Aurora Colorado Contractor Not Getting Paid? Courts, Liens, Funding

Aurora spans more than one Colorado county, so the first question on an unpaid invoice is often which courthouse and which clerk. The lien clocks are statewide; the judicial district depends on where the job sits.

This guide covers Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas judicial-district notes from the Colorado Judicial Branch, Colorado mechanic’s lien deadlines, and how Darkwell funding can help carry a claim of $10,000 or more. For Denver, see Denver contractor not getting paid.

Owed $10,000 or more on an Aurora job? Request a free claim review.

Which judicial district hears an Aurora payment claim

• Arapahoe County — 18th Judicial District. The Arapahoe County Justice Center is at 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, and there is also a Littleton courthouse at 1790 West Littleton Blvd (coloradojudicial.gov Arapahoe County).
• Adams County — 17th Judicial District. The Adams County Justice Center is at 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton (coloradojudicial.gov Adams County).
• Douglas County — 23rd Judicial District. The 23rd Judicial District was established on January 14, 2025, and includes Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties. The Douglas County Courthouse is at 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock (coloradojudicial.gov Douglas County).

Small claims hear claims up to $7,500, excluding interest and costs (C.R.S. § 13-6-403). County court civil claims generally go up to $25,000 (C.R.S. § 13-6-104). Larger claims go to district court.

Colorado lien clocks (statewide, including Aurora)

• Notice of intent. Serve it at least 10 days before you record the lien statement (C.R.S. § 38-22-109(3)).
• Lien statement. Most claimants must record within 4 months after last labor or materials (C.R.S. § 38-22-109(5)).
• Foreclosure suit. Sue and record notice of the suit within 6 months after last work or completion (C.R.S. § 38-22-110).

When funding helps

If the claim is above small claims, counsel costs real money, and the other side is stalling, funding can help carry attorney and case costs while your attorney runs the case.

How Darkwell helps

Legal costs are often what stops a good claim. Darkwell helps carry them. On an Aurora unpaid invoice, that can mean funding the lien foreclosure path or the contract suit.

• We help carry the cost. Darkwell funding helps pay for the case, so your operating cash stays in your business.
• We bring attorneys we know. Darkwell has a network of attorneys we know. They help keep costs down while still pursuing the claim. The claim moves forward with an attorney from our network, or your current attorney where it fits.
• Your attorney handles the law. We don’t run your case or choose your legal strategy. Your attorney does that.
• You make a clear decision. The goal is to take the stress out of the fight and make the smart financial decision about your claim.

What to send for a claim review

• Contract or subcontract, and change orders
• Invoices, pay applications, and payment history
• Job address and the owner, GC, or customer name
• Photos, daily logs, and delivery tickets
• Any notices, lien filings, or bond information
• Your attorney’s contact, if you have one

How we get paid

Our fee comes out of the recovery, not your pocket. If there’s no recovery, you don’t repay our funding. Your written agreement sets the exact terms.

Where we work and claim size

We fund business claims, and individual and consumer claims in some states, reviewed state by state where the law allows. We confirm your state during review. See where Darkwell funds claims.

In select cases, we may purchase a business claim outright, where state law allows.

We review claims of $10,000 or more, subject to review and approval by our team.

Darkwell does not buy or collect consumer debt in states that require a collection license, including Colorado.

Common questions

Which court hears my Aurora claim? It depends on the county of the job and the amount. Arapahoe is in the 18th JD, Adams in the 17th, and Douglas in the 23rd. Your attorney confirms the forum.

Do Denver and Aurora share the same lien deadlines? Yes. Colorado’s Article 22 deadlines apply statewide.

Does Darkwell control my case? No. Your attorney handles the case and the legal strategy. Darkwell provides funding.

Sources

• Colorado Judicial Branch: Arapahoe County
• Colorado Judicial Branch: Adams County
• Colorado Judicial Branch: Douglas County
• C.R.S. § 13-6-403
• C.R.S. § 13-6-104
• C.R.S. § 38-22-109
• C.R.S. § 38-22-110

Aurora job still unpaid at $10,000 or more? Request a free claim review. Send what you have, and you’ll get a response from our team.

Related reading: Denver Contractor Not Getting Paid · Colorado Litigation Funding · Colorado Mechanic’s Lien Guide · Where We Fund