Adams County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Colorado landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer in Adams County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Adams County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Adams County Justice Center
- Address: 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601
- Phone: (303) 659-1161
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Forcible Entry and Detainer
- Online filing: Available
⚠️ Adams County — What Landlords Should Know
Adams County follows standard Colorado eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Adams County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Adams County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Adams County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 10-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Colorado law.
File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer at Adams County Justice Center
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Adams County Justice Center (1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601). The filing fee is $85. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Adams County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $40. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Adams County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Colorado Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Colorado.
Adams County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $85 | Paid to Adams County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $40 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$34–$40 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $400–$1500 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Adams County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Adams County?
The typical Adams County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Adams County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Adams County?
The court filing fee in Adams County is $85. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($40), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$34–$40), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $159–$165.
What court handles evictions in Adams County?
Evictions in Adams County are filed at the Adams County Justice Center, located at 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer.
Can I file an eviction online in Adams County?
Yes, Adams County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Adams County?
Colorado law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Adams County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Adams County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Colorado.
See full Colorado eviction laws and notice requirements.
Colorado Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Colorado.
Colorado Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Adams County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Adams County →Relevant Colorado Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: C.R.S. § 13-40-104
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Colorado statutes or a licensed Adams County attorney.