--- name: co-pro-se description: > This skill should be used when drafting Colorado court documents for a self-represented (pro se) litigant. Triggers include "pro se", "self-represented", "in pro per", "drafting a pro se motion in Colorado", "drafting an answer without a lawyer", "filing without a lawyer in Colorado". Covers the pro-se drafting framework adapted for Colorado civil practice, the C.R.C.P. 5 service rules and CCEFS Pro Se workflow, the JDF (Judicial Department Forms) catalog, the Self-Help Center resources at major courthouses, and Colorado's particular pro se conventions (no attorney-registration number, "Self-Represented" or "Pro Se" designation, sworn-financial- statement requirement under C.R.C.P. 16.2 for domestic cases). version: 0.1.0 --- # Pro Se Drafting for Colorado > **NOT LEGAL ADVICE.** This skill helps unrepresented parties > prepare paper and procedure. It does not substitute for advice from > a licensed Colorado attorney. Use this skill in addition to `co-statewide-format` whenever the filer is unrepresented. Colorado uses the terms "pro se" and "self-represented" interchangeably; "in pro per" is also accepted but less common. ## The pro-se drafting framework — adapted for Colorado The pro-se drafting framework (from *Parker v. Dist. Court for City & County of Denver*, 173 Colo. 537 (1971), and its successors) sets out the two-track standard Colorado courts use when reviewing pro se filings: 1. **Substantial compliance with form.** Courts construe pro se filings liberally and look past minor formatting errors so long as the substantive components are present (caption, claim or defense, signature, verification when required). 2. **No substantive advocacy from the bench.** The court will not reframe a pro se filer's argument, supply missing elements of a claim, or fill gaps in the record. The practical takeaway: a pro se filing must clearly **name the relief sought**, **cite the rule or statute** under which that relief is available, **state facts** that support each element, and **conclude with a signature** and (where required) a verification. ## Signature block — no attorney-registration number Colorado-licensed attorneys must include their **Reg. No.** under C.R.C.P. 11(a). Pro se filers **omit** the registration number and replace it with a clear self-represented designation: ``` Respectfully submitted this ___ day of __________, 20__. ____________________________ Jane Q. Doe [Street address] [City, CO ZIP] Phone: (###) ###-#### Email: jane@example.com Self-Represented Defendant ``` Use **"Self-Represented"** or **"Pro Se"** on the last line. The designation tracks the filer's role in the case ("Self-Represented Petitioner", "Pro Se Defendant", "Self-Represented Third-Party Plaintiff", etc.). ## Service of process and service of pleadings Pro se filers serve under the same rules as represented parties: - **C.R.C.P. 4** governs service of the initial complaint / petition. A pro se plaintiff cannot personally serve their own defendant — use the sheriff (for in-county service), a private process server, or another disinterested adult. - **C.R.C.P. 5** governs service of subsequent papers. If you have a CCEFS Pro Se account, e-service is automatic for represented opposing parties; otherwise serve by **U.S. Mail**, **hand delivery**, or **email under C.R.C.P. 5(b)(2)(E)** (email service requires opposing party's prior agreement or court order). A **Certificate of Service** is required on every filed paper. See `co-statewide-format` for the certificate template. ## CCEFS Pro Se — the e-filing portal for unrepresented parties The Colorado Courts E-Filing System (CCEFS) operates a **Pro Se** track at: **https://www.jbits.courts.state.co.us/efiling/** To use it: 1. Create a free account (requires valid email + photo ID verification) 2. Search for the existing case by number or party name 3. File the paper as a PDF; pay any associated filing fee by credit card or apply for a fee waiver (JDF 205/206) CCEFS Pro Se is **not yet universal across all 22 JDs** — some county courts only accept paper filings from pro se parties. Confirm the filing county's e-filing acceptance before relying on the portal. ## JDF (Judicial Department Forms) catalog The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes hundreds of standardized **JDF forms** for pro se use. Use the JDF if one exists for your filing — courts process JDF-format filings faster and