Answer two quick questions and get only the laws that fit you, each in plain English with simple steps you can check off, the court forms you need, and a link to the official law. By Attorney Charles E. Liken Jr., former Deputy District Attorney, for the ServiceShield program.
Pick all that apply.
Pick all that apply.
C.R.S. 14-13.7-101 to 14-13.7-504
If your orders send you away for more than 90 days but less than 18 months, and your family cannot come with you, this law lets you set up a temporary parenting plan for the deployment. During the deployment, a judge cannot make a permanent custody order without your consent. Your past or future deployment alone cannot be the only reason for deciding what is best for your child.
Your steps
Court forms
C.R.S. 15-14-105; C.R.S. 14-13.7-204; C.R.S. 15-14-706(3)(b); 10 U.S.C. 1044b
You can sign a power of attorney letting another person care for your child for up to 12 months (C.R.S. 15-14-105). It cannot give power to agree to the child's marriage or adoption. A military power of attorney notarized by a military legal officer must be honored in Colorado. Under the deployment law, you may hand off your custody rights to an adult who is not a parent, for the time you are deployed, only if no other parent has custody rights or a court order bars the other parent from contact with the child.
Your steps
Court forms
Read C.R.S. 15-14-105 (Title 15) Read C.R.S. 14-13.7-204 (Title 14) Read 10 U.S.C. 1044b
50 U.S.C. 3938
If a judge makes a temporary custody order only because you are deploying, it must end no later than the deployment justifies. In a request for a permanent custody change, your deployment or possible deployment cannot be the only reason for deciding what is best for your child. For temporary orders, if Colorado law protects you more, the court must use Colorado law. Under this federal law, a deployment is more than 60 days and no more than 540 days.
Your steps
C.R.S. 14-10-106(1)(a)(I)
To divorce in Colorado, you or your spouse must have been domiciled (made your true home) in Colorado for 91 days before filing. Colorado has no special residency rule for servicemembers, so being stationed here is not enough by itself.
Your steps
Court forms
Read the law (Title 14) Read 10 U.S.C. 1408 Read 50 U.S.C. 3931
10 U.S.C. 1408
A Colorado court can divide military retired pay as property only if the member lives here for a reason other than military orders, is domiciled here, or agrees to the court's power. If the divorce became final after December 23, 2016 and before the member retires, the share is figured on the member's retired pay base and years of service on the date of the decree, plus later cost-of-living raises. The military pays a former spouse's property share directly only if the marriage lasted at least 10 years while the member served at least 10 years. Those property payments cannot be more than 50% of disposable retired pay.
Your steps
10 U.S.C. 1450(f)(3)
If the decree requires the member to name the former spouse for Survivor Benefit Plan coverage and the member does not do it, the former spouse can ask the military to treat it as done, but the request must arrive within one year of the court order.
Your steps
C.R.S. 14-10-115
Child support is based on income from any source. That includes expense payments or in-kind job benefits if they are significant and lower your personal living costs. The law does not name BAH or BAS, so whether an allowance counts depends on this rule and on court decisions. A child who goes on active military duty is treated as emancipated (no longer owed support).
Your steps
Court forms
Read the law (Title 14) 2025 amendment HB25-1159 2026 amendment HB26-1217
C.R.S. 14-10-122; C.R.S. 14-13.7-310
A deployment agreement between parents cannot change child support. Only a court order can. If a deployment custody order or a signed deployment agreement gives someone caretaking time, the court may also enter a temporary support order for the deployment. You can also ask to change support if your circumstances change in a big and lasting way. The new amount must differ from the old one by at least 10%, and a change only applies to payments due after you file.
Your steps
Court forms
42 U.S.C. 659; 42 U.S.C. 665; C.R.S. 13-54-102
Colorado protects money paid for military service during a war or armed conflict from most creditors, but not from court-ordered child or spousal support. Federal law lets support be taken from military pay and retired pay. If an active-duty member owes at least two months of support, the member must be put on a support allotment from pay after notice from the court or the child support agency.
Your steps
Read 42 U.S.C. 659 Read 42 U.S.C. 665 Read C.R.S. 13-54-102 (Title 13)
C.R.S. 28-3-1401 to 28-3-1407
If the Governor orders you to state duty for more than 30 days to enforce the law, keep the peace, or protect people or property, a court may pause your civil case (including a family case) for your duty time plus 30 days. It must pause it if you ask, unless your duty does not really affect your ability to bring or defend the case. Federal duty is covered by the federal SCRA instead.
Your steps
Court forms
50 U.S.C. 3932
If you know about a civil or family case and military duty keeps you from appearing, the court must pause it for at least 90 days when you ask the right way. You can ask while serving or within 90 days after you leave. If the court refuses more time, it must appoint a lawyer for you. Asking does not mean you agree to the court's power. If your request is denied, you cannot later use the default-judgment protections.
Your steps
Court forms
50 U.S.C. 3931; C.R.S. 13-6-407(3)
Before anyone gets a judgment against you for not showing up, they must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in the military. If you are, the court must appoint a lawyer for you before entering judgment. It must pause the case at least 90 days if you may have a defense that needs you there, or if your lawyer cannot reach you. In Colorado small claims, the court cannot enter judgment against you until it appoints a lawyer. A default entered while you served, or within 60 days after, can be reopened if you ask within 90 days after service ends.
Your steps
Court forms
Read 50 U.S.C. 3931 Read C.R.S. 13-6-407 small claims (Title 13)
50 U.S.C. 3936
Time you spend in military service does not count toward the time limit to start a court case or agency action, by you or against you. This does not apply to federal tax deadlines. It also extends the time to buy back (redeem) real property sold or forfeited for a debt or tax. For a deadline inside a case that is already open, ask the court for a stay under 50 U.S.C. 3932.
