Age of Competence - Arbitration - Mediation

C.R.S. tit. 13, art. 22
in effect

C.R.S. § 13-22-101 Competence of persons eighteen years of age or older

13-22-101. Competence of persons eighteen years of age or older. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law enacted or any judicial decision made prior to July 1, 1973, every person, otherwise competent, shall be deemed to be of full age at the age of eighteen years or older for the following specific purposes: (a) To enter into any legal contractual obligation and to be legally bound thereby to the full extent as any other adult person; but such obligation shall not be considered a family expense of the parents of the person who entered into the contract, under section 14-6-110, C.R.S.; (b) To manage his estate in the same manner as any other adult person. This section shall not apply to custodial property given or held under the terms of the "Colorado Uniform Transfers to Minors Act", article 50 of title 11, C.R.S., or property held for a protected person under the "Colorado Probate Code", article 14 of title 15, C.R.S., unless otherwise permitted in said articles; (c) To sue and be sued in any action to the full extent as any other adult person in any of the courts of this state, without the necessity for a guardian ad litem or someone acting in his behalf; (d) To make decisions in regard to his own body and the body of his issue, whether natural or adopted by such person, to the full extent allowed to any other adult person.

C.R.S. § 13-22-102 Minors - consent for medical care and treatment for use of drugs or a substance use disorder

13-22-102. Minors - consent for medical care and treatment for use of drugs or a substance use disorder. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any physician licensed to practice in this state, upon consultation by a minor as a patient, with the consent of such minor patient, may examine, prescribe for, and treat the minor patient for use of drugs or a substance use disorder without the consent of or notification to the parent, parents, or legal guardian of the minor patient, or to any other person having custody or decision-making responsibility with respect to the medical care of the minor patient. In any such case the physician or any person acting pursuant to the minor's direction incurs no civil or criminal liability by reason of having made such examination or prescription or having rendered such treatment, but this immunity does not apply to any negligent acts or omissions by the physician or any person acting pursuant to the physician's direction.

C.R.S. § 13-22-103 Minors - consent for medical, dental, and related care

13-22-103. Minors - consent for medical, dental, and related care. (1) Except as otherwise provided in sections 15-19-204, 18-1.3-407 (4.5), and 25-4-409, a minor eighteen years of age or older, or a minor fifteen years of age or older who is living separate and apart from his or her parent, parents, or legal guardian, with or without the consent of his or her parent, parents, or legal guardian, and is managing his or her own financial affairs, regardless of the source of his or her income, or any minor who has contracted a lawful marriage may give consent to organ or tissue donation or the furnishing of hospital, medical, dental, emergency health, and surgical care to himself or herself. Such consent is not subject to disaffirmance because of minority, and, when such consent is given, the minor has the same rights, powers, and obligations as if he or she had obtained majority. Consent to organ or tissue donation may be revoked pursuant to section 15-19-206. (2) The consent of the parent, parents, or legal guardian of a minor described in subsection (1) of this section shall not be necessary in order to authorize organ or tissue donation or hospital, medical, dental, emergency health, or surgical care, and no hospital, physician, surgeon, dentist, trained emergency health-care provider, or agent or employee thereof who, in good faith, relies on such a minor's consent shall be liable for civil damages for failure to secure the consent of such a minor's parent, parents, or legal guardian prior to rendering such care. The parent, parents, or legal guardian of a minor described in subsection (1) of this section shall not be liable to pay the charges for the care provided the minor on said minor's consent, unless said parent, parents, or legal guardian agrees to be so liable. (3) In addition to the authority granted in section 25-4-1704 (2.5), C.R.S., any parent, including a parent who is a minor, may request and consent to organ or tissue donation of his or her child or the furnishing of hospital, medical, dental, emergency health, and surgical care to his or her child or ward. The consent of a minor parent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority, and, when such consent is given, said minor parent has the same rights, powers, and obligations as if he or she were of legal age.

C.R.S. § 13-22-103.5 Minors - consent for medical care - pregnancy

13-22-103.5. Minors - consent for medical care - pregnancy. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a pregnant minor may authorize prenatal, delivery, and post-delivery medical care for herself related to the intended live birth of a child.

