How to File a Civil Protection Order in Colorado (Pro Se)

A step-by-step guide to filing for a protection order yourself, with direct links to every current Colorado Judicial Branch form. Filing is free for DV, sexual assault, and stalking.

Charles E. Liken Jr., Esq. — On Colorado's Legal Front Lines Since 1995 · Government Investigator, Denver Human Services (1997–2003) · Licensed Colorado Attorney Since 2003 ~ 20+ Years in Private Practice · Colorado Deputy District Attorney (2018–2020) · Colorado Court-Appointed Child and Family Investigator

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If someone may be monitoring your device, consider using a trusted friend’s phone or a public computer, and use the Quick exit button (top right) to leave this page fast.

The four steps

File

File JDF 402 (with JDF 442; add JDF 401/404 if they apply) in a county where the incident happened or a party lives or works. The $95 fee is waived for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (C.R.S. § 13-14-104.5).

Same-day temporary order

A judge reviews your request that day. On a finding of imminent danger, the court issues a Temporary Civil Protection Order (JDF 398) the same day and sets a hearing within 14 days. Get certified copies.

Personal service

Before the hearing, the respondent must be personally served with the papers (by a sheriff, process server, or any non-party adult). File proof of service (JDF 98).

Permanent hearing

At the hearing (~14 days later), if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the acts occurred and would continue, it issues a Permanent Civil Protection Order (JDF 399), which does not expire (C.R.S. § 13-14-106).

The current forms (official Colorado Judicial Branch)

Colorado updated these forms in 2025 — these are the current versions, linked directly to coloradojudicial.gov:

JDF 400 Guide to Civil Protection OrdersStep-by-step instructions — read this first. Open ↗

JDF 402 Complaint / Motion for Civil Protection OrderThe complaint you file to start the case. Open ↗

JDF 442 Information Sheet for Registering a Protection OrderFiled together with your complaint. Open ↗

JDF 401 Incident ChecklistOptional — helps you organize what happened. Open ↗

JDF 404 Affidavit Regarding ChildrenAttach only if children are protected parties. Open ↗

JDF 398 Temporary Civil Protection Order (and Citation)The same-day TPO the court issues. Open ↗

JDF 399 Permanent Civil Protection OrderThe permanent order issued after the hearing. Open ↗

JDF 98 Affidavit of ServiceProof the respondent was personally served. Open ↗

JDF 397 Motion to Modify or Dismiss a Protection OrderTo change or end an order later. Open ↗

Official protection-order hub ↗

The forms are free — but you don't have to do this alone. A protection-order hearing moves fast, and what you say (and prove) at it can shape a custody or criminal case for years. We represent both petitioners and respondents.

Filing pro se? Walk into that hearing prepared.

A no-charge 20-minute call with Charles — or an hour of his coaching — before the hearing. On either side of a protection order, preparation wins.

Book a Consultation ☎ (303) 406-2791

Charles E. Liken Jr., Esq.

Attorney & Counselor at Law

Ready to talk it through?

No-charge 20-minute phone consultation, or an in-depth hour ($300) — your choice. Either way, you talk directly with Charles.

Book a Consultation Call (303) 406-2791