Find out what to expect at an eviction hearing and how to prepare.
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If your landlord is trying to evict you in county court, the law gives you a right to participate in your case in two different ways:
- In person; or
- Remotely by phone or video.
How do I participate remotely in my eviction case?
When you receive court papers for an eviction, the blank Answer form (JDF 103) for you to file will have a box for you to tell the court if you will be in person or remote for your case. You should be able to file your Answer electronically. Review your court papers for instructions on doing so.
Once you file your answer, the court will understand how you intend to participate. The court should provide you with all the information necessary for remote participation, including:
- The court’s phone number;
- The court’s email address; and
- Instructions on what you should do if you have technical difficulties.
When can I participate remotely in my eviction case?
If you have filed your answer saying you want to participate remotely in your eviction case, the court expects you to participate remotely.
This means that all the following will be remote:
- Returns
- Status conferences
- Hearings
- Trials
- Any other court proceeding
What if I change my mind?
If you said you wanted to participate in person or remotely and you change your mind, you should contact the court as soon as possible.
You must file form JDF 105: Notice About Remote Participation at least 48 hours (2 full days) before the hearing or trial or the judge could reject your request to change your mind. You need to serve the other party in your case with a copy of this notice.
If there are less than 48 hours or two days before your proceeding, it’s up to the judge if they will let you change how you participate.
Note:
If you ask to participate remotely for the first time less than 48 hours before your hearing or trial, the judge could say “no” and require you to appear in person.
What if I need accommodations while remote?
If you decide to participate remotely, the court is still expected to comply with all state and federal laws for accommodations if you have a disability or need an interpreter.
The Answer form has a box where you can check if you need an interpreter and a space to specify the language.
You can request accommodation for a disability by contacting your court and speaking with the ADA Coordinator.
What if I have technology problems?
If you have any technology problems, the court should have given you instructions on what to do. If not, call the court clerk’s office right away.
The court will try to reconnect with you. The law requires them to allow a reasonable time to reestablish the connection.
If you can’t reconnect, the court will reschedule the proceeding as soon as possible. The new proceeding will be in person, and you will be expected to participate in person.
A court is not allowed to enter a default judgment against you for technical difficulties.
Need more help?
If you are low-income, a senior, or a veteran, you may qualify for free legal help from Colorado Legal Services (CLS). To apply or ask if you might qualify, go to the CLS website and find the office that serves your area. If you call or visit, CLS can help you in your native language.
You can get help from the courts. Every judicial district has staff called “Sherlocks” to help people with their legal questions. To find the Sherlock in your county, visit the Judicial Department’s Sherlock webpage.