of trust secures an eligible evidence of debt as that term is defined by statute; and (3)the property has been abandoned as defined by statute, or in the alternative, the grantor of the deed of trust requests an order for expedited foreclosure sale. Upon receipt of the motion and supporting affidavit, the clerk shall fix a time and place for a hearing on the motion for order authorizing sale and the motion for an expedited sale. The time fixed for hearing shall be not less than twenty nor more than thirty calendar days after the filing of the motion for expedited sale.

(b) Notice; Contents; Service. The moving party shall issue a combined notice in English and in Spanish, which shall include the provisions as specified in C.R.C.P. Rule 120(b) and add a statement that the moving party is seeking in addition to the order authorizing sale, an order for expedited foreclosure sale. The moving party shall additionally state that the property is abandoned, or in the alternative that the grantor of the deed of trust has requested the order for expedited foreclosure sale. At least fifteen calendar days prior to the hearing, the combined notice shall be served by the moving party as required by C.R.C.P. 120, and in addition shall be either personally served on the grantor of the deed of trust, or posted at the real property as provided in C.R.C.P. Rule 120(b). Such mailing, delivery to the clerk for posting, and personal service or property posting shall be evidenced by the certificate of the moving party or the moving party’s agent.

(c) Response; Contents; Filing and Service. The grantor of the deed of trust may dispute the moving party’s motion for expedited sale in the same time frame as provided in C.R.C.P. Rule 120.

(d) Hearing; Scope of Issues; Order; Effect. At the time and place set for the hearing or to which the hearing may have been continued, the court shall examine the motion and responses, if any. The scope of inquiry under this section shall not extend beyond the determination that the property is abandoned as that term is defined by statute, or that the grantor requests for an order for expedited sale. The court shall enter the order for expedited sale if there is clear and convincing evidence that the property has been abandoned or that the grantor of the deed of trust has requested such order. In order to establish clear and convincing evidence that the property has been abandoned, the moving party shall file an affidavit with the court as provided by statute. The court shall determine whether there is clear and convincing evidence that the property is abandoned.

(e) Hearing Dispensed with if no Response Filed. If no response has been filed within the time permitted by C.R.C.P. Rule 120(c), the court shall examine the motion and, if satisfied that the moving party is entitled to an order for expedited sale upon the facts stated in the motion and affidavit, the court shall dispense with the hearing and forthwith enter the order for expedited sale.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standards. § 1-1. ENTRY OF APPEARANCE AND WITHDRAWAL

1. Entry of Appearance.No attorney shall appear in any matter before the court unless that attorney has entered an appearance by filing an Entry of Appearance or signing a pleading. An entry of appearance shall state (a)the identity of the party for whom the appearance is made; (b)the attorney’s office address; (c)the attorney’s telephone number; (d)the attorney’s E-Mail address; and (e)the attorney’s registration number.

2. Withdrawal From an Active Case.

(a) An attorney may withdraw from a case, without leave of court where the withdrawing attorney has complied with all outstanding orders of the court and either files a notice of withdrawal where there is active co-counsel for the party represented by the withdrawing attorney, or files a substitution of counsel, signed by both the withdrawing and replacement attorney, containing the information required for an Entry of Appearance under subsection 1 of this Practice Standard as to the replacement attorney.
(b) Otherwise an attorney may withdraw from a case only upon approval of the court. Such approval shall rest in the discretion of the court, but shall not be granted until a motion to withdraw has been filed and served on the client and the other parties of record or their attorneys and either both the client and all counsel for the other parties consent in writing at or after the time of the service of said motion, or at least 14 days have expired after service of said motion. Every motion to withdraw shall contain the following advisements:

(I) the client has the burden of keeping the court and the other parties informed where notices, pleadings or other papers may be served;
(II) if the client fails or refuses to comply with all court rules and orders, the client may suffer possible dismissal, default or other sanctions;
(III) the dates of any proceedings, including trial, which dates will not be delayed nor proceedings affected by the withdrawal of counsel;
(IV) the client’s and the other parties’ right to object to the motion to withdraw within 14 days after service of the motion;
(V) if the client is not a natural person, that it must be represented by counsel in any court proceedings unless it is a closely held entity and first complies with section 13-1-127 , C.R.S.; and
(VI) the client’s last known address and telephone number.

(c) The client and the opposing parties shall have 14 days after service of a motion to withdraw within which to file objections to the withdrawal.
(d) If the motion to withdraw is granted, the withdrawing attorney shall promptly notify the client and the other parties of the effective date of the withdrawal.

3. Withdrawal From Completed Cases.In any civil case which is concluded and in which all related orders have been submitted and entered by the court and complied with by the withdrawing attorney, an attorney may withdraw from the case without leave of court by filing a notice in the form and content of Appendix to Chapters 1 to 17A, Form 36, C.R.C.P. [JDF Form 83], which shall be served upon the client and all other parties of record or their attorneys, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 5. The withdrawal shall automatically become effective 14 days after service upon the client and all other parties of record or their attorneys unless there is an objection filed, in which event the matter shall be assigned to an appropriate judicial officer for determination.

