D.  Summons




The court issues a summons after a petition is filed. Statutes and rules dictate procedures for serving the summons and time that must elapse before a hearing may be held on the petition. The summons gives the date, time and place of the court hearing.

C.R.S. § 19-3-503(7)
1.  D&N Cases

In D&N cases, a hearing on the petition must be set no sooner than five days after service of the summons and petition. However, jurisdiction is established if the respondent(s) is served not less than two days before the appearance hearing. 


C.R.S. § 19-3-503(3)
The summons must require the person having physical custody of the child to appear. 

C.R.S. § 19-3-503(4)
Any person the court deems necessary to the action may be summoned to appear and joined as a party.

C.R.S. § 19-3-503(2)
If respondent appears voluntarily, a summons is not required. 

C.R.S. § 19-3-503(1)
The summons must indicate the respondent’s constitutional and statutory rights and indicate that termination of parental rights is a possible remedy. If respondent is out of state, the summons may be served by certified mail. 

C.R.S. § 19-3-503(4)
In D&N cases, any party may request a subpoena for witnesses. 

C.R.S. § 19-3-503(5)
A request may also be made that the person serving the summons take the child into temporary custody.

C.R.C.P. 107
The court may issue a contempt citation in response to a motion supported by affidavit. A hearing on the citation must be held no sooner than twenty days after service of the citation.

C.R.J.P. 3.8; 28 C.F.R. 31.303
In a D&N case, a hearing on the citation must be held no sooner than ten days after service of the citation. Under federal law, a child in a D&N case is considered a “nonoffender” and may not be held in a locked detention center for violating a court order.

C.R.S. § 19-4-109(2)
2.  Paternity and Support Cases

In paternity and support cases, a hearing on the petition must be set no sooner than ten days after service of the summons and petition. If the respondent is out of state, service may be by certified mail with proof of actual receipt of the summons.


C.R.J.P. 2.2; C.R.C.P. 4(g)
If the respondent’s whereabouts are unknown, proof may be by publication in the county where the action is pending.

C.R.S. § 22-33-108(5)
C.R.C.P. 4(b)
C.R.S. § 19-1-104(1)(k).

3.  Truancy Cases

In truancy cases, a hearing on the petition must be held no sooner than five days after service of the summons, petition and notice of the truancy action.