C.R.S. § 13-22-104 Transplants and transfusions generally - declaration of policy - limit on liability of minors

13-22-104. Transplants and transfusions generally - declaration of policy - limit on liability of minors. (1) The availability of scientific knowledge, skills, and materials for the transplantation, injection, transfusion, or transfer of human tissue, organs, blood, or components thereof is important to the health and welfare of the people of this state. Equally important is the duty of those performing such service or providing such materials to exercise due care under the attending circumstances to the end that those receiving health care will benefit and adverse results therefrom will be minimized by the use of available and proven scientific safeguards. The imposition of legal liability without fault upon the persons and organizations engaged in such scientific procedures may inhibit the exercise of sound medical judgment and restrict the availability of important scientific knowledge, skills, and materials. It is, therefore, the public policy of this state to promote the health and welfare of the people by emphasizing the importance of exercising due care, and by limiting the legal liability arising out of such scientific procedures to instances of negligence or willful misconduct. (2) The donation, whether for or without valuable consideration, the acquisition, preparation, transplantation, injection, or transfusion of any human tissue, organ, blood, or component thereof for or to a human being is the performance of a medical service and does not, in any way, constitute a sale. No physician, surgeon, hospital, blood bank, tissue bank, or other person or entity who donates, obtains, prepares, transplants, injects, transfuses, or otherwise transfers, or who assists or participates in donating, obtaining, preparing, transplanting, injecting, transfusing, or transferring any tissue, organ, blood, or component thereof from one or more human beings, living or dead, to another living human being for the purpose of therapy or transplantation needed by him for his health or welfare shall be liable for any damages of any kind or description directly or indirectly caused by or resulting from any such activity; except that each such person or entity remains liable for his or its own negligence or willful misconduct. (3) Any provision of the law to the contrary notwithstanding, any minor who has reached the age of eighteen years may give consent to the donation of his or her blood, organs, or tissue and to the penetration of tissue which is necessary to accomplish such donation. Such consent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The consent of the parent, parents, or legal guardian of such a minor shall not be necessary in order to authorize such donation of blood, organs, or tissue and penetration of tissue. (4) Any provision of the law to the contrary notwithstanding, a minor who is at least sixteen years of age but is less than eighteen years of age may give consent to the donation of his or her blood and to the penetration of tissue that is necessary to accomplish the donation, so long as the minor's parent or legal guardian consents to authorize the donation of the minor's blood and the penetration of tissue. A minor's consent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority.

C.R.S. § 13-22-105 Minors - consent - contraception

13-22-105. Minors - consent - contraception. With the minor's consent, a health-care provider licensed, certified, or registered pursuant to title 12 who is acting within the health-care provider's scope of practice may furnish contraceptive procedures, supplies, or information to a minor without notification to or the consent of the minor's parent or parents, legal guardian, or any other person having custody of or decision-making responsibility for the minor.

C.R.S. § 13-22-106 Minors - consent - sexual offense

13-22-106. Minors - consent - sexual offense. (1) Any physician licensed to practice in this state, upon consultation by a minor as a patient who indicates that he or she was the victim of a sexual offense pursuant to part 4 of article 3 of title 18, C.R.S., with the consent of such minor patient, may perform customary and necessary examinations to obtain evidence of the sexual offense and may prescribe for and treat the patient for any immediate condition caused by the sexual offense. (2) (a) Prior to examining or treating a minor pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, a physician shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent, parents, legal guardian, or any other person having custody or decision-making responsibility with respect to the medical care of such minor of the sexual offense. (b) So long as the minor has consented, the physician may examine and treat the minor as provided for in subsection (1) of this section whether or not the physician has been able to make the notification provided for in paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) and whether or not those notified have given consent, but, if the person having custody or decision-making responsibility with respect to the minor's medical care objects to treatment, then the physician shall proceed under the provisions of part 3 of article 3 of title 19, C.R.S. (c) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to relieve any person from the requirements of the provisions of part 3 of article 3 of title 19, C.R.S., concerning child abuse. (3) If a minor is unable to give the consent required by this section by reason of age or mental or physical condition and it appears that the minor has been the victim of a sexual assault, the physician shall not examine or treat the minor as provided in subsection (1) of this section but shall proceed under the provisions of part 3 of article 3 of title 19, C.R.S. (4) A physician shall incur no civil or criminal liability by reason of having examined or treated a minor pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, but this immunity shall not apply to any negligent acts or omissions by the physician.

C.R.S. § 13-22-107 Legislative declaration - definitions - children - waiver by parent of prospective negligence claims