Your steps
C.R.S. 13-54-102(1)(h), (1)(h.5); C.R.S. 28-3-406
Money you get as a pension, compensation or allowance for military service during a war or armed conflict is protected from most creditors, but not from child or spousal support. Guard members' personally owned military gear cannot be taken for debt. Guard members also cannot be served civil papers after being ordered to duty or while going to, at, or returning from that duty.
Your steps
Read C.R.S. 13-54-102 (Title 13) Read C.R.S. 28-3-406 (Title 28)
SB 26-085: C.R.S. 18-6-806; C.R.S. 13-14-104.5(7)(a)
When police suspect domestic violence, they must check the national database for a military protection order and tell the military police who entered it. A judge deciding a temporary civil protection order must treat an existing military protection order as relevant evidence.
Your steps
Court forms
10 U.S.C. 1561a
A Colorado civil protection order has the same force on a military base as it does anywhere in Colorado.
Your steps
C.R.S. 19-1-303(2.6)
In a child abuse or neglect case, the state and county human services departments must ask whether the person caring for the child is connected to the military. If a report is assigned for an assessment and that person is a member of the armed forces, or the member's spouse, partner or family member living in the home, the county must notify the base command. The base must use the information only for its legal purpose and keep it confidential.
Your steps
C.R.S. 14-2-109(2)(b)
A servicemember stationed away in support of combat or another military operation can marry by proxy: someone else stands in at the ceremony with the member's written authorization.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-3-601 (amended by HB26-1413)
State, city, county and other public employees in the Guard or a reserve component get paid military leave without losing pay, seniority, vacation or sick leave. Starting July 1, 2026, the paid limit is four weeks per leave year.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-3-602 to 28-3-606; C.R.S. 24-50-301 to 24-50-303
If your service runs past your paid military leave, you can use other paid leave or unpaid leave. When you return, you must be put back in your job (or one like it) at the pay you would have had, if the job still exists, you apply in writing on time, and you show an honorable discharge or release. For one year after you return, you cannot be fired except for cause after notice and a hearing. State personnel system employees keep their status and seniority and can return to their job for up to one year after service ends.
Your steps
Read C.R.S. 28-3-602 to 606 (Title 28) Read C.R.S. 24-50-301 to 303 (Title 24)
C.R.S. 28-3-609 to 28-3-612; C.R.S. 28-3-506
A private employer must give you back your job, or a similar one with the same status, pay and seniority, after up to three weeks of military training a year, if the job was not temporary, you show you finished the training, and you can still do the job. This covers Colorado Guard and federal reserve members. Guard members on state active duty have these rehire rights for any length of service. No employer may refuse to hire you, fire you, or block your service because you are in the Colorado military forces. You can sue for damages, and for attorney fees if the violation is about your job rights. These rights add to federal USERRA.
Your steps
38 U.S.C. 4311, 4312, 4313, 4316, 4323, 4324
Almost any employer, of any size, must rehire you with the seniority you would have earned. To qualify, you must have given notice (unless military needs made that impossible), your total service with that employer must be five years or less (many kinds of duty do not count), and you must not have received a dishonorable, bad-conduct or other-than-honorable discharge. Deadlines to report back: under 31 days of service, your first full work shift after the next full day home, allowing safe travel plus 8 hours; 31 to 180 days, apply within 14 days; over 180 days, apply within 90 days. If you are recovering from a service injury, you get up to two more years.
Your steps
Read 38 U.S.C. 4312 Read 38 U.S.C. 4311 U.S. Department of Labor USERRA page Read 38 U.S.C. 4303 Read 38 U.S.C. 4316 Read 38 U.S.C. 4323
C.R.S. 24-50-112.5; C.R.S. 29-5.5-104, 29-5.5-105; Colo. Const. art. XII, sec. 15
State jobs, and local government jobs in a civil service or merit system, add 5 points to the hiring score of veterans who were honorably separated and served during a war or armed conflict or in a campaign with a campaign badge. Disabled veterans who get disability pay or benefits get 10 points. A surviving spouse can get 5 points. The limit is 10 points total. If there is no point score, eligible veterans are added to the interview list. Veterans also get some protection in layoffs. In state jobs, the spouse of a disabled veteran who cannot work can get 5 points. Preference does not apply to promotions.
Your steps
Read C.R.S. 24-50-112.5 (Title 24) Read C.R.S. 29-5.5-104 (Title 29) Read the Colorado Constitution, art. XII, sec. 15 State of Colorado veterans' preference page
C.R.S. 8-1-153
A private employer may choose to prefer these people when they are at least as qualified as other applicants: veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating within 10 years of discharge; other veterans, Guard and reserve members within 5 years of discharge; and spouses of service members killed in the line of duty within 5 years of the death. The policy must be written, public, used the same way for every hire, and in place at least 14 days before it is used.
Your steps
C.R.S. 8-13.3-503(16); C.R.S. 8-13.3-504; C.R.S. 8-13.3-505
Colorado paid family leave (FAMLI) can pay you while you handle needs from a family member's active duty or call-up. This includes child care, money or legal arrangements, counseling, military ceremonies, and time with the member on rest leave or after they come home. You must have earned at least $2,500 in covered wages during your base period. Federal government jobs are not covered, and a city, county or other local government can opt out (its workers can elect coverage on their own). Leave for all FAMLI reasons combined is capped at 12 weeks a year, with up to 4 more weeks for pregnancy or childbirth complications and, for claims on or after January 1, 2026, up to 12 more weeks while a newborn is in a NICU.
