Colorado Law Reference

Plain-English explanations of the Colorado Revised Statutes provisions most relevant to dependency proceedings — what each statute means, and what it does not mean.

C.R.S. § 19-3-505

Your right to be informed throughout the case

Colorado Revised Statutes

What the statute says

Parents in a dependency case are entitled to notice of hearings and key events, copies of pleadings and orders, and information about services and their progress. Notice rules exist so you can participate and respond — not so the case can move forward without you.

What it means in plain English

You should receive written notice of every hearing and major filing. If you are not getting notices, that is a problem you can raise with the court and your attorney.

What it does NOT mean

Notice does not mean the agency must agree with you, or that you will receive every internal document. But you are entitled to the notices and records the law requires, and missing notice can affect what happens at a hearing.

Questions to ask

•Am I receiving notice of every hearing in writing?
•Do I have copies of every order and pleading?
•Has my contact information with the court stayed current?

Documents to preserve

•Every notice of hearing
•Envelopes/postmarks showing when notice arrived
•All pleadings and orders
•Proof you updated your address with the court

Common mistakes

✕Not updating the court when you move
✕Assuming no notice means no hearing
✕Throwing away court mail

Related statutes

C.R.S. § 19-3-505 — Court process & next steps
C.R.S. § 19-3-505 — Hearings
C.R.S. § 19-3-202 — Counsel and jury trial

Confirm current text at the official Colorado source. Educational summary, not legal advice.

Myth Debunker

“I can secretly record conversations without checking the law.”

Colorado is a one-party consent state for recording, meaning one party to the conversation may generally consent. But rules differ by situation and across states — confirm the applicable law before recording, and never record where you have no right.

“If CPS comes to my house, I automatically have to let them in.”

A request to enter is not a court order. Unless they have a court order or exigent circumstances, entry is generally voluntary. Ask whether they are acting under an order.

“If I cooperate with everything, they can't take my child.”

Cooperation is generally wise, but it does not guarantee any outcome. The decision to remove is governed by law and the court, not by your level of cooperation alone.

“If they say it's voluntary, I have to do it.”

Voluntary means you have a choice. You may decline or ask for time to consult an attorney before agreeing.

“Anything I tell CPS can't be used against me.”

Statements to a caseworker can become part of the record. Tell the truth, but understand it may be used in proceedings.

“A caseworker's statement is automatically a court order.”

A caseworker does not become a judge because they are investigating you. A request is not an order.

“If CPS says it's an emergency, it automatically makes it a legal emergency.”

Emergency authority has specific legal requirements and court review. The label 'emergency' does not by itself satisfy the law.

“I should fight with the caseworker to prove I'm innocent.”

Do not argue or threaten. Present your evidence through the court and your attorney. Calm documentation is stronger than confrontation.

“I should delete embarrassing texts or messages.”

Do not destroy, delete, alter, or hide evidence. That can seriously harm your case. Preserve everything.

“I should coach my children before they talk to CPS.”

Do not coach your children. Tell the truth; don't guess; don't tell your child what to say. Coaching can be detected and used against you.

Colorado legislature (official statutes)