Colorado Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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Colorado Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
6 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
8%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Colorado gives creditors one of the longest judgment windows in the country at 20 years, with a moderate 8% interest rate and meaningful enforcement tools. The state homestead exemption is $250,000, but real property liens are effective for the full 20-year period — making this a creditor-friendly jurisdiction for judgment holders.

Colorado Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 6 years CRS §13-80-103.5
Open Account / Credit Card 6 years CRS §13-80-103.5
Oral Contract 6 years CRS §13-80-103
Promissory Note 6 years CRS §13-80-103.5
Judgment Lien 20 years CRS §13-52-102

Colorado’s 6-year SOL for written contracts is among the more generous for creditors in the Mountain West region.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Colorado post-judgment interest accrues at 8% per annum under CRS §5-12-102. Interest is simple and begins accruing from the date of judgment entry.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Colorado

Wage Garnishment yes
Colorado allows garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount over 30× the federal minimum wage (whichever is less). Notice to the debtor is required (CRS §13-54-104).
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account garnishment is available via a writ of continuing garnishment after judgment (CRS §13-54.5-101). Financial institutions must hold funds for 30 days.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
Recording an abstract of judgment in any county creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (CRS §13-52-102). Lien lasts 6 years and may be renewed up to the 20-year judgment period.
Turnover Order yes
Post-judgment debtor examinations (C.R.C.P. 69) allow creditors to compel disclosure of assets, and courts may order turnover of non-exempt property.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution authorize the sheriff to seize and sell non-exempt personal property and real estate (CRS §13-52-101).
Vehicle Levy yes
Colorado exempts one motor vehicle up to $15,000 in equity (CRS §13-54-102). Additional vehicles or equity above that cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $250,000 CRS §38-41-201
Motor Vehicle $15,000 equity CRS §13-54-102
Wages 75% of disposable earnings CRS §13-54-104
Household Goods $6,000 aggregate CRS §13-54-102
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans CRS §13-54-102

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Colorado Resources

Colorado Judicial Branch – CourtsCase search & court informationColorado SOS – Business DatabaseEntity & registered agent searchColorado Division of Property TaxationCounty assessor & property recordsColorado Revised Statutes – LegislatureOfficial state code search

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Colorado attorney before taking collection action.