Your steps
C.R.S. 24-34-501(7); C.R.S. 24-34-502
A landlord, seller or lender cannot refuse you, set different terms, ask about your military status, or advertise a preference because you are a servicemember or veteran (except to check eligibility for military housing benefits). People dishonorably discharged are not covered.
Your steps
50 U.S.C. 3955
Colorado has no state lease-break law for servicemembers, so federal law controls. You may end a home lease when you enter service or get PCS or deployment orders of 90 days or more, and a car lease on orders of 180 days or more or PCS outside the continental U.S. A monthly lease ends 30 days after the next rent due date after your notice.
Your steps
50 U.S.C. 3951
If your home's rent is $10,542.60 a month or less (the 2026 limit, which changes each year), a landlord cannot evict you or your dependents during your service without a court order. If military service makes it hard to pay rent, you can ask the court to pause the case for 90 days or adjust the rent.
Your steps
Read 50 U.S.C. 3951 2026 rent limit notice (Federal Register)
50 U.S.C. 3953
If you took out your mortgage before service, a sale or foreclosure during service or within one year after is invalid unless a court orders it or you signed a waiver.
Your steps
C.R.S. 13-40.1-101 et seq.
If people move into your empty home without ever having your OK, you can ask county court to have them removed fast. This works even while you are away on orders. The court must hold a hearing by the next court day. If it rules for you, the sheriff removes them within 24 hours. This does not apply to relatives, people you took money from, or people you once let stay.
Your steps
50 U.S.C. 3937
Interest above 6% on debts you (or you and your spouse) took on before service is forgiven during service, and for one year after on a mortgage. Your monthly payment must drop to match.
Your steps
50 U.S.C. 3956
If you get orders to move for 90 days or more to a place your provider does not serve, you can cancel phone, internet, TV, gym and home security contracts made before the orders, with no early-termination fee. You still owe past-due bills and taxes.
Your steps
50 U.S.C. 4041; 50 U.S.C. 4042
If someone breaks your SCRA rights, you can sue for money damages and other relief. If you win, the court may also make them pay your lawyer fees and costs. The U.S. Department of Justice can also sue in some cases.
Your steps
Read 50 U.S.C. 4042 U.S. Department of Justice servicemember page Read 50 U.S.C. 4041
C.R.S. 6-1-739; C.R.S. 6-1-105(1)(iiii) (SB25-282)
A person or company that is not accredited by the VA may charge for help with a VA or Colorado veterans benefit claim only if your benefits go up. The fee can be no more than $9,200 or 25% of the past-due benefits you actually get, whichever is less. They cannot charge for claims filed before you leave active duty or in the first year after. They cannot promise results, and they must have you sign a written contract before they start. They cannot help with appeals.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-3-505
Hotels, carriers and entertainment venues cannot turn you away for wearing the uniform. You can recover actual damages plus $300, attorney fees and costs.
Your steps
C.R.S. 10-16-201(5); 10-16-105(7); 10-4-628(2)(a)(V); 10-2-408(7)
If your individual health policy lapsed while you were deployed or called to active duty, your old insurer must reissue it when you apply. They cannot add a penalty, a pre-existing condition exclusion, or a higher rate because of the gap, though general rate increases still apply. Health insurers cannot refuse or limit coverage just because you serve or are retired from service. An auto insurer cannot cancel, refuse or surcharge you for a coverage gap during deployment if you were not required to carry insurance then. Licensed insurance agents who miss renewal because of military service can ask for a waiver.
Your steps
C.R.S. 12-20-202; 12-20-302; 12-20-303
Your expired license must be reinstated if you are on active duty (Guard and reservists: at least 30 days) or are a veteran who was not dishonorably discharged, and you meet the renewal rules. A military spouse or dependent who moved here on orders, with a good-standing license from another state, is entitled to a Colorado license that lasts 6 years, and the application fee is waived. Your military training must be counted toward getting a license. If you are called to federally funded active duty for more than 120 days for a war, emergency or contingency, you skip license fees, including renewal fees, and continuing education for a renewal that comes due during service or within 6 months after.
Your steps
C.R.S. 22-60.5-111(7.5)
A military spouse who is licensed, or could be, as a teacher, special services provider, principal or administrator in another state can work in a Colorado school district for one year, renewable once, before passing Colorado's test. The Colorado Department of Education must decide within 90 days.
Your steps
C.R.S. 42-2-118(2), (6) (amended by HB25-1083)
If you are on active duty outside Colorado, your license is extended up to three years, or until 90 days after you return, whichever comes first. Starting January 1, 2027, your dependents are covered too.
Your steps
C.R.S. 42-3-314; 42-3-107(8)(b), (10)(b); 42-3-112(3)(b) (amended by HB26-1200); 42-3-103(4)(b); 42-3-104(9), (10)
While you have orders to serve outside the U.S., you pay no registration fees on your car or light truck. If it is less than 10 model-years old, you pay just $1 a year in ownership tax. There is no late fee if you were serving out of state when registration ran out, as long as the vehicle was not driven. Members who are residents of another state and live here on orders pay no ownership tax. For taxes and fees due on or after August 12, 2026, your orders are enough; no sworn statement is needed. The vehicle still must not be driven while it is exempt.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-5-101; C.R.S. 28-5-102
County clerks record your DD-214 for free, and a Colorado license or ID marked 'veteran' counts as proof for any state or local veteran benefit.