4. Entries of Appearance and Withdrawals by Members or Employees of Law Firms, Professional Corporations or Clinics.The entry of an appearance or withdrawal by an attorney who is a member or an employee of a law firm, professional corporation or clinic shall relieve other members or employees of the same law firm, professional corporation or clinic from the necessity of filing additional entries of appearance or withdrawal in the same litigation unless otherwise indicated.

5. Notice of Limited Representation Entry of Appearance and Withdrawal.In accordance with C.R.C.P. 11(b) and C.R.C.P. Rule 311(b), an attorney may undertake to provide limited representation to a pro se party involved in a court proceeding. Upon the request and with the consent of a pro se party, an attorney may make a limited appearance for the pro se party in one or more specified proceedings, if the attorney files and serves with the court and the other parties and attorneys (if any) a notice of the limited appearance prior to or simultaneous with the proceeding(s) for which the attorney appears. At the conclusion of such proceeding(s), the attorney’s appearance terminates without the necessity of leave of court, upon the attorney filing a notice of completion of limited appearance. Service on an attorney who makes a limited appearance for a party shall be valid only in connection with the specific proceeding(s) for which the attorney appears.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standards. § 1-2. SPECIAL ADMISSION OF OUT-OF-STATE AND FOREIGN ATTORNEYS

Special admission of an out-of-state or foreign attorney shall be in accordance with C.R.C.P. Chapter 18, Rules Governing Admission to the Bar 205.3 and 205.5.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standards. § 1-3. JURY FEES

Each party exercising the right to trial by jury shall file and serve a demand therefor and simultaneously pay the requisite jury fee. The demand and payment of the jury fee shall be in accordance with Rule 38. The jury fee shall not be returned under any circumstances. Failure of a party to timely file and serve a demand for trial by jury and pay the jury fee shall constitute a waiver of that party’s right to trial by jury. When any party exercises the right to trial by jury, every other party to the action must pay the requisite jury fee unless such other party files a notice of waiver of the right to trial by jury pursuant to Rule 38(a)(2). Any party who has demanded a trial by jury and has paid the requisite jury fee and any party who has not waived the right to trial by jury and has paid the requisite jury fee is entitled to trial by jury of all issues properly designated for trial by jury unless that party waives such right pursuant to Rule 38(e).

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standards. § 1-4. SUPPRESSION FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS

In any civil action, upon written request of the claiming party, the fact of the filing of a case shall be suppressed by the clerk only upon order of the court to secure service of summons or other process and such order shall expire upon service of such summons or other process.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standards. § 1-5. LIMITATION OF ACCESS TO COURT FILES

1. Nature of Order. Upon motion by any party named in any civil action, the court may limit access to court files. The order of limitation shall specify the nature of limitation, the duration of the limitation, and the reason for limitation.

2. When Order Granted. An order limiting access shall not be granted except upon a finding that the harm to the privacy of a person in interest outweighs the public interest.

3. Application for Order. A motion for limitation of access may be granted, ex parte, upon motion filed with the complaint, accompanied by supporting affidavit or at a hearing concerning the motion.

4. Review by Order. Upon notice to all parties of record, and after hearing, an order limiting access may be reviewed by the court at any time on its own motion or upon the motion of any person.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standards. § 1-6. SETTINGS FOR TRIALS OR HEARINGS/SETTINGS BY TELEPHONE

1. All settings of trials and hearings, other than those set on the initiative of the court, shall be by the courtroom clerk upon notice to all other parties. Settings by telephone are encouraged. The original or a copy of the notice shall be on file with the courtroom clerk before the setting and shall contain the following:

(a) The caption of the case with designation “Notice to Set” or “Notice to Set by Telephone.”
(b) The nature of the matter being set.
(c) The date and time at which the setting will occur.
(d) The courtroom clerk’s address, by division or courtroom number if applicable and telephone number.
(e) A statement that the party or attorney being notified may appear or if not present, will be called at or about the time specified.
(f) A statement if the setting is to be by telephone.

2. The party issuing the notice to set shall be responsible for contacting all other counsel and clearing available dates with them.

3. Any attorney receiving the notice to set who does not personally appear at the setting shall have personnel at his or her office, supplied with a current appointment calendar and authorized to make settings for that attorney, at the date and time in the notice.