13-22-107. Legislative declaration - definitions - children - waiver by parent of prospective negligence claims. (1) (a) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares it is the public policy of this state that: (I) Children of this state should have the maximum opportunity to participate in sporting, recreational, educational, and other activities where certain risks may exist; (II) Public, private, and non-profit entities providing these essential activities to children in Colorado need a measure of protection against lawsuits, and without the measure of protection these entities may be unwilling or unable to provide the activities; (III) Parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. The law has long presumed that parents act in the best interest of their children. (IV) Parents make conscious choices every day on behalf of their children concerning the risks and benefits of participation in activities that may involve risk; (V) These are proper parental choices on behalf of children that should not be ignored. So long as the decision is voluntary and informed, the decision should be given the same dignity as decisions regarding schooling, medical treatment, and religious education; and (VI) It is the intent of the general assembly to encourage the affordability and availability of youth activities in this state by permitting a parent of a child to release a prospective negligence claim of the child against certain persons and entities involved in providing the opportunity to participate in the activities. (b) The general assembly further declares that the Colorado supreme court's holding in case number 00SC885, 48 P.3d 1229 (Colo. 2002), has not been adopted by the general assembly and does not reflect the intent of the general assembly or the public policy of this state. (2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) "Child" means a person under eighteen years of age. (b) For purposes of this section only, "parent" means a parent, as defined in section 19-1-103; a person who has guardianship of the person, as defined in section 19-1-103; a person who has legal custody, as defined in section 19-1-103; a legal representative, as defined in section 19-1-103; a physical custodian, as defined in section 19-2.5-102; or a responsible person, as defined in section 19-1-103. (3) A parent of a child may, on behalf of the child, release or waive the child's prospective claim for negligence. (4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a parent acting on behalf of his or her child to waive the child's prospective claim against a person or entity for a willful and wanton act or omission, a reckless act or omission, or a grossly negligent act or omission.

C.R.S. § 13-22-201 Definitions

13-22-201. Definitions. As used in this part 2, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Arbitration organization" means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity that is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration proceeding or is involved in the appointment of an arbitrator. (2) "Arbitrator" means an individual appointed to render an award, alone or with others, in a controversy that is subject to an agreement to arbitrate. (3) "Court" means a court of competent jurisdiction in this state. (4) "Knowledge" means actual knowledge. (5) "Person" means an individual; corporation; business trust; estate; trust; partnership; limited liability company; association; joint venture; government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity. (6) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

C.R.S. § 13-22-202 Notice

13-22-202. Notice. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this part 2, a person gives notice to another person by taking action that is reasonably necessary to inform the other person in ordinary course, whether or not the other person acquires knowledge of the notice. (2) A person has notice if the person has knowledge of the notice or has received notice. (3) A person receives notice when it comes to the person's attention or the notice is delivered at the person's place of residence or place of business, or at another location held out by the person as a place of delivery of such communications.

C.R.S. § 13-22-203 Applicability

13-22-203. Applicability. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, this part 2 shall govern an agreement to arbitrate made on or after August 4, 2004. (2) This part 2 shall govern an agreement to arbitrate made before August 4, 2004, if all parties to the agreement or to the arbitration proceeding so agree in a record.

C.R.S. § 13-22-204 Effect of agreement to arbitrate - nonwaivable provisions

13-22-204. Effect of agreement to arbitrate - nonwaivable provisions. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a party to an agreement to arbitrate or to an arbitration proceeding may waive, or, the parties may vary the effect of, the requirements of this part 2 to the extent permitted by law. (2) Before a controversy arises that is subject to an agreement to arbitrate, a party to the agreement may not: (a) Waive or agree to vary the effect of the requirements of section 13-22-205 (1), 13-22-206 (1), 13-22-208, 13-22-217 (1) or (2), 13-22-226, or 13-22-228; (b) Agree to unreasonably restrict the right under section 13-22-209 to notice of the initiation of an arbitration proceeding; (c) Agree to unreasonably restrict the right under section 13-22-212 to disclosure of any facts by a neutral arbitrator; or (d) Waive the right under section 13-22-216 of a party to an agreement to arbitrate to be represented by a lawyer at any proceeding or hearing under this part 2, but an employer and a labor organization may waive the right to representation by a lawyer in a labor arbitration. (3) (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (3), a party to an agreement to arbitrate or arbitration proceeding may not waive, or the parties may not vary the effect of, the requirements of this section or section 13-22-203 (1), 13-22-207, 13-22-214, 13-22-218, 13-22-220 (4) or (5), 13-22-222, 13-22-223, 13-22-224, 13-22-225 (1) or (2), or 13-22-229. (b) If the parties to an agreement to arbitrate or to an arbitration proceeding are a government, governmental subdivision, governmental agency, governmental instrumentality, public corporation, or any commercial entity, the parties may waive the requirements of section 13-22-223 except if the award was procured by corruption or fraud.

C.R.S. § 13-22-205 Application for judicial relief

13-22-205. Application for judicial relief. (1) Except as otherwise provided in section 13-22-228, an application for judicial relief under this part 2 must be made by motion to the court and heard in the manner provided by law or court rule for making and hearing motions. (2) Unless a civil action involving the agreement to arbitrate is pending, notice of an initial motion to the court under this part 2 must be served in the manner provided by law for the service of a summons in a civil action. Otherwise, notice of the motion must be given in the manner provided by law or court rule for serving motions in pending cases.

