Colo. R. Civ. P. 3 (2026)

(a) How Commenced. A civil action is commenced (1) by filing a complaint with the court, or (2) by service of a summons and complaint. If the action is commenced by the service of a summons and complaint, the complaint must be filed within 14 days after service. If the complaint is not filed within 14 days, the service of summons shall be deemed to be ineffective and void without notice. In such case the court may, in its discretion, tax a reasonable sum in favor of the defendant to compensate the defendant for expense and inconvenience, including attorney’s fees, to be paid by the plaintiff or his attorney. The 14 day filing requirement may be expressly waived by a defendant and shall

be deemed waived upon the filing of a responsive pleading or motion to the complaint without reserving the issue.

(b) Time of Jurisdiction. The court shall have jurisdiction from (1) the filing of the complaint, or (2) the service of the summons and complaint; provided, however, if more than 14 days elapses after service upon any defendant before the filing of the complaint, jurisdiction as to that defendant shall not attach by virtue of the service.

Source: Entire rule amended and adopted December 14, 2011, effective January 1, 2012, for all cases pending on or filed on or after January 1, 2012, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 1(b).

Cross references: For issuance of summons by attorney or clerk, see C.R.C.P. 4(b).