4. The party requesting the setting shall immediately confirm in writing the date and time of the matter that has been set with all other parties or their attorneys and shall file that confirmation with the court.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standards. § 1-7. AUDIO-VISUAL DEVICES

The photographing, broadcasting, televising or recording of court proceedings in any courtroom shall be governed in accordance with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct of the State of Colorado.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standard. § 1-8. CONSOLIDATION

A party seeking consolidation shall file a motion to consolidate in each case sought to be consolidated. The motion shall be determined by the court in the case first filed in accordance with Practice Standard § 1 -15. If consolidation is ordered, all subsequent filings shall be in the case first filed and all previous filings related to the consolidated cases placed together under that case number, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standard. § 1-9. MULTI-DISTRICT LITIGATION

Consolidation of matters pending in other districts shall be determined in accordance with C.R.C.P. 42.1.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standard. § 1-10. DISMISSAL FOR FAILURE TO PROSECUTE

1. Upon due notice to the opposite party, any party to a civil action may apply to have any action dismissed when such action has not been prosecuted or brought to trial with due diligence.

2. The court, on its own motion, may dismiss any action not prosecuted with due diligence, upon 35 days’ notice in writing to each attorney of record and each appearing party not represented by counsel, or require the parties to show cause in writing why the case should not be dismissed. Showing of cause and objections thereto shall be determined in accordance with Practice Standard § 1-15 (Determination of motions).

3. If the case has not been set for trial, no activity of record in excess of 12 continuous months shall be deemed prima facie failure to prosecute.

4. Failure to show cause on or before the date set forth in the court’s notice shall justify dismissal without further proceedings.

5. Any dismissal under this rule shall be without prejudice unless otherwise specified by the court.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standard. § 1-11. CONTINUANCES

Motions for continuances of hearings or trials shall be determined in accordance with Practice Standard 1-15 and shall be granted only for good cause. Stipulations for continuance shall not be effective unless and until approved by the court. A motion for continuance or request for extension of time will not be considered without a certificate that a copy of the motion has also been served upon the moving attorney’s client.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Standard. § 1-12. MATTERS RELATED TO DISCOVERY (Effective April 1, 2016)

1. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, reasonable notice for the taking of depositions pursuant to C.R.C.P. 30(b)(1) shall not be less than 7 days. Before serving a notice to take a deposition, counsel seeking the deposition shall make a good faith effort to schedule it by agreement at a time reasonably convenient and economically efficient to the proposed deponent and counsel for all parties. Prior to scheduling or noticing any deposition, all counsel shall confer in a good faith effort to agree on a reasonable means of limiting the time and expense of that deposition. Pending resolution of any motion pursuant to C.R.C.P. 26(c), the filing of the motion shall stay the discovery at which the motion is directed. If the court directs that any discovery motion under Rule 26(c) be made orally, then movant’s written notice to the other parties that a hearing has been requested on the motion shall stay the discovery to which the motion is directed.

2. Motions under Rules 26(c) and 37(a), C.R.C.P., shall set forth the interrogatory, request, question or response constituting the subject matter of the motion.

3. Interrogatories and requests under Rules 33, 34, and 36, C.R.C.P., and the responses thereto shall be served upon other counsel or parties, but shall not be filed with the court. If relief is sought under Rule 26(c), C.R.C.P., or Rule 37(a), C.R.C.P., copies of the portions of the interrogatories, requests, answers or responses in dispute shall be filed with the court contemporaneously with the motion. If interrogatories, requests, answers or responses are to be used at trial, the portions to be used shall be made available and placed, but not filed, with the trial judge at the outset of the trial insofar as their use reasonably can be anticipated.

4. The originals of all stenographically reported depositions shall be delivered to the party taking the deposition after submission to the deponent as required by Rule 30(e), C.R.C.P. The original of the deposition shall be retained by the party to whom it is delivered to be available for appropriate use by any party in a hearing or trial of the case. If a deposition is to be used at trial, it shall be made available for inspection and placed, but not filed with the trial judge at the outset of the trial insofar as its use reasonably can be anticipated.

5. Unless otherwise ordered, the court will not entertain any motion under Rule 37(a), C.R.C.P., unless counsel for the moving party has conferred or made reasonable effort to confer with opposing counsel concerning the matter in dispute before the filing of the motion. Counsel for the moving party shall file a certificate of compliance with this rule at the time the motion under Rule 37(a), C.R.C.P., is filed. . If the court requires that any discovery motion be made orally, then movant must make a reasonable effort to confer with opposing counsel before requesting a hearing from the court.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-13. DEPOSITION BY AUDIO TAPE RECORDING

When a deposition is taken by audio tape recording under C.R.C.P. 30(b)(4), the following procedures shall be followed:

(a) An oath or affirmation shall be administered to the witness by a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths.

(b) Two tape recorders with separate microphones shall be used.

(c) Speakers shall identify themselves before each statement except during extended colloquy between examiner and deponent.

(d) The recording shall be transcribed at the expense of the party taking the deposition.

(e) The transcribed testimony shall be made available for correction and signature by the deponent in accordance with Rule 30(e), C.R.C.P.

(f) The tape from which the transcription is made shall be retained by the party taking the deposition. The second tape shall be retained by the adverse party. Both tapes shall be preserved until the litigation is concluded.

(g) The party responsible for the transcription shall make available to the other parties upon request copies of the transcription at a reasonable charge and shall also submit to the other parties copies of changes, if any, which are made by the deponent and shall also inform the other parties of the date when the deposition is available for signature and whether signature is obtained.

