Colorado § 13-6-405 - Magistrate in small claims court.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-6-405 — Magistrate in small claims court., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-6-405. Magistrate in small claims court.
(1) In the following circumstances, a magistrate may hear and decide claims in a small claims court:
(a) In Class A counties, as defined in section 13-6-201, magistrates for small claims may be appointed by the presiding judge.
(b) In Class B counties, as defined in section 13-6-201, magistrates for small claims may be appointed, pursuant to section 13-3-105, if approved by the chief justice.
(2) A magistrate shall be a qualified attorney-at-law admitted to practice in the state of Colorado or a nonattorney if the nonattorney is serving as a county judge pursuant to section 13-6-203.
(3) While acting as a magistrate for small claims, a magistrate shall have the same powers as a judge.
(3.5) A magistrate shall have the power to solemnize marriages pursuant to the procedures in section 14-2-109, C.R.S.
(4) If any party files a timely written objection, pursuant to rule of the supreme court, with the magistrate conducting the hearing, that party's case shall be rereferred to a judge.
Source: L. 76: Entire part added, p. 518, § 1, effective October 1. L. 84: (2) amended, p. 459, § 1, effective April 5. L. 89: (3.5) added, p. 782, § 4, effective April 4. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 356, § 10, effective April 9. L. 2001: (2) and (4) amended, p. 1513, § 3, effective September 1.
Cross references: For magistrates in county courts, see part 5 of this article; for magistrates in district courts, see § 13-5-201.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 13-6-405
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-6-405 cover?
Section 13-6-405 ("Magistrate in small claims court.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 13-6-405?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-6-405" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 13-6-405 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.