How to collect unpaid invoices in Colorado: lien deadlines, one-party consent, and small claims

Colorado's wiretapping statute (C.R.S. §18-9-303) prohibits interception of telephone or electronic communications without the consent of at least one party. The caller's own consent satisfies this requirement, making Colorado a one-party consent state for business calls. Collection calls -- automated or manual -- do not require notification to the other party, though disclosing at the opening of the call is standard practice and reduces any potential misunderstanding about the call's purpose.

Colorado mechanic's lien law (C.R.S. §38-22-101 et seq.) has different deadlines for general contractors versus subcontractors, which is one of the few features of Colorado lien law that catches contractors off guard. General contractors who have a direct contract with the property owner must file a statement of lien with the clerk of the county where the property is located within 4 months of the last day of furnishing labor, materials, or services. Subcontractors, materialmen, and other lower-tier parties have only 2 months from their last day of furnishing.

Colorado lien law also requires a notice of intent to lien before filing the lien. The mechanic who intends to file a lien must provide the owner with a written notice of intent at least 10 days before filing (C.R.S. §38-22-109(4)). This notice must be served by certified mail or personal service. Failure to provide the 10-day notice does not automatically void the lien but can give the owner grounds to challenge the lien's enforceability. Build the 10-day notice step into your lien preparation timeline. A suit to enforce the lien must be filed within 6 months of filing.

Colorado County Court small claims handles disputes up to $7,500. Filing fees are $31 to $78. Cases are scheduled within 30 to 60 days of filing. For claims between $7,500 and $25,000, the regular civil division of County Court applies. Above $25,000, District Court jurisdiction is standard. Most residential service invoice disputes under $7,500 can be handled in small claims without an attorney. Bring the signed contract or proposal, itemized invoice, proof of work completion (photos, sign-off, text confirmations), and documentation of the collection attempts made before filing.

The Colorado statute of limitations on contract claims is 3 years (C.R.S. §13-80-101(1)(a)). This applies to both written and oral contracts. The clock starts when the breach occurs -- when payment was due and not made. Three years is a short window by national standards, and it means a 2023 invoice must be filed in court no later than 2026. Colorado courts have consistently applied this limitation strictly. Do not assume a Colorado invoice is collectible through litigation without confirming the date the cause of action accrued.