C.R.S. § 13-22-206 Validity of agreement to arbitrate

13-22-206. Validity of agreement to arbitrate. (1) An agreement contained in a record to submit to arbitration any existing or subsequent controversy arising between the parties to the agreement is valid, enforceable, and irrevocable except on a ground that exists at law or in equity for the revocation of a contract. (2) The court shall decide whether an agreement to arbitrate exists or a controversy is subject to an agreement to arbitrate. (3) An arbitrator shall decide whether a condition precedent to arbitrability has been fulfilled and whether a contract containing a valid agreement to arbitrate is enforceable. (4) If a party to a judicial proceeding challenges the existence of, or claims that a controversy is not subject to, an agreement to arbitrate, the arbitration proceeding may continue pending final resolution of the issue by the court, unless the court otherwise orders.

C.R.S. § 13-22-207 Motion to compel or stay arbitration

13-22-207. Motion to compel or stay arbitration. (1) On the motion of a person showing an agreement to arbitrate and alleging another person's refusal to arbitrate pursuant to the agreement: (a) If the refusing party does not appear or does not oppose the motion, the court shall order the parties to arbitrate; and (b) If the refusing party opposes the motion, the court shall proceed summarily to decide the issue and order the parties to arbitrate unless it finds that there is no enforceable agreement to arbitrate. (2) On the motion of a person alleging that an arbitration proceeding has been initiated or threatened but that there is not an agreement to arbitrate, the court shall proceed summarily to decide the issue. If the court finds that there is an enforceable agreement to arbitrate, it shall order the parties to arbitrate. (3) If the court finds that there is no enforceable agreement, it may not invoke the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) of this section to order the parties to arbitrate. (4) The court may not refuse to order arbitration because the claim subject to arbitration lacks merit or because one or more grounds for the claim have not been established. (5) If a proceeding involving a claim referable to arbitration under an alleged agreement to arbitrate is pending in court, a motion made under this section shall be filed with that court. Otherwise, a motion made under this section may be filed in any court pursuant to section 13-22-227. (6) If a party files a motion with the court to order arbitration, the court on just terms shall stay any judicial proceeding that involves a claim alleged to be subject to the arbitration until the ordering court renders a final decision under this section. (7) If the court orders arbitration, the court on just terms shall stay any judicial proceeding that involves a claim subject to the arbitration. If a claim subject to the arbitration is severable, the court may limit the stay to that claim.

C.R.S. § 13-22-208 Provisional remedies

13-22-208. Provisional remedies. (1) Before an arbitrator is appointed and is authorized and able to act, the court, upon motion of a party to an arbitration proceeding and for good cause shown, may enter an order for provisional remedies to protect the effectiveness of the arbitration proceeding to the same extent and under the same conditions as if the controversy were the subject of a civil action. (2) After an arbitrator is appointed and is authorized and able to act: (a) The arbitrator may issue such orders for provisional remedies, including interim awards, as the arbitrator finds necessary to protect the effectiveness of the arbitration proceeding and to promote the fair and expeditious resolution of the controversy, to the same extent and under the same conditions as if the controversy were the subject of a civil action; and (b) A party to an arbitration proceeding may request the court to issue an order for a provisional remedy only if the matter is urgent and the arbitrator is not able to act timely or the arbitrator cannot provide an adequate remedy. (3) A party does not waive a right of arbitration by making a motion under subsection (1) or (2) of this section.

C.R.S. § 13-22-209 Initiation of arbitration

13-22-209. Initiation of arbitration. (1) A person may initiate an arbitration proceeding by giving notice in a record to the other parties to the agreement to arbitrate in the agreed manner between the parties or, in the absence of an agreement, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and obtained, or by service as authorized by law for the commencement of a civil action. The notice shall describe the nature of the controversy and the remedy sought. (2) Unless a person objects to the lack of notice or the insufficiency of notice under section 13-22-215 (3) not later than the beginning of the arbitration hearing, a person who appears at the arbitration hearing waives any objection to the lack of notice or insufficiency of notice.