(h) The transcription shall be retained by the party taking the deposition and made available in accordance with Paragraph 4 Practice Standard 1-12 (Matters Related To Discovery).

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-14. DEFAULT JUDGMENTS

1. To enter a default judgment under C.R.C.P. 55(b) of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, the following documents in addition to the motion for default judgment are necessary:

(a) The original summons showing valid service on the particular defendant in accordance with Rule 4, C.R.C.P.
(b) An affidavit stating facts showing that venue of the action is proper. The affidavit may be executed by the attorney for the moving party.
(c) An affidavit or affidavits establishing that the particular defendant is not a minor, an incapacitated person, an officer or agency of the State of Colorado, or in the military service. The affidavit must be executed by the attorney for the moving party on the basis of reasonable inquiry.
(d) An affidavit or affidavits or exhibits establishing the amount of damages and interest, if any, for which judgment is being sought. The affidavit may not be executed by the attorney for the moving party. The affidavit must be executed by a person with knowledge of the damages and the basis therefor.
(e) If attorney fees are requested, an affidavit that the defendant agreed to pay attorney fees or that they are provided by statute; that they have been paid or incurred; and that they are reasonable. The attorney for the moving party may execute the affidavit setting forth those matters listed in or required by Colorado Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5.
(f) If the action is on a promissory note, the original note shall be presented to the court in order that the court may make a notation of the judgment on the face of the note. If the note is to be withdrawn, a photocopy shall be substituted.
(g) A proposed form of judgment which shall recite in the body of the judgment:

(1) The name of the party or parties to whom the judgment is to be granted;
(2) The name of the party or the parties against whom judgment is being taken;
(3) Venue has been considered and is proper;
(4) When there are multiple parties against whom judgment is taken, whether the relief is intended to be a joint and several obligation;
(5) Where multiple parties are involved, language to comply with C.R.C.P. 54(b), if final judgment is sought against less than all the defendants;
(6) The principal amount, interest and attorney’s fees, if applicable, and costs which shall be separately stated.

2. If further documentation, proof or hearing is required, the court shall so notify the moving party.

3. If the party against whom default judgment is sought is in the military service, or his status cannot be shown, the court shall require such additional evidence or proceeding as will protect the interests of such party in accordance with the Service Member Civil Relief Act (SCRA), 50 USC § 520, including the appointment of an attorney when necessary. The appointment of an attorney shall be made upon application of the moving party, and expense of such appointment shall be borne by the moving party, but taxable as costs awarded to the moving party as part of the judgment except as prohibited by law.

4. In proceedings which come within the provisions of Rules 55 or 120, C.R.C.P., attendance by the moving party or his attorney shall not be necessary in any instance in which all necessary elements for entry of default under those rules are self-evident from verified motion in the court file. When such matter comes up on the docket with no party or attorney appearing and the court is of the opinion that necessary elements are not so established, the court shall continue or vacate the hearing and advise the moving party or attorney accordingly.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-15. DETERMINATION OF MOTIONS [Effective April 1, 2016]

1. Motions and Briefs; When Required; Time for Serving and Filing – Length.

(a) Except motions during trial or where the court orders that certain or all non-dispositive motions be made orally, any motions involving a contested issue of law shall be supported by a recitation of legal authority incorporated into the motion, which shall not be filed with a separate brief. Unless the court orders otherwise, motions and responsive briefs not under C.R.C.P. 12(b)(1) or (2), or 56 are limited to 15 pages (but not more than 4,000 words), and reply briefs to 10 pages (but not more than 2,500 words), not including the case caption, signature block, certificate of service and attachments. Unless the court orders otherwise, motions and responsive briefs under C.R.C.P. 12(b)(1) or (2) or 56 are limited to 25 pages (but not more than 6,500 words), and reply briefs to 15 pages (but not more than 4,000 words), not including the case caption, signature block, certificate of service and attachments. All motions and briefs shall be double-spaced, except for footnotes and quotes.
(b) The responding party shall have 21 days after the filing of the motion or such lesser or greater time as the court may allow in which to file a responsive brief. If a motion is filed 42 days or less before the trial date, the responding party shall have 14 days after the filing of the motion or such lesser or greater time as the court may allow in which to file a responsive brief.
(c) Except for a motion pursuant to C.R.C.P. 56, the moving party shall have 7 days after the filing of the responsive brief or such greater or lesser time as the court may allow to file a reply brief. For a motion pursuant to C.R.C.P. 56, the moving party shall have 14 days after the filing of the responsive brief or such greater or lesser time as the court may allow to file a reply brief.
(d) A motion shall not be included in a response or reply to the original motion.

2. Affidavits. If facts not appearing of record may be considered in disposition of the motion, the parties may file affidavits with the motion or within the time specified for filing the party’s brief in this Section 1-15, 6, 56 or 59, C.R.C.P., or as otherwise ordered by the Court. Copies of such affidavits and any documentary evidence used in connection with the motion shall be served on all other parties.

