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JDF 96

Instructions for Filing an Answer and/or Counterclaim

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective September 1, 2024

This document provides instructions for a Defendant on how to file an Answer and/or Counterclaim in County Court. It explains what an Answer and Counterclaim are and details the steps for filing these documents with the court.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Respond

Stage: Respond

This form is used by a Defendant who has been sued (the Plaintiff) and needs to formally respond to the claims made against them, or if they wish to make their own claims against the Plaintiff.

Usually filed by the person responding.

Common questions

What is the purpose of filing an Answer and/or Counterclaim?
The Answer lets the Defendant respond to the claims made in the Complaint. A Counterclaim lets the Defendant state any claims they have against the Plaintiff. Great care must be taken to complete all sections that apply to your case.
What fees are involved in filing?
There are different filing fees depending on whether the party filing is a Defendant, a Third Party Plaintiff, or if they are filing a counterclaim. All filing fees paid are non-refundable.
If I cannot pay the filing fee, what should I do?
If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you must complete the Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205) and submit it to the Court.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect September 1, 2024.

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