C.R.S. § 13-22-210 Consolidation of separate arbitration proceedings

13-22-210. Consolidation of separate arbitration proceedings. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, upon the motion of a party to an agreement to arbitrate or to an arbitration proceeding, the court may order consolidation of separate arbitration proceedings as to all or some of the claims if all parties in the arbitration proceedings consent and: (a) There are separate agreements to arbitrate or separate arbitration proceedings between or among the same persons or one of the persons is a party to a separate agreement to arbitrate or a separate arbitration proceeding with a third person; (b) The claims subject to the agreements to arbitrate arise in substantial part from the same transaction or series of related transactions; (c) The existence of a common issue of law or fact creates the possibility of conflicting decisions in the separate arbitration proceedings; and (d) Prejudice resulting from a failure to consolidate is not outweighed by the risk of undue delay or prejudice to the rights of or hardship to parties opposing consolidation. (2) The court may order consolidation of separate arbitration proceedings as to some claims and allow other claims to be resolved in separate arbitration proceedings. (3) The court may not order consolidation of the claims of a party to an agreement to arbitrate if the agreement prohibits consolidation.

C.R.S. § 13-22-211 Appointment of arbitrator - service as a neutral arbitrator

13-22-211. Appointment of arbitrator - service as a neutral arbitrator. (1) If the parties to an agreement to arbitrate agree on a method for appointing an arbitrator, the method shall be followed unless the method fails. If the parties have not agreed on a method, or the agreed method fails, or an appointed arbitrator fails to act or is unable to act and a successor has not been appointed, the court, on the motion of a party to the arbitration proceeding, shall appoint the arbitrator. An arbitrator appointed pursuant to this subsection (1) shall have all the powers of an arbitrator designated in an agreement to arbitrate or appointed pursuant to an agreed method. (2) An individual who has a known, direct, and material interest in the outcome of the arbitration proceeding or a known, existing, and substantial relationship with a party may not serve as an arbitrator if the agreement requires the arbitrator to be neutral.

C.R.S. § 13-22-212 Disclosure by arbitrator

13-22-212. Disclosure by arbitrator. (1) Before accepting an appointment, an individual who is requested to serve as an arbitrator, after making a reasonable inquiry, shall disclose to all parties to the agreement to arbitrate and arbitration proceeding and to any other arbitrators any known facts that a reasonable person would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator in the arbitration proceeding, including: (a) A financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration proceeding; and (b) A current or previous relationship with any of the parties to the agreement to arbitrate or the arbitration proceeding, their counsel or representatives, a witness, or another arbitrator. (2) An arbitrator shall have a continuing obligation to disclose to all parties to the agreement to arbitrate and to the arbitration proceeding and to any other arbitrators any facts that the arbitrator learns after accepting appointment that a reasonable person would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator. (3) If an arbitrator discloses a fact required to be disclosed by subsection (1) or (2) of this section and a party timely objects to the appointment or continued service of the arbitrator based upon the fact disclosed, the objection may be a ground under section 13-22-223 (1)(b) for vacating an award made by an arbitrator. (4) If the arbitrator does not disclose a fact as required by subsection (1) or (2) of this section, upon timely objection by a party, the court may vacate an award under section 13-22-223 (1)(b). (5) An arbitrator appointed as a neutral arbitrator who does not disclose a known, direct, and material interest in the outcome of the arbitration proceeding or a known, existing, and substantial relationship with a party shall be presumed to act with evident partiality under section 13-22-223 (1)(b). (6) If the parties to an arbitration proceeding agree to the procedures of an arbitration organization or any other procedures for challenges to arbitrators before an award is made, substantial compliance with those procedures is a condition precedent to a motion to vacate an award on that ground under section 13-22-223 (1)(b).

C.R.S. § 13-22-213 Action by majority

13-22-213. Action by majority. If there is more than one arbitrator, the powers of an arbitrator shall be exercised by a majority of the arbitrators, except that all of the arbitrators shall conduct the hearing under the provisions of section 13-22-215 (3).

C.R.S. § 13-22-214 Immunity of arbitrator - competency to testify - attorney fees and costs

13-22-214. Immunity of arbitrator - competency to testify - attorney fees and costs. (1) An arbitrator or an arbitration organization acting in the capacity of an arbitrator is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of a court of this state acting in a judicial capacity. (2) The immunity afforded by this section is in addition to, and not in lieu of, or in derogation of, immunity conferred under any other provision of law. (3) The failure of an arbitrator to make a disclosure required by section 13-22-212 shall not cause any loss of immunity that is granted under this section. (4) (a) In a judicial proceeding, administrative proceeding, or other similar proceeding, an arbitrator or representative of an arbitration organization shall not be competent to testify and may not be required to produce records as to any statement, conduct, decision, or ruling that occurred during the arbitration proceeding, to the same extent as a judge of a court of this state acting in a judicial capacity. (b) This subsection (4) shall not apply: (I) To the extent necessary to determine the claim of an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of the arbitration organization against a party to the arbitration proceeding; or (II) To a hearing on a motion to vacate an award under section 13-22-223 (1)(a) or (1)(b) if the movant makes a prima facie showing that a ground for vacating the award exists. (5) If a person commences a civil action against an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of an arbitration organization arising from the services of the arbitrator, organization, or representative, or if a person seeks to compel an arbitrator or a representative of an arbitration organization to testify or produce records in violation of subsection (4) of this section, and the court decides that the arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of an arbitration organization is immune from civil liability or that the arbitrator or representative of the organization is not competent to testify, the court shall award to the arbitrator, organization, or representative reasonable attorney fees and reasonable expenses of litigation.