3. Effect of Failure to File Legal Authority. If the moving party fails to incorporate legal authority into a C.R.C.P. 56 motion, the court may deem the motion abandoned and may enter an order denying the motion. Failure of a responding party to file a responsive brief may be considered a confession of the motion.

4. Motions to be Determined on Briefs, When Oral Argument is Allowed; Motions Requiring Immediate Attention. Motions shall be determined promptly if possible. The court has discretion to order briefing or set a hearing on the motion. If possible, the court shall determine oral motions at the conclusion of the argument, but may take the motion under advisement or require briefing before ruling. Any motion requiring immediate disposition shall be called to the attention of the courtroom clerk by the party filing such motion.

5. Notification of Court’s Ruling; Setting of Argument or Hearing When Ordered. Whenever the court enters an order denying or granting a motion without a hearing, all parties shall be forthwith notified by the court of such order. If the court desires or authorizes oral argument or an evidentiary hearing, all parties shall be so notified by the court. After notification, it shall be the responsibility of the moving party to have the motion set for oral argument or hearing. Unless the court orders otherwise, a notice to set oral argument or hearing shall be filed in accordance with Practice Standard § 1-6 within 7 days of notification that oral argument or hearing is required or authorized.

6. Effect of Failure to Appear at Oral Argument or Hearing. If any of the parties fails to appear at an oral argument or hearing, without prior showing of good cause for non-appearance, the court may proceed to hear and rule on the motion.

7. Sanctions. If a frivolous motion is filed or if frivolous opposition to a motion is interposed, the court may assess reasonable attorney’s fees against the party or attorney filing such motion or interposing such opposition.

8. Duty to Confer. Unless a statute or rule governing the motion provides that it may be filed without notice, moving counsel shall confer with opposing counsel before filing a motion. The motion shall, at the beginning, contain a certification that the movant in good faith has conferred with opposing counsel about the motion. If the relief sought by the motion has been agreed to by the parties or will not be opposed, the court shall be so advised in the motion. If no conference has occurred, the reason why shall be stated.

9. Unopposed Motions. All unopposed motions shall be so designated in the title of the motion.

10. Proposed Order. Except for orders containing signatures of the parties or attorneys as required by statute or rule, each motion shall be accompanied by a proposed order submitted in editable format. The proposed order complies with this provision if it states that the requested relief be granted or denied.

11. Motions to Reconsider. Motions to reconsider interlocutory orders of the court, meaning motions to reconsider other than those governed by C.R.C.P. 59 or 60, are disfavored. A party moving to reconsider must show more than a disagreement with the court’s decision. Such a motion must allege a manifest error of fact or law that clearly mandates a different result or other circumstance resulting in manifest injustice. The motion shall be filed within 14 days from the date of the order, unless the party seeking reconsideration shows good cause for not filing within that time. Good cause for not filing within 14 days from the date of the order includes newly available material evidence and an intervening change in the governing legal standard. The court may deny the motion before receiving a responsive brief under paragraph 1(b) of this standard.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-16. PREPARATION OF ORDERS AND OBJECTIONS AS TO FORM

1. When directed by the court, the attorney for the prevailing party or such attorney as the court directs shall file and serve a proposed order within 14 days of such direction or such other time as the court directs. Prior to filing the proposed order, the attorney shall submit it to all other parties for approval as to form. The proposed order shall be timely filed even if all parties have not approved it as to form. A party objecting to the form of the proposed order as filed with court shall have 7 days after service of the proposed order to file and serve objections and suggested modifications to the form of the proposed order.

2. Alternatively, when directed by the court, the attorney for the prevailing party or such attorney as the court directs shall file and serve a stipulated order within 14 days after the ruling, or such other time as the court directs. Any matter upon which the parties cannot agree as to form shall be designated in the proposed order as “disputed.” The proposed order shall set forth each party’s specific alternative proposal for each disputed matter.

3. Objecting, proposing modification or agreeing to the form of a proposed order or stipulated order, shall not affect a party’s rights to appeal the substance of the order.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-17. COURT SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES

1. At any time after the filing of Disclosure Certificates as required by C.R.C.P. 16, any party may file with the courtroom clerk and serve a request for a court settlement conference, together with a notice for setting of such request. The court settlement conference shall, if the request is granted, be conducted by any available judge other than the assigned judge. In all instances, the assigned judge shall arrange for the availability of a different judge to conduct the court settlement conference.

2. All discussions at the settlement conference shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed to the judge who presides at trial. Statements at the settlement conference shall not be admissible evidence for any purpose in any other proceeding.

3. This Rule shall not apply to proceedings conducted pursuant to Rule 16.2(i).

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-18. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE, CASE MANAGEMENT, DISCLOSURE AND SIMPLIFICATION OF ISSUES

Pretrial procedure, case management, disclosure and simplification of issues shall be in accordance with C.R.C.P. 16.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-19. JURY INSTRUCTIONS

Jury instructions shall be prepared and tendered to the court pursuant to C.R.C.P. 16(d).