Your steps
C.R.S. 23-7-103(1)(c); C.R.S. 23-7.4-202 to 23-7.4-205
You do not lose Colorado in-state status while serving elsewhere. Members who move here on PCS or temporary duty get in-state status right away, and so do dependents of members on PCS. Colorado Guard members whose only home is in Colorado, and their dependents, get in-state tuition. Honorably discharged veterans living in Colorado get it with no waiting period, and schools may extend it to their dependents. GI Bill users living in Colorado get it while using those benefits. Colorado community colleges give in-state tuition to all members, veterans, spouses and children under 23, no matter where they live.
Your steps
C.R.S. 23-7.4-302 (rewritten by SB25-247 and HB26-1386)
Colorado Guard members in good standing can have their tuition waived at listed public colleges for certificates, associate, bachelor's and graduate degrees. Since July 1, 2026, the school waives the tuition left after other aid. The limit is 65 credits at a 2-year school, 130 at a 4-year school, or 145 combined. You must file the FAFSA or the Colorado state aid application (CASFA). The program depends on state funding and can be limited. If you leave the Guard in the middle of a term, you may have to pay that term back.
Your steps
C.R.S. 23-3.3-204; C.R.S. 23-3.3-205
Children and other dependents of Colorado service members who became prisoners of war or missing in action can go to college tuition-free for up to 8 semesters toward a bachelor's degree or certificate, if they meet the school's normal standards. Dependents of Colorado Guard members who died or were permanently disabled on duty can get free tuition plus room and board at state schools toward a first bachelor's degree or certificate, if they keep a 2.5 GPA, for up to 6 years.
Your steps
C.R.S. 22-36-107 (amended by SB25-073); C.R.S. 24-60-3401, 24-60-3402
If you have PCS orders to a military base in Colorado, you can apply for school choice using the base school-liaison address. You can register online before you arrive and give proof of residency within 10 days after your child starts school. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, the new school must give services that match it without unreasonable delay.
Your steps
Read C.R.S. 22-36-107 (Title 22) Read SB25-073 Read the Interstate Compact (Title 24)
C.R.S. 1-8.3-101 to 1-8.3-119; C.R.S. 1-2-103(1); 50 U.S.C. 4025
Ballots go out at least 45 days before an election by mail, fax or email, your choice. A ballot sent by 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Election Day counts if it arrives within 8 days. Being away on orders does not make you gain or lose your voting residence.
Your steps
C.R.S. 13-5-144
The chief judge in each judicial district may set up a special treatment court for veterans and military members charged with crimes. The chief judge works with probation, the district attorney and the public defender to set the rules for who can join.
Your steps
C.R.S. 16-7-207.5
At your first hearing in a criminal case, the court must ask whether you are a veteran or serving and tell you about mental health, substance use and other veteran services. The judge cannot take a guilty or no-contest plea until this is done. Fine-only traffic tickets are not covered.
Your steps
C.R.S. 18-1.3-202.5
If the court handling your case has no veterans treatment court, and you are a veteran or current servicemember with a mental health condition related to your service, you can ask to move your probation supervision to an area that has one. The district attorney (and the victim, in a victim-rights case) must agree. The veterans court and district attorney in the new area must also agree, and that court must have room and services for you.
Your steps
C.R.S. 13-14.5-106(7)
If you are a veteran charged with a crime that arose from serving or enforcing an extreme risk protection order, the judge must send the case to a veterans court when the area has one and the charges qualify.
Your steps
C.R.S. 24-72-703(10)
When you ask a court to seal a conviction record, the judge must count your completion of a veterans treatment program in that case in your favor.
Your steps
Court forms
C.R.S. 28-4-115(2); C.R.S. 13-71-116; C.R.S. 13-71-119
Colorado has no general military jury exemption. State Defense Force members are exempt. Everyone else, including active duty, can use the one-time postponement of up to 6 months or ask to be excused for extreme hardship.
Your steps
Read C.R.S. 28-4-115 (Title 28) Read the jury law (Title 13)
Colo. Const. art. X, sec. 3.5; C.R.S. 39-3-201 to 39-3-211 (amended by SB 26-046); C.R.S. 28-5-104
If you are a veteran who left the service under honorable conditions and the VA rates you 100% permanent service-connected (or gives you individual unemployability), or you are a qualifying Gold Star spouse, half of the first $200,000 of your home's value is not taxed. You must own the home and live in it as your main home on January 1. Veterans must apply by July 1 through tax year 2026 and by July 15 starting in 2027. Gold Star spouses should use the deadline on the Division of Property Taxation page.
Your steps
Court forms
Read the Colorado Constitution Read the law (Title 39) Read SB 26-046 Colorado Division of Property Taxation page
C.R.S. 39-3.5-101(1.8); C.R.S. 39-3.5-102 (amended by SB 25-261)
Guard and reserve members called to federal active duty for more than 30 days in a row during a war or national emergency, and on that duty on January 1, can put off paying property tax on their home. The state pays the tax for you as a loan, with interest, secured by a lien on your home. You repay it later.
Your steps
C.R.S. 39-22-104(4)(y)
If you are under 55, you can subtract up to $15,000 a year of military retirement pay from Colorado taxable income, for tax years 2022 through 2028.
Your steps
Court forms
C.R.S. 39-22-104(4)(f)
If you are 55 or older at the end of the year, you can subtract up to $20,000 (ages 55 to 64) or $24,000 (65 and older) of military retirement, other pensions and annuities, and taxable Social Security. Some people with more taxable Social Security can subtract more. A survivor under 55 who gets a pension because the retiree died can also use this break. If you are under 55, use the military retirement break instead.
Your steps
Court forms
C.R.S. 39-22-103(8)(b)
If Colorado is your legal home, you are stationed outside the U.S., and you are away from Colorado for at least 305 days of the year, you (and a spouse who goes with you) can choose to be treated as a nonresident for that year.