C.R.S. § 13-22-215 Arbitration process

13-22-215. Arbitration process. (1) An arbitrator may conduct an arbitration in a manner that the arbitrator considers appropriate for a fair and expeditious disposition of the proceeding. The authority conferred upon the arbitrator by this part 2 shall include, but not be limited to, the power to hold conferences with the parties to the arbitration proceeding before the hearing and the power to determine the admissibility, relevance, materiality, and weight of any evidence. (2) An arbitrator may decide a request for summary disposition of a claim or particular issue: (a) If all interested parties agree; or (b) Upon request of one or more parties to the arbitration proceeding if that party gives notice to all other parties to the proceeding and the other parties have a reasonable opportunity to respond. (3) If an arbitrator orders a hearing, the arbitrator shall set a time and place and give notice of the hearing not less than five days before the hearing begins. Unless a party to the arbitration proceeding makes an objection to lack or insufficiency of notice not later than the beginning of the hearing, the party's appearance at the hearing shall waive the objection. Upon the request of a party to the arbitration proceeding and for good cause shown, or upon the arbitrator's own initiative, the arbitrator may adjourn the hearing from time to time as necessary but may not postpone the hearing to a time later than that fixed by the agreement to arbitrate for making the award unless the parties to the arbitration proceeding consent to a later date. The arbitrator may hear and decide the controversy upon the evidence produced even if a party who was duly notified of the arbitration proceeding does not appear. The court, on motion, may direct the arbitrator to conduct the hearing promptly and render a timely decision. (4) At a hearing under subsection (3) of this section, a party to the arbitration proceeding has a right to be heard, to present evidence material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses appearing at the hearing. (5) If an arbitrator ceases or is unable to act during the arbitration proceeding, a replacement arbitrator shall be appointed in accordance with section 13-22-211 to continue the proceeding and to resolve the controversy.

C.R.S. § 13-22-216 Representation by attorney

13-22-216. Representation by attorney. A party to an arbitration proceeding may be represented by an attorney.

C.R.S. § 13-22-217 Witnesses - subpoenas - depositions - discovery

13-22-217. Witnesses - subpoenas - depositions - discovery. (1) An arbitrator may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness and for the production of records and other evidence at any hearing and may administer oaths. A subpoena issued under this section shall be served in the manner for service of subpoenas in a civil action and, upon motion to the court by a party to the arbitration proceeding or by the arbitrator, enforced in the manner for enforcement of subpoenas in a civil action. (2) In order to make the proceedings fair, expeditious, and cost effective, upon the request of a party or a witness in an arbitration proceeding, an arbitrator may permit a deposition of any witness to be taken for use as evidence at the hearing, including a witness who cannot be subpoenaed for a hearing or who is unable to attend a hearing. The arbitrator shall determine the conditions under which the deposition is taken. (3) An arbitrator may permit such discovery as the arbitrator decides is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the needs of the parties to the arbitration proceeding and other affected persons and the desirability of making the proceeding fair, expeditious, and cost effective. (4) If an arbitrator permits discovery under subsection (3) of this section, the arbitrator may order a party to the arbitration proceeding to comply with the arbitrator's discovery-related orders, issue subpoenas for the attendance of a witness and for the production of records and other evidence at a discovery proceeding, and take action against a non-complying party to the extent a court could take such action if the controversy were the subject of a civil action; except that the arbitrator shall not have the power of contempt. (5) An arbitrator may issue a protective order to prevent the disclosure of privileged information, confidential information, trade secrets, and other information protected from disclosure to the extent a court could if the controversy were the subject of a civil action. (6) All provisions of law that compel a person under subpoena to testify and all fees for attending a judicial proceeding, a deposition, or a discovery proceeding as a witness shall apply to an arbitration proceeding in the same manner as if the controversy were the subject of a civil action. (7) The court may enforce a subpoena or discovery-related order for the attendance of a witness within this state and for the production of records and other evidence issued by an arbitrator in connection with an arbitration proceeding in another state upon conditions determined by the court so as to make the arbitration proceeding fair, expeditious, and cost effective. A subpoena or discovery-related order issued by an arbitrator in another state shall be served in the manner provided by law for service of subpoenas in a civil action and, upon motion to the court by a party to the arbitration proceeding or the arbitrator, enforced in the manner provided by law for enforcement of subpoenas in a civil action.