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-20. SIZE, AND FORMAT OF DOCUMENTS

All court documents shall be prepared in 8-1/2″ x 11″ format with black type or print and conform to the format, and spacing requirements specified in C.R.C.P. 10(d). Except documents filed by E-Filing or facsimile copy, all court documents shall be on recycled white paper. Any form required by these rules may be reproduced by word processor or other means, provided that the reproduction substantially follows the format of the form and indicates the effective date of the form which it reproduces.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-21. COURT TRANSCRIPTS

1. A party requesting a transcript shall arrange for preparation of the transcript directly with the reporter, or if the session or proceeding was recorded by mechanical or electronic means, the courtroom clerk. Where a transcript is to be made a part of the record on appeal, a party shall request preparation of the transcript by reference in the Designation of Record and by direct arrangement with the court reporter or courtroom clerk as provided herein.

2. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, a court reporter may require a deposit of sufficient money to cover the estimated cost of preparation before preparing the transcript.

3. The transcript shall be signed and certified by the person preparing the transcript. A transcript lodged with the court shall not be removed from the court without court order except when transmitted to the appellate court.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-22. COSTS AND ATTORNEY FEES [Effective July 1, 2015]

1. COSTS. A party claiming costs shall file a Bill of Costs within 21 days of the entry of order or judgment or within such greater time as the court may allow. The Bill of Costs shall itemize and provide a total of costs being claimed. Taxing and determination of costs shall be in accordance with C.R.C.P. 54(d) and Practice Standard § 1-15. Any party that may be affected by the Bill of Costs may request a hearing within the time permitted to file a reply in support of the Bill of Costs. Any request shall identify those issues that the party believes should be addressed at the hearing. When required to do so by law, the court shall grant a party’s timely request for a hearing. In other cases where a party has made a timely request for a hearing, the court shall hold a hearing if it determines in its discretion that a hearing would materially assist the court in ruling on the motion.

2. ATTORNEY FEES.

(a) Scope. This practice standard applies to requests for attorney fees made at the conclusion of the action, including attorney fee awards requested pursuant to Section 13-17-102 , C.R.S. It also includes awards of fees made to the prevailing party pursuant to a contract or statute where the award is dependent upon the achievement of a successful result in the litigation in which fees are to be awarded and the fees are for services rendered in connection with that litigation. This practice standard does not apply to attorney fees which are part of a judgment for damages and incurred as a result of other proceedings, or for services rendered other than in connection with the proceeding in which judgment is entered. This practice standard also does not apply to requests for attorney fees on matters relating to pre-trial sanctions and motions for default judgment unless otherwise ordered by the court.
(b) Motion and Response. Any party seeking attorney fees under this practice standard shall file and serve a motion for attorney fees within 21 days of entry of judgment or such greater time as the court may allow. The motion shall explain the basis upon which fees are sought, the amount of fees sought, and the method by which those fees were calculated. The motion shall be accompanied by any supporting documentation, including materials evidencing the attorney’s time spent, the fee agreement between the attorney and client, and the reasonableness of the fees. Any response and reply, including any supporting documentation, shall be filed within the time allowed in practice standard § 1-15. The court may permit discovery on the issue of attorney fees only upon good cause shown when requested by any party.
(c) Hearing; Determination of Motion. Any party which may be affected by the motion for attorney fees may request a hearing within the time permitted to file a reply. Any request shall identify those issues which the party believes should be addressed at the hearing. When required to do so by law, the court shall grant a party’s timely request for a hearing. In other cases where a party has made a timely request for a hearing, the court shall hold a hearing if it determines in its discretion that a hearing would materially assist the court in ruling on the motion. In exercising its discretion as to whether to hold a hearing in these cases, the court shall consider the amount of fees sought, the sufficiency of the disclosures made by the moving party in its motion and supporting documentation, and the extent and nature of the objections made in response to the motion. The court shall make findings of fact to support its determination of the motion. Attorney fees awarded under this practice standard shall be taxed as costs.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-23. BONDS IN CIVIL ACTIONS

1. Bonds Which Are Automatically Effective Upon Filing With The Court. The following bonds are automatically effective upon filing with the clerk of the court:

(a) Cash bonds in the amount set by court order, subsection 3 of this rule, or any applicable statute.
(b) Certificates of deposit issued by a bank chartered by either the United States government or the State of Colorado, in the amount set by court order, subsection 3 of this rule, or any applicable statute. The certificate of deposit shall be issued in the name of the clerk of the court and payable to the clerk of the court, and the original of the certificate of deposit must be deposited with the clerk of the court.
(c) Corporate surety bonds issued by corporate sureties presently authorized to do business in the State of Colorado in the amount set by court order, subsection 3 of this rule, or any applicable statute. A power of attorney showing the present or current authority of the agent for the surety signing the bond shall be filed with the bond.