Your steps
Court forms
Read the law (Title 39) Department of Revenue military tax guide
C.R.S. 39-22-109(2)(b)
If your legal home is another state, Colorado does not tax your military pay. Other Colorado income, like a civilian job or rent, is still taxed.
Your steps
Court forms
Read the law (Title 39) Department of Revenue military tax guide
C.R.S. 39-22-110.5; C.R.S. 39-22-104(4)(u)
If Colorado is your home of record but you became a resident of another state, you can become a Colorado resident again without living here, and your active-duty pay is then subtracted from Colorado taxable income.
Your steps
Court forms
C.R.S. 39-22-610
Colorado tax deadlines pause while you serve in, or in support of the armed forces in, a combat zone named by the President, and for 180 days after you leave. No interest or penalties are added for that time.
Your steps
Read the law (Title 39) Department of Revenue military tax guide
C.R.S. 42-3-304(3) (amended by HB 25-1076); C.R.S. 42-3-104(5), (6), (8); C.R.S. 42-3-213
Veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected permanent disability (or loss of use of a hand or foot, or blindness), former POWs, and Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, valor and Pearl Harbor plate holders pay no yearly registration fee on one vehicle. A surviving spouse may keep the POW plates but pays the regular fees and taxes. Many also pay no specific ownership tax. Colorado has more than 30 military plates, and some are free.
Your steps
Court forms
Read the law (Title 42) Read HB 25-1076 Colorado DMV military plates
C.R.S. 28-5-100.3; 28-5-701; 28-5-705; 28-5-801 to 28-5-805
Every Colorado county must have a free veterans service office, and the state Division of Veterans Affairs must help you file and pursue VA and state claims for pensions, disability, health care, school and loans.
Your steps
Read the law (Title 28) Find your county veterans service office
C.R.S. 28-5-104
For every Colorado veteran benefit, a VA individual unemployability (IU) rating counts the same as a 100% permanent disability rating.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-5-103
Veterans discharged because of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression can apply to the state Board of Veterans Affairs to be named a discharged LGBT veteran. Approved veterans can use many state benefits that are open to honorably discharged veterans, such as military license plates, veteran school diplomas, in-state college tuition, hunter education test-out, county veteran burial and the Homelake cemetery. People with a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, or an officer dismissal, cannot qualify.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-3-1501 to 28-3-1504; C.R.S. 39-22-104(4)(p)
Colorado-resident Guard and reserve members on at least 30 days of federal mobilization orders, or called to state active duty by the Governor, can get one grant per set of orders. Active-duty members stationed in Colorado who are Colorado residents for tax purposes and get hostile fire pay overseas can get one grant per deployment. Grants help with food, housing, utilities and medical bills, depend on available money, and go first to the lowest pay grades. Colorado does not tax the grant.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-5-714 (HB 25-1132)
Veterans who live in a state veterans community living center can get 26 paid mental health sessions a year, plus more if a provider says they are needed and money allows. Acupuncture, massage and similar services may also be paid. The state Behavioral Health Administration also gives grants to local nonprofits that offer behavioral health care to servicemembers, veterans and their families.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-5-712; C.R.S. 28-5-709
State grants pay local nonprofits, veterans groups and governments to give veterans mental health care, family counseling, job training, jobs and housing for homeless veterans. Individuals do not apply directly.
Your steps
C.R.S. 28-5-713
A one-stop center in Grand Junction helps veterans, servicemembers and families with benefits, counseling, jobs and education.
Your steps
C.R.S. 26-12-101 et seq.
Colorado runs veterans nursing homes at Fitzsimons (Aurora), Florence, Homelake (Monte Vista), Rifle and Walsenburg for veterans and their spouses, surviving spouses and dependent parents. When beds are short, those with the greatest need go first.
Your steps
Read the law (Title 26) Colorado Veterans Community Living Centers
C.R.S. 28-5-501 to 28-5-507; 28-5-708; 26-12-205; 28-5-101
If an honorably discharged wartime or campaign veteran dies without enough money for a funeral, or leaves a family in need, the county must pay for a decent burial (not in a pauper section) and set the VA headstone, up to a limit the county sets. The Grand Junction state veterans cemetery has no charge for eligible Colorado veterans, spouses and dependent children. The Homelake cemetery in Monte Vista accepts Colorado veterans who served honorably and their spouses and dependent parents; burial costs there are paid by the person's estate.
Your steps
Read the law (Title 28) Read C.R.S. 26-12-205 (Title 26) Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado
C.R.S. 33-4-104 (amended by SB 24-161); C.R.S. 33-6-107(8)(c); C.R.S. 33-1-102(38)
Colorado residents with a Purple Heart, or veterans who left under honorable conditions with a VA rating of 50% or more, get a free lifetime small game and fishing license. Colorado residents on active duty outside the state can get a free fishing license for up to 30 days a year while home on leave. Veterans and servicemembers can test out of hunter education. Active-duty members stationed in Colorado on permanent orders, and their dependents, pay resident prices.
Your steps
Read the law (Title 33) Colorado Parks and Wildlife: hunters in the military
C.R.S. 33-12-106
Residents with disabled veteran or Purple Heart plates get free state park entry every day plus a free yearly Independence Pass. All veterans and active duty get free entry in August. Camping is not included.
Your steps
Everything a deploying parent needs, in the order to do it. Each item links to the official court form. Read the Deployed Parents law.
Tell the other parent in writing within 12 calendar days of getting orders, and give them your written plan for the child (C.R.S. 14-13.7-105).