C.R.S. § 13-22-218 Judicial enforcement of pre-award ruling by arbitrator

13-22-218. Judicial enforcement of pre-award ruling by arbitrator. If an arbitrator makes a pre-award ruling in favor of a party to the arbitration proceeding, the party may request the arbitrator to incorporate the ruling into an award under section 13-22-219. A prevailing party may make a motion to the court for an expedited order to confirm the award under section 13-22-222, in which case the court shall summarily decide the motion. The court shall issue an order to confirm the award unless the court vacates, modifies, or corrects the award under section 13-22-223 or 13-22-224.

C.R.S. § 13-22-219 Award

13-22-219. Award. (1) An arbitrator shall make a record of an award. The record shall be signed or otherwise authenticated by an arbitrator who concurs with the award. The arbitrator or the arbitration organization shall give notice of the award, including a copy of the award, to each party to the arbitration proceeding. (2) An award must be made within the time specified by the agreement to arbitrate or, if not specified therein, within the time ordered by the court. The court may extend the time or the parties to the arbitration proceeding may agree in a record to extend the time. The court or the parties may do so within or after the time specified or ordered. A party shall be deemed to have waived any objection that an award was not timely made unless the party gives notice of the objection to the arbitrator before receiving notice of the award.

C.R.S. § 13-22-220 Change of award by arbitrator

13-22-220. Change of award by arbitrator. (1) On motion to an arbitrator by a party to an arbitration proceeding, the arbitrator may modify or correct an award: (a) Upon a ground stated in section 13-22-224 (1)(a) or (1)(c); (b) If the arbitrator has not made a final and definite award upon a claim submitted by the parties to the arbitration proceeding; or (c) To clarify the award. (2) A motion made under subsection (1) of this section shall be made and notice shall be given to all parties within twenty days after the movant receives notice of the award. (3) A party to the arbitration proceeding shall give notice of any objection to the motion within ten days after receipt of the notice. (4) If a motion to the court is pending under section 13-22-222, 13-22-223, or 13-22-224, the court may submit the claim to the arbitrator to consider whether to modify or correct the award: (a) Upon a ground stated in section 13-22-224 (1)(a) or (1)(c); (b) If the arbitrator has not made a final and definite award upon a claim submitted by the parties to the arbitration proceeding; or (c) To clarify the award. (5) An award modified or corrected pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of sections 13-22-219 (1), 13-22-222, 13-22-223, and 13-22-224.

C.R.S. § 13-22-221 Remedies - fees and expenses of arbitration proceeding

13-22-221. Remedies - fees and expenses of arbitration proceeding. (1) An arbitrator may award reasonable attorney fees and other reasonable expenses of arbitration if such an award is authorized by law in a civil action involving the same claim or by the agreement of the parties to the arbitration proceeding. (2) An arbitrator's expenses and fees, together with other expenses, shall be paid as provided in the award. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or amend the provisions of section 13-21-102 (5).

C.R.S. § 13-22-222 Confirmation of award

13-22-222. Confirmation of award. (1) After a party to an arbitration proceeding receives notice of an award, the party may make a motion to the court for an order confirming the award at which time the court shall issue a confirming order unless the award is modified or corrected pursuant to section 13-22-220 or 13-22-224 or is vacated pursuant to section 13-22-223. (2) Repealed.

C.R.S. § 13-22-223 Vacating award

13-22-223. Vacating award. (1) Upon motion to the court by a party to an arbitration proceeding, the court shall vacate an award made in the arbitration proceeding if the court finds that: (a) The award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means; (b) There was: (I) Evident partiality by an arbitrator appointed as a neutral arbitrator; (II) Corruption by an arbitrator; or (III) Misconduct by an arbitrator prejudicing the rights of a party to the arbitration proceeding; (c) An arbitrator refused to postpone the hearing upon showing of sufficient cause for postponement, refused to consider evidence material to the controversy, or otherwise conducted the hearing contrary to section 13-22-215, so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party to the arbitration proceeding; (d) An arbitrator exceeded the arbitrator's powers; (e) There was no agreement to arbitrate, unless the person participated in the arbitration proceeding without raising the objection under section 13-22-215 (3) not later than the beginning of the arbitration hearing; or (f) The arbitration was conducted without proper notice of the initiation of an arbitration as required in section 13-22-209 so as to substantially prejudice the rights of a party to the arbitration proceeding. (1.5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the fact that the relief was such that it could not or would not be granted by a court of law or equity is not grounds for vacating or refusing to confirm the award. (2) A motion made under this section shall be filed within ninety-one days after the movant receives notice of the award pursuant to section 13-22-219 or within ninety-one days after the movant receives notice of a modified or corrected award pursuant to section 13-22-220, unless the movant alleges that the award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means, in which case the motion must be made within ninety-one days after either the ground is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known by the movant. (3) If the court vacates an award on a ground other than that set forth in paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of this section, it may order a rehearing. If the award is vacated on a ground stated in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) of this section, the rehearing shall be held before a new arbitrator. If the award is vacated on a ground stated in paragraph (c), (d), or (f) of subsection (1) of this section, the rehearing may be held before the arbitrator who made the award or the arbitrator's successor. The arbitrator must render the decision in the rehearing within the same time as that provided in section 13-22-219 (2) for an award. (4) If the court denies a motion to vacate an award, it shall confirm the award unless a motion to modify or correct the award is pending.

