Free tools / Colorado / Pleadings
Colorado answer to complaint deadline
Quick answer
In Colorado, you generally must respond to a complaint within 21 days after service of the summons and complaint (C.R.C.P. 12(a)).
C.R.C.P. 12(a)
AI-assisted — Colorado rules pending attorney verification; confirm against the cited rule.
AI-assisted — verify independently. Colorado deadline rules here are AI-generated and pending attorney review. Confirm against the cited rule and your local court before relying on this.
CourtFlow computes deadlines like this automatically — from the court email itself, straight to your calendar, for every case.
Start a trial — setup in 5 minutesEstimates based on standard Colorado rules and court-holiday closures; not legal advice. Confirm against your specific case, local administrative orders, and the current rules.
How the deadline works
Under C.R.C.P. 12(a), the answer is due within 21 days after service of the summons and complaint. 35 days if served outside Colorado, by publication, or where the defendant waives service. A deadline landing on a weekend or court holiday moves to the next business day.
Questions
- How long do I have to respond to a complaint in Colorado?
- Generally 21 days after service of the summons and complaint, under C.R.C.P. 12(a).