Power of attorney for your child's caregiver: JDF 751, with the JDF 750 instructions, signed in front of a notary. JDF 751 JDF 750 instructions
Written deployment agreement with the other parent, filed in your custody case with the case number and heading, and attached to JDF 1314 to ask the judge to approve it (C.R.S. 14-13.7-201, 14-13.7-205). JDF 1314
If support needs to change: JDF 1403 and an updated JDF 1111. JDF 1403 JDF 1111
Several copies of your orders, paper and PDF, for the court, the other parent, your landlord, lenders and your employer.
Pick what happened and the date it happened. You get the deadline, the law that sets it, and how it is counted. Always confirm with the official law; court deadlines can also move if a court closes.
Ready-to-fill letters with what the law requires. Replace each [BRACKET], sign, and keep a copy with proof of delivery.
How to send it: 3955(c)(2): "(A) by hand delivery; (B) by private business carrier; (C) by placing the written notice in an envelope with sufficient postage and with return receipt requested, and addressed as designated by the lessor (or the lessor's grantee) or to the lessor's agent (or the agent's grantee), and depositing the written notice in the United States mails; or (D) by electronic means," including email to an electronic address the lessor or agent designated, posting to a website or portal to which access has been granted, and "other electronic means reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt."
Attach: A copy of the servicemember's military orders (3955(c)(1)(A)), which may be official orders or "any notification, certification, or verification from the servicemember's commanding officer" about current or future duty status (3955(i)(1)).
[DATE] [LANDLORD NAME] [LANDLORD ADDRESS OR EMAIL ADDRESS THE LANDLORD GAVE FOR NOTICES] Re: Notice that I am ending my lease under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 3955 Property: [RENTAL ADDRESS] Lease dated: [LEASE DATE] Dear [LANDLORD NAME]: I am ending my lease for the property listed above. I am doing this under 50 U.S.C. 3955. I qualify because (check one): [ ] I signed this lease before I entered military service on [DATE I ENTERED SERVICE]. [ ] I signed this lease while in military service. I then got orders for a permanent change of station, or orders to deploy for 90 days or more. My orders are dated [DATE OF ORDERS]. [ ] I signed this lease after getting orders for a permanent change of station or a deployment of 90 days or more. I then got a stop movement order dated [DATE OF STOP MOVEMENT ORDER]. It lasts 30 days or more, or has no end date, and it keeps me or my family from living here. A copy of my military orders is attached. When the lease ends: The law sets the end date. For a lease with monthly rent, it ends 30 days after the next rent due date that comes after you receive this notice. For any other lease, it ends on the last day of the month after the month you receive this notice. Based on this, I believe my lease ends on [END DATE]. If my case is based on a stop movement order, the lease ends on the day you receive this notice and my orders. This notice also ends any duty that my dependents have under this lease. Under the law: - You may not charge me an early termination fee. - Rent for the time before the end date is owed on a prorated basis. - Any rent I paid ahead for time after the end date must be refunded to me within 30 days after the end date. Please send any refund to: [YOUR FORWARDING ADDRESS] Sincerely, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL] Attached: Copy of my military orders This letter is general information, not legal advice.
How to send it: Same as home leases, 3955(c)(2): hand delivery; private business carrier; U.S. mail "with sufficient postage and with return receipt requested" addressed as the lessor or agent designated; or electronic means, including an electronic address the lessor or agent designated, a portal to which access has been granted, or "other electronic means reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt." The vehicle itself must be returned within 15 days after the notice is delivered (3955(c)(1)(B)).
Attach: A copy of the servicemember's military orders (3955(c)(1)(A); definition at 3955(i)(1)).
[DATE] [LEASING COMPANY NAME] [LEASING COMPANY ADDRESS OR EMAIL ADDRESS IT GAVE FOR NOTICES] Re: Notice that I am ending my vehicle lease under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 3955 Vehicle: [YEAR, MAKE, MODEL] VIN: [VIN] Lease or account number: [ACCOUNT NUMBER] Dear [LEASING COMPANY NAME]: I am ending my lease for the vehicle listed above. I am doing this under 50 U.S.C. 3955. I qualify because (check one): [ ] I signed this lease before I entered military service. My orders are for 180 days or more, or my orders were extended to 180 days or more without a break in service. I entered service on [DATE]. [ ] I signed this lease while in military service. I then got orders for a permanent change of station from the 48 connected states or D.C. to a place outside them, or from a state outside them to any place outside that state. My orders are dated [DATE OF ORDERS]. [ ] I signed this lease while in military service. I then got orders to deploy for 180 days or more. My orders are dated [DATE OF ORDERS]. [ ] I signed this lease after getting orders like the ones above. I then got a stop movement order dated [DATE OF STOP MOVEMENT ORDER]. It lasts 30 days or more, or has no end date, and it keeps me or my family from using the vehicle. A copy of my military orders is attached. Returning the vehicle: I will return the vehicle to [RETURN LOCATION] on [RETURN DATE]. This is no later than 15 days after you receive this notice. The lease ends on the day both this notice is delivered and the vehicle is returned. Under the law: - You may not charge me an early termination fee. - Lease payments for the time before the end date are owed on a prorated basis. - Any amount I paid ahead for time after the end date must be refunded to me within 30 days after the end date. Please send any refund to: [YOUR FORWARDING ADDRESS] Sincerely, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL] Attached: Copy of my military orders This letter is general information, not legal advice.
How to send it: The statute requires only that the servicemember "provide to the creditor written notice" within the 180-day window (3937(b)(1)(A)); it does not name a delivery method. Keeping proof of delivery (for example, a mail receipt) is a practical step, not a statutory requirement.