2. Bonds Which Are Effective Only Upon Entry of an Order Approving the Bond.

(a) Letters of credit issued by a bank chartered by either the United States government or the State of Colorado, in the amount set by court order, subsection 3 of this rule, or any applicable statute. The beneficiary of the letter of credit shall be the clerk of the district court. The original of the letter of credit shall be deposited with the clerk of the court.
(b) Any Other Proposed Bond.

3. Amounts of Bond.

(a) Supersedeas Bonds. Unless the court otherwise orders, or any applicable statute directs a higher amount, the amount of a supersedeas bond to stay execution of a money judgment shall be 1 25% of the total amount of the judgment entered by the court (including any prejudgment interest, costs and attorneys fees awarded by the court). The amount of a supersedeas bond to stay execution of a non-money judgment shall be determined by the court. Nothing in this rule is intended to limit the court’s discretion to deny a stay with respect to non-money judgments. Any interested party may move the trial court (which shall have jurisdiction not withstanding the pendency of an appeal) for an increase in the amount of the bond to reflect the anticipated time for completion of appellate proceedings or any increase in the amount of judgment.
(b) Other Bonds. The amounts of all other bonds shall be determined by the court or by any applicable statute.

4. Service of Bonds Upon All Parties of Record. A copy of all bonds or proposed bonds filed with the court shall be served on all parties of record in accordance with C.R.C.P. 5(b).

5. No Unsecured Bonds. Except as expressly provided by statute, and except with respect to appearance bonds, no unsecured bond shall be accepted by the court.

6. Objections to Bonds. Any party in interest may file an objection to any bond which is automatically effective under subsection 1 of this rule or to any proposed bond subject to subsection 2 of this rule. A bond, which is automatically effective under subsection 1 remains in effect unless the court orders otherwise. Any objections shall be filed not later than 14 days after service of the bond or proposed bond except that objections based upon the entry of any amended or additional judgment shall be made not later than 14 days after entry of any such amended or additional judgment.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-24. SETTING OF DEADLINES

[Practice Standard on Setting of Deadlines being prepared.]

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-25. FACSIMILE COPIES

1. Facsimile copy, defined. A facsimile copy is a copy generated by a system that encodes a document into electrical signals, transmits these electrical signals over a telephone/data line, then reconstructs the signals to print an exact duplicate of the original document at the receiving end.

2. Facsimile copies which conform with the quality requirements specified in C.R.C.P. 10(d)(1) may be filed with the court in lieu of the original document. Once filed with the court, the facsimile copy shall be treated as an original for all court purposes. If a facsimile copy is filed in lieu of the original document, the attorney or party filing the facsimile shall retain the original document for production to the court, if requested to do so.

3. The court is not required to provide confirmation that it has received a facsimile transmission.

4. Any facsimile copy transmitted directly to the court shall be accompanied by a cover sheet which states the title of the document, case number, number of pages, identity and voice telephone number of transmitter and any instructions.

5. Payment of any required filing fees shall not be deferred for documents filed with the court by facsimile transmission.

6. This rule shall not require courts to have a fascimile machine nor shall the court be required to transmit orders or other material to attorneys or parties via facsimile transmission.

Rule 121. Local Rules – Statewide Practice Procedures. § 1-26. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE SYSTEM

1. Definitions:

(a) Document: A pleading, motion, writing or other paper filed or served under the E-System.
(b) E-Filing/Service System: The E-Filing/Service System (“E-System”) approved by the Colorado Supreme Court for filing and service of documents via the Internet through the Court-authorized E-System provider.
(c) Electronic Filing: Electronic filing (“E-Filing”) is the transmission of documents to the clerk of the court, and from the court, via the E-System.
(d) Electronic Service: Electronic service (“E-Service”) is the transmission of documents to any party in a case via the E-System. Parties who have subscribed to the E-System have agreed to receive service, other than service of a summons, via the E-System.
(e) E-System Provider: The E-Service/E-Filing System Provider authorized by the Colorado Supreme Court.
(f) Signatures:

(I) Electronic Signature: an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and executed or adopted by the person with the intent to sign the E-filed or E-served document.
(II) Scanned Signature: A graphic image of a handwritten signature.

2. Types of Cases Applicable: E-Filing and E-Service may be used for certain cases filed in the courts of Colorado as the service becomes available. The availability of the E-System will be determined by the Colorado Supreme Court and announced through its web site http://www.courts.state.co.us/supct/supct.htm and through published directives to the clerks of the affected court systems. E-Filing and E-Service may be mandated pursuant to Subsection 13 of this Practice Standard 1-26.

