How to Serve the Other Party
Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective January 1, 2026
This form explains the different ways a person must officially give court papers to another person in a case. It describes three methods: getting the other party to agree to accept the papers, having a professional hand-deliver the papers, or publishing the notice if the other party cannot be found.
Where this fits in a case
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This form is used when one person needs to formally notify another person about a court case, especially if the parties are not filing documents together.
Either party may file.
Common questions
- What is the easiest way to serve the papers?
- The easiest way is through a Waiver of Service, which means the other party agrees to accept the court papers. You give them the Petition, Summons, and a blank Waiver of Service for them to sign and date.
- Who can hand the paperwork to the other person?
- You cannot hand the paperwork to the other person yourself. You must use a process server, the Sheriff, or an adult over 18 who is not involved in the case.
- When can I use Service by Publication?
- You can only use this method if you do not know where the other party lives and if you have already tried to serve them in person.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2026.
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