Attach: A copy of "the military orders calling the servicemember to military service and any orders further extending military service" OR "any other appropriate indicator of military service, including a certified letter from a commanding officer" (3937(b)(1)(A)(i)-(ii)).
[DATE] [CREDITOR NAME] [CREDITOR ADDRESS] Re: Request to cap interest at 6% under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 3937 Account number: [ACCOUNT NUMBER] Name on account: [NAME OR NAMES ON ACCOUNT] Dear [CREDITOR NAME]: I am a servicemember. I am asking you to lower the interest on the account listed above to no more than 6% per year. I am doing this under 50 U.S.C. 3937. Facts: - I opened this account on [DATE ACCOUNT OPENED]. This was before I entered military service. (If the account is joint with my spouse, my spouse's name is [SPOUSE NAME].) - I was called to military service on [DATE CALLED TO SERVICE]. - The account is (check one): [ ] a mortgage or similar loan secured by property [ ] another kind of debt. A copy of my military orders (or other proof of my military service) is attached. What the law requires: - The 6% cap starts on the date I was called to military service. - For a mortgage, the cap lasts during my military service and for one year after. For other debts, it lasts during my military service. - "Interest" includes service charges, renewal charges, fees, and other charges, except bona fide (genuine) insurance. - Interest above 6% is forgiven. It is not just put off until later. - My monthly payment must go down by the amount of interest that is forgiven. Please apply the cap back to [DATE CALLED TO SERVICE] and send me a written statement showing the change. Sincerely, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR MAILING ADDRESS] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL] Attached: Copy of my military orders (and any orders extending my service), or other proof of my military service This letter is general information, not legal advice.
How to send it: "written or electronic notice ... delivered in accordance with industry standards for notification of terminations" (3956(a)(3)). The statute does not list specific methods for this section.
Attach: A copy of the servicemember's military orders (3956(a)(3)); "military orders" has the 3955(i)(1) meaning, which includes a commanding officer's notification, certification, or verification of duty status.
[DATE] [COMPANY NAME] [COMPANY ADDRESS OR CANCELLATION EMAIL OR WEBSITE] Re: Notice that I am ending my contract under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 3956 Account number: [ACCOUNT NUMBER] Name on account: [NAME ON ACCOUNT] Service address: [SERVICE ADDRESS] Type of service (check one): [ ] cell phone [ ] home phone [ ] internet [ ] cable or satellite TV [ ] gym or fitness program [ ] home security Dear [COMPANY NAME]: I am ending the contract listed above under 50 U.S.C. 3956. I qualify because (check one): [ ] I signed this contract before I got military orders. The orders move me for 90 days or more to [NEW LOCATION], which your service does not support. My orders are dated [DATE OF ORDERS]. [ ] I got orders for a permanent change of station. I then signed this contract. I then got a stop movement order dated [DATE OF STOP MOVEMENT ORDER]. It lasts 30 days or more, or has no end date, and it keeps me from using this service. [ ] I am the spouse or dependent of [SERVICEMEMBER NAME], and I qualify under 50 U.S.C. 3956(a)(4) because [REASON]. A copy of the military orders is attached. Please end my service on: [DATE SERVICE IS TO END] Under the law: - You may not charge an early termination fee. - You must refund any amount I paid for time after the end date, except for the rest of the billing period in which service ends. The refund is due within 60 days after the end date. - I will return any equipment you own within 10 days after service is turned off. - If this is a phone line and my move is 3 years or less, I may keep my phone number if I sign up again within 90 days after my move ends. Please send any refund to: [YOUR FORWARDING ADDRESS] Please tell me where to return equipment: [YOUR EMAIL OR PHONE NUMBER] Sincerely, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL] Attached: Copy of military orders This letter is general information, not legal advice.
How to send it: 4312 does not set a delivery method. Advance notice of service may be "written or verbal" (4312(a)(1)). The return is by reporting to work (service under 31 days) or "submitting an application for reemployment with the employer" within 14 or 90 days (4312(e)(1)). A written, dated application is a practical way to prove timeliness; that is not a statutory requirement.
Attach: None required with the application by 4312. Upon the employer's request, documentation showing (A) the application is timely, (B) the five-year limit is not exceeded, and (C) no 4304 disqualifying separation (4312(f)(1)). Documents that do not exist or are not readily available cannot be used to delay reemployment (4312(f)(3)(A), (f)(4)). The specific document types accepted are set by DOL regulations (4312(f)(2)); those regulations were not opened in this research.
[DATE] [EMPLOYER NAME] Attn: [SUPERVISOR OR HUMAN RESOURCES NAME] [EMPLOYER ADDRESS OR EMAIL] Re: Application for reemployment under USERRA, 38 U.S.C. 4312 Dear [SUPERVISOR OR HUMAN RESOURCES NAME]: I am a former employee returning from service in the uniformed services. I want to return to my job with [EMPLOYER NAME]. This letter is my application for reemployment under 38 U.S.C. 4312. Facts: - My job before I left: [JOB TITLE], [DEPARTMENT OR WORK LOCATION] - I gave notice of my service on [DATE NOTICE GIVEN] by [HOW: IN WRITING OR SPOKEN] to [WHO RECEIVED IT]. (If notice was not possible because of military necessity or other reasons, say so here: [EXPLAIN].) - My service began on [DATE SERVICE BEGAN] and ended on [DATE SERVICE ENDED]. - My branch: [BRANCH OF SERVICE] This application is on time. For service of 31 to 180 days, the law gives me 14 days after my service ended to apply. For service of more than 180 days, it gives me 90 days. I am ready to return to work on [DATE AVAILABLE]. If you ask, I will give you papers that show: - this application is on time; - my total military leave from this employer is not over the 5-year limit (other than service the law does not count); and - I did not leave the service in a way that ends my rights under 38 U.S.C. 4304. Under 38 U.S.C. 4312(f), you may not delay my return by asking for papers that do not exist yet or that I cannot easily get right now. Please contact me to set my start date. Sincerely, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR MAILING ADDRESS] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL] This letter is general information, not legal advice.