3. To Whom Applicable:

(a) Attorneys licensed or certified to practice law in Colorado, or admitted pro hac vice under C.R.C.P. 205.3 or 205.5, may register to use the E-System. The E-System provider will provide an attorney permitted to appear pursuant to C.R.C.P. 205.3 or 205.5 with a special user account for purposes of E-Filing and E-Serving only in the case identified by a court order approving pro hac vice admission. The E-System provider will provide an attorney certified as pro bono coun-sel pursuant to C.R.C.P. 204.6 with a special user account for purposes of E-Filing and E-Serving in pro bono cases as contemplated by that rule. An attorney may enter an appearance pursuant to Rule 121, Section 1-1, through E-Filing. In districts where E-Filing is mandated pursuant to Subsection 13 of this Practice Standard 1-26, attorneys must register and use the E-System.
(b) Where the system and necessary equipment are in place to permit it, pro se parties and government entities and agencies may register to use the E-System.

4. Commencement of Action–Service of Summons: Cases may be commenced under C.R.C.P. 3 by E-Filing the initial pleading. Service of a summons shall be made in accordance with C.R.C.P. 4.

5. E-Filing–Date and Time of Filing: Documents filed in cases on the E-System may be filed under C.R.C.P. 5 through an E-Filing. A document transmitted to the E-System Provider by 11:59 p.m. Colorado time shall be deemed to have been filed with the clerk of the court on that date.

6. E-Service–When Required – Date and Time of Service: Documents submitted to the court through E-Filing shall be served under C.R.C.P. 5 by E-Service. A document transmitted to the E-System Provider for service by 11:59 p.m. Colorado time shall be deemed to have been served on that date.

7. Filing Party to Maintain the Signed Copy–Paper Document Not to Be Filed–Duration of Maintaining of Document: A printed or printable copy of an E-Filed or E-Served document with original, electronic, or scanned signatures shall be maintained by the filing party and made available for inspection by other parties or the court upon request, but shall not be filed with the court. When these rules require a party to maintain a document, the filer is required to maintain the document for a period of two years after the final resolution of the action, including the final resolution of all appeals. For domestic relations decrees, separation agreements and parenting plans, original signature pages bearing the attorneys, parties’, and notaries’ signatures must be scanned and E-filed. For probate of a will, the original must be lodged with the court.

8. Documents Requiring E-Filed Signatures: For E-Filed and E-Served documents, signatures of attorneys, parties, witnesses, notaries and notary stamps may be affixed electronically or documents with signatures obtained on a paper form scanned.

9. C.R.C.P. 11 Compliance: An e-signature is a signature for the purposes of C.R.C.P. 11.

10. Documents under Seal: A motion for leave to file documents under seal may be E-Filed. Documents to be filed under seal pursuant to an order of the court may be E-Filed at the direction of the court; however, the filing party may object to this procedure.

11. Transmitting of Orders, Notices and Other Court Entries: Beginning January 1, 2006, courts shall distribute orders, notices, and other court entries using the E-System in cases where E-Filings were received from any party.

12. Form of E-Filed Documents: C.R.C.P. 10 shall apply to E-Filed documents. A document shall not be transmitted to the clerk of the court by any other means unless the court at any later time requests a printed copy.

13. E-Filing May be Mandated: With the permission of the Chief Justice, a chief judge may mandate E-Filing within a county or judicial district for specific case classes or types of cases. A judicial officer may mandate E-Filing and E-Service in that judicial officer’s division for specific cases, for submitting documents to the court and serving documents on case parties. Where E-Filing is mandatory, the court may thereafter accept a document in paper form and the court shall scan the document and upload it to the E-Service Provider. After notice to an attorney that all future documents are to be E-Filed, the court may charge a fee of $50 per document for the service of scanning and uploading a document filed in paper form. Where E-Filing and E-Service are mandatory, the Chief Judge or appropriate judicial officer may exclude pro se parties from mandatory E-Filing requirements.

14. Relief in the Event of Technical Difficulties:

(a) Upon satisfactory proof that E-Filing or E-Service of a document was not completed because of: (1) an error in the transmission of the document to the E-System Provider which was unknown to the sending party; (2)a failure of the E-System Provider to process the E-Filing when received, or (3)other technical problems experienced by the filer or E-System Provider, the court may enter an order permitting the document to be filed nunc pro tunc to the date it was first attempted to be sent electronically.
(b) Upon satisfactory proof that an E-Served document was not received by or unavailable to a party served, the court may enter an order extending the time for responding to that document.

15. Form of Electronic Documents

(a) Electronic document format, size and density. Electronic document format, size, and density shall be as specified by Chief Justice Directive # 11-01.
(b) Multiple Documents: Multiple documents (including proposed orders) may be filed in a single electronic filing transaction. Each document (including proposed orders) in that filing must bear a separate document title.
(c) Proposed Orders: Proposed orders shall be E-Filed in editable format. Proposed orders that are E-Filed in a non-editable format shall be rejected by the Court Clerk’s office and must be resubmitted.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended to be general information only and not legal advice. Laws change frequently and the information on this website may not be up to date, nor is the information intended to be fully comprehensive. For legal advice specific to your case please contact J.D. Porter, LLC or another licensed attorney.