clerks recognize them on sight. **Master index**: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/forms Common JDF forms by category: ### Civil (district court) - **JDF 80** — Civil Cover Sheet (filed with every new complaint) - **JDF 205** — Motion to File without Payment of Filing Fee - **JDF 206** — Affidavit Supporting Motion to File without Payment - **JDF 1402** — Notice of Appeal (limited jurisdiction) ### County Court — Civil - **JDF 76** — Answer to Complaint (county court) - **JDF 250** — Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear (small claims) - **JDF 251** — Defendant's Response (small claims) ### Domestic Relations (filed in district court) - **JDF 1099** — Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation - **JDF 1102** — Petition for Declaration of Invalidity of Marriage (annulment) - **JDF 1111** — Sworn Financial Statement (required under C.R.C.P. 16.2(e)) - **JDF 1820 E** — Child Support Worksheet (electronic) - **JDF 1116** — Decree of Dissolution / Legal Separation - **JDF 1129** — Parenting Plan ### Post-judgment - **JDF 82** — Writ of Continuing Garnishment - **JDF 84** — Claim of Exemption - **JDF 90** — Citation to Appear (debtor exam) ## Self-Help Centers Most populous-county courthouses operate a **Self-Help Center** with non-lawyer staff who can: - Help select the right JDF form - Explain procedure (not advice) - Witness signatures and notarize documents (some centers) - Refer to limited-scope-representation lawyers and legal aid **Self-Help Center locations** (verify hours at the JD page): - Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse (Denver) - Arapahoe County District Court (Centennial) - Jefferson County (Golden) - El Paso County (Colorado Springs) - Adams County (Brighton) - Boulder County (Boulder) - Larimer County (Fort Collins) - Weld County (Greeley) - Pueblo (Pueblo) - Mesa County (Grand Junction) The **Colorado Judicial Branch** also operates a statewide self-help page: **https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help** ## Fee waiver — JDF 205 + JDF 206 Pro se filers with limited income should file **JDF 205** (Motion) together with **JDF 206** (Sworn Financial Affidavit) at the time of the first filing. The court reviews the affidavit and grants or denies under C.R.S. § 13-16-103. Approval covers filing fees, service-of-process fees by sheriff, jury fees, and certain other charges. ## Common pro se pitfalls in Colorado 1. **Omitting the Division and Courtroom from the caption** — newer pro se filings often leave the right-side box blank. Always include the assigned Division (chambers number) and Courtroom (physical room) once known. 2. **Forgetting the Certificate of Conferral for non-dispositive motions** — C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15(8) requires it. Many pro se filers learn this only after summary denial. Include the certificate on every motion that is not a 12(b) or 56 motion. 3. **Missing the C.R.C.P. 5 service mechanic** — pro se filers without CCEFS access must mail or email-with-permission and document service in a Certificate of Service. "Sent by FedEx" or "left at their office" without certified evidence does not satisfy Rule 5. 4. **C.R.C.P. 16.2 disclosures in domestic cases** — in any dissolution / legal separation / allocation of parental responsibilities case, both parties must file a **Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111)** within 42 days of the case being at issue. Failure carries serious consequences including default and sanctions. 5. **Counting deadlines wrong** — C.R.C.P. 6(a) excludes the triggering day but includes the last day, with the C.R.C.P. 6(a)(1)(C) roll-forward when the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Use `co-deadlines` to compute correctly. ## Composition - For statewide format: `co-statewide-format` - For the specific court: `co-denver`, `co-arapahoe`, `co-county-courts` - For motion drafting: `co-draft-motion` - For declarations: `co-draft-declaration` - For consumer-debt defense as pro se: `co-consumer-debt` - For family-law cases as pro se: `co-family-law` ## References - `references/pro-se-drafting-framework.md` — case law on pro se construction - `references/jdf-forms-index.md` — annotated JDF catalog - `references/self-help-centers.md` — directory and hours - `references/limited-scope-representation.md` — "unbundled" legal services under Colo. R. Prof. Conduct 1.2(c)