Fort Collins Contractor Not Getting Paid? Larimer County Lien and Court Guide

You finished the Fort Collins job and the check never came. Colorado’s lien clocks are statewide, but where you record and where you sue depend on the county, and Fort Collins jobs usually start with Larimer County.

This guide covers Larimer County recording, the 8th Judicial District courts, Colorado 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 a Fort Collins job? Request a free claim review.

Larimer County recording and courts

• Larimer County Clerk & Recorder. Recording is at 200 W. Oak Street, First Floor, Fort Collins, and the county lists over-the-counter recording at the Fort Collins location only (larimer.gov Recording).
• 8th Judicial District. Larimer County is in the 8th Judicial District. The Larimer County Justice Center is at 201 LaPorte Ave, Suite 100, Fort Collins, and Loveland County Court is at 810 E 10th Street, Loveland (coloradojudicial.gov Larimer 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 Fort Collins)

• 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).

Record in the right county

A lien statement is recorded in the county where the property sits. If the job is outside Larimer County, record with that county’s clerk and recorder instead.

When funding helps

If the claim is real, the other side is stalling, and counsel costs are the bottleneck, 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 a Fort Collins 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.

Common questions

Where do I record a mechanic’s lien for a Fort Collins job? For Larimer County property, with the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder, whose recording office is at 200 W. Oak Street in Fort Collins.

Which court hears a Fort Collins payment claim? Larimer County is in the 8th Judicial District. Small claims, county court, or district court depends on the amount. Your attorney confirms the forum.

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

Sources

• Larimer County Clerk & Recorder: Recording
• Colorado Judicial Branch: Larimer 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

Fort Collins 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 Springs Contractor Not Getting Paid · Colorado Mechanic’s Lien Guide · Colorado Litigation Funding