How to send it: "in a record" (14-13.7-105(1)-(2)), which may be paper or electronic (14-13.7-102(13)). If a court order in effect bars disclosure of the other parent's address or contact information, deliver only to the court that issued the order, which forwards it (14-13.7-105(3)). If a court order bars you from having the other parent's address or contact information, send this only to the court that issued that order.
Attach: None required by 14-13.7-105. The statute does not require attaching deployment orders.
[DATE] [OTHER PARENT NAME] [OTHER PARENT ADDRESS OR EMAIL] Re: Notice of deployment and my plan for our child or children, C.R.S. 14-13.7-105 Child or children: [CHILD NAME(S)] Court case (if any): [COURT NAME AND CASE NUMBER] Dear [OTHER PARENT NAME]: I am giving you notice that I have a pending military deployment. Because a court has already made a custody order for our child or children, Colorado law, C.R.S. 14-13.7-105, says I must tell you in a record (in writing or electronically). Deployment facts: - I received my deployment orders on [DATE ORDERS RECEIVED]. - My deployment is expected to start on [START DATE] and end on about [EXPECTED END DATE]. - [IF THIS NOTICE IS MORE THAN 12 CALENDAR DAYS AFTER I GOT MY ORDERS: The circumstances of my service kept me from sending it sooner because [REASON].] My plan for my share of parenting during deployment: - Parenting time I now have: [DESCRIBE CURRENT SCHEDULE] - What I plan for that time while I am gone: [DESCRIBE PLAN] - Decisions I now make or share: [DESCRIBE] - How I plan for those to be handled while I am gone: [DESCRIBE PLAN] - How I plan to stay in contact with the child or children: [PHONE, VIDEO, EMAIL, MAIL] - Other details: [ANY OTHER PART OF THE PLAN] The same law asks you to give me, in writing and as soon as reasonably possible, your plan for your share of parenting during my deployment. How to reach me: [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL] [YOUR MAILING ADDRESS] Sincerely, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR NAME] This letter is general information, not legal advice.
How to send it: 3932 says only that the stay is granted "upon application by the servicemember" to the court; it does not prescribe a filing or service method. Filing and service to other parties follow the court's own rules, which this research did not review.
Attach: The commanding officer's letter or other communication required by 3932(b)(2)(B). Copies of orders are not required by 3932 but may support the facts in 3932(b)(2)(A).
[COURT NAME] [COURT ADDRESS] Case name: [CASE NAME] Case number: [CASE NUMBER] [DATE] Re: Application for stay of proceedings under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 3932 To the Court: I, [YOUR NAME], am the [PLAINTIFF / DEFENDANT / PETITIONER / RESPONDENT] in this case. I ask the Court to stay (pause) this case for at least 90 days under 50 U.S.C. 3932(b). 1. I am in military service. (Or: I was released from military service on [DATE], which is within 90 days of this application.) My branch is [BRANCH] and my rank is [RANK]. 2. I received notice of this case on [DATE NOTICE RECEIVED]. 3. How my current military duty affects my ability to appear: [DESCRIBE THE FACTS, SUCH AS WHERE YOU ARE STATIONED OR DEPLOYED, YOUR DUTY SCHEDULE, AND WHY THESE DUTIES KEEP YOU FROM COMING TO COURT]. 4. The date when I will be available to appear: [DATE YOU WILL BE AVAILABLE]. 5. A letter from my commanding officer is attached. It states that my current military duty prevents me from appearing and that military leave is not authorized for me at the time of the letter. 6. Under 50 U.S.C. 3932(c), this application is not an appearance for jurisdictional purposes. It does not waive any defense I have, including a defense of lack of personal jurisdiction. I ask the Court to stay this case until at least [REQUESTED DATE, AT LEAST 90 DAYS AWAY]. Respectfully, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR MAILING ADDRESS] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL] Attached: Letter from my commanding officer This letter is general information, not legal advice.
How to send it: Given to the servicemember to include with the application to the court (3932(b)(2)).
Attach: None required by 3932(b)(2)(B).
[DATE] [UNIT NAME] [UNIT ADDRESS] To: [COURT NAME] Case name: [CASE NAME] Case number: [CASE NUMBER] Re: [SERVICEMEMBER RANK AND NAME], statement under 50 U.S.C. 3932(b)(2)(B) I am the commanding officer of [SERVICEMEMBER RANK AND NAME]. I state that: 1. This servicemember's current military duty prevents the servicemember from appearing in this case. 2. Military leave is not authorized for this servicemember at the time of this letter. [COMMANDING OFFICER SIGNATURE] [COMMANDING OFFICER NAME, RANK AND TITLE] [COMMANDING OFFICER PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL] This letter is general information, not legal advice.
Before you start: almost every step asks for a copy of your orders. Keep several copies, and a PDF on your phone. Free help: your installation legal assistance office (JAG) and your Colorado county veterans service officer.
How this page was checked: Colorado statutes were read in the Colorado General Assembly's Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 and every 2025 and 2026 session law that changed them; federal laws were read at the U.S. House Office of the Law Revision Counsel; court forms at the Colorado Judicial Branch. Checked October 18, 2026. Laws change, so read the linked official law before you rely on it. This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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