co-draft-motion · v0.1.0 · 2026-05-28 · sha256 41844f7c2d2fe49f
co-draft-motion v0.1.0A
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---
name: co-draft-motion
description: >
This skill should be used to scaffold a Colorado civil motion with
its supporting memorandum. Triggers include "draft a motion in
Colorado", "draft a Colorado motion to compel", "draft a C.R.C.P.
12(b)(5) motion to dismiss", "Colorado motion for summary
judgment", "draft a motion under C.R.C.P. 60(b)", "draft a Colorado
motion in limine", "draft a C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15 motion". Produces a
motion plus supporting memorandum in the Colorado statewide format
applying the pro-se drafting framework (clear relief, cite the rule or
statute, state supporting facts, conclude with signature and
required certificates). Composes with `co-statewide-format` for
format, `co-draft-declaration` for sworn facts, `co-draft-order`
for the proposed order, and the relevant court overlay.
version: 0.1.0
---
# Draft a Colorado Motion
> **NOT LEGAL ADVICE.** This skill scaffolds a draft motion. The
> filer is responsible for verifying the underlying law and the
> rule's applicability to the facts of the case.
Use this skill to produce a motion + supporting memorandum in
Colorado format. Most Colorado motions follow C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15
(motion practice generally) plus the rule under which the motion is
filed (12(b)(5), 56, 60(b), 37(a), etc.).
## Page limits — C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15(1)(a)
| Document | Limit |
|----------|-------|
| Motion / response | 15 pages |
| Reply | 10 pages |
Excess pages require **leave of court**, sought by separate motion.
Many divisions require a **chambers copy** for motions exceeding 20-25
pages — check the assigned judge's practice standards.
## Standard motion structure
```
[Caption — see co-statewide-format]
[DOCUMENT TITLE IN ALL CAPS, e.g.,
DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER C.R.C.P. 12(b)(5)]
[Movant], [Plaintiff / Defendant], by and through [counsel /
self-represented], respectfully moves the Court for [specific
relief], and in support states:
I. INTRODUCTION
[1-2 paragraph summary of the case, the relief sought, and the
reasons in headline form]
II. STATEMENT OF FACTS
[Numbered factual paragraphs. Each material fact gets its own
paragraph, with a citation to the record — declaration ¶ X,
Complaint ¶ X, Exhibit X, or admission in pleadings.]
III. ARGUMENT
A. [Headline of first argument]
[Argument body. Lead with the rule or statute citation; state the
controlling standard; apply to the facts; cite the controlling case
authority.]
B. [Headline of second argument]
[...]
IV. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, [Movant] respectfully requests that the
Court [grant the motion / grant the relief sought] and [enter the
attached Proposed Order].
CERTIFICATE OF CONFERRAL
(C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15(8))
Pursuant to C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15(8), the undersigned conferred with
[opposing counsel / opposing party] on [date] regarding the relief
requested in this Motion. [Opposing counsel] [opposes / does not
oppose / takes no position on] this Motion.
[OR for dispositive motions — exempt:]
Pursuant to C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15(8)(b), conferral is not required for
motions under C.R.C.P. 12(b) and C.R.C.P. 56.
Respectfully submitted this ___ day of __________, 20__.
[Signature block]
[Reg. No. if attorney /
"Self-Represented" if pro se]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
[Date], method, recipients — per co-statewide-format]
```
## Filing checklist
When the motion is finalized:
- [ ] Caption matches the assigned court, division, courtroom
- [ ] Title in ALL CAPS centered between caption and body
- [ ] All cited rules and statutes correct (run `co-fact-check`)
- [ ] Affirmative defenses and counter-arguments addressed
- [ ] Within page limit (15 pages for motion / response)
- [ ] Certificate of Conferral included (or exempt-citation invoked)
- [ ] Proposed Order drafted as **separate** document (see
`co-draft-order`)
- [ ] Supporting Declaration(s) drafted (see `co-draft-declaration`)
- [ ] Certificate of Service complete
- [ ] Format check passes (`scripts/format-check.py`)
## Common motion types
| Motion | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motion to Dismiss | C.R.C.P. 12(b)(5) | Plausibility standard under *Warne v. Hall*, 2016 CO 50; no conferral required |
| Motion for Summary Judgment | C.R.C.P. 56 | Must be filed >= 91 days before trial; affidavits showing no genuine issue of material fact |
| Motion to Compel | C.R.C.P. 37(a) | Conferral required (C.R.C.P. 121 § 1-15(8)); attach the deficient responses |
| Motion to Set Aside Default | C.R.C.P. 55(c) / 60(b) | Within 182 days for 60(b)(1)-(3); show good cause + meritorious defense |
| Motion for Reconsideration | C.R.C.P. 59 | Within 14 days of judgment |
| Motion in Limine | (inherent) | Pre-trial; addresses anticipated evidentiary disputes |
| Motion for Protective Order | C.R.C.P. 26(c) | Discovery-shielding |
| Motion for Extension of Time | C.R.C.P. 6(b) | Conferral required; typically routine |
## Argument structure — the Parker approach
Pro se filers should follow the **pro-se drafting framework**:
1. **State the relief clearly** in the opening sentence
2. **Cite the rule or statute** that grants the court power to award
that relief
3. **State the facts** that satisfy each element of the standard
4. **Apply the controlling case law** to those facts
5. **Conclude** with the specific order sought
A motion that hides the relief, buries the rule citation, or omits a
clear element-by-element factual showing is the kind of filing the
court will struggle to engage with — Parker requires liberal
construction, but the court will not draft the argument for you.
## Composition
- For format: `co-statewide-format`
- For the supporting declaration: `co-draft-declaration`
- For the proposed order: `co-draft-order`
- For setting the hearing: `co-schedule-hearing`, `co-draft-note`
- For the court overlay: `co-denver`, `co-arapahoe`,
`co-county-courts`
- For pre-filing QC: `co-quality-check`, `co-fact-check`
- For deadline math: `co-deadlines`
## References
- `references/motion-template.md` — annotated template
- `references/121-1-15-motion-practice.md` — full text of the rule
- `references/argument-structure.md` — pro-se drafting framework applied