C.R.S. § 13-22-224 Modification or correction of award

13-22-224. Modification or correction of award. (1) Upon motion made within ninety-one days after the movant receives notice of the award pursuant to section 13-22-219 or within ninety-one days after the movant receives notice of a modified or corrected award pursuant to section 13-22-220, the court shall modify or correct the award if: (a) There is an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property referred to in the award; (b) The arbitrator has made an award on a claim not submitted to the arbitrator and the award may be corrected without affecting the merits of the decision upon the claims submitted; or (c) The award is imperfect in a matter of form not affecting the merits of the decision on the claims submitted. (2) If a motion made under subsection (1) of this section is granted, the court shall modify or correct and confirm the award as modified or corrected. Otherwise, unless a motion to vacate is pending, the court shall confirm the award. (3) A motion to modify or correct an award pursuant to this section may be joined with a motion to vacate the award.

C.R.S. § 13-22-225 Judgment on award - attorney fees and litigation expenses

13-22-225. Judgment on award - attorney fees and litigation expenses. (1) Upon granting an order confirming, vacating without directing a rehearing, modifying, or correcting an award, the court shall enter a judgment in conformity therewith. The judgment may be recorded, docketed, and enforced as any other judgment in a civil action. (2) A court may award the reasonable costs of the motion and subsequent judicial proceedings. (3) On the application of a prevailing party to a contested judicial proceeding under section 13-22-222, 13-22-223, or 13-22-224, the court may add reasonable attorney fees and other reasonable expenses of litigation incurred in a judicial proceeding after the award is made to a judgment confirming, vacating without directing a rehearing, modifying, or correcting an award.

C.R.S. § 13-22-226 Jurisdiction

13-22-226. Jurisdiction. (1) A court having jurisdiction over the controversy and the parties may enforce an agreement to arbitrate. (2) An agreement to arbitrate providing for arbitration in this state confers jurisdiction on the court to enter judgment on an award under this part 2.

C.R.S. § 13-22-227 Venue

13-22-227. Venue. A motion pursuant to section 13-22-205 shall be made in a court of the county in which the agreement to arbitrate specifies the arbitration hearing is to be held or, if the hearing has been held, in a court of the county in which it was held. Otherwise, a motion pursuant to section 13-22-205 may be made in the court of any county in which an adverse party resides or has a place of business or, if no adverse party has a residence or place of business in this state, in a court of any county in this state. All subsequent motions must be made in the court hearing the initial motion unless the court otherwise directs.

C.R.S. § 13-22-228 Appeals

13-22-228. Appeals. (1) An appeal may be taken from: (a) An order denying a motion to compel arbitration; (b) An order granting a motion to stay arbitration; (c) An order confirming or denying confirmation of an award; (d) An order modifying or correcting an award; (e) An order vacating an award without directing a rehearing; or (f) A final judgment entered pursuant to this part 2. (2) An appeal under this section shall be taken in the same manner as an appeal of an order or judgment in a civil action.

C.R.S. § 13-22-229 Uniformity of application and construction

13-22-229. Uniformity of application and construction. In applying and construing this part 2, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

C.R.S. § 13-22-230 Saving clause

13-22-230. Saving clause. This part 2 shall not affect an action or proceeding commenced or a right accrued before this part 2 takes effect. Except as otherwise provided in section 13-22-203, an arbitration agreement made before August 4, 2004, is governed by the "Uniform Arbitration Act of 1975".

C.R.S. § 13-22-301 Short title

13-22-301. Short title. This part 3 shall be known and may be cited as the "Dispute Resolution Act".

C.R.S. § 13-22-302 Definitions

13-22-302. Definitions. As used in this part 3, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Arbitration" means the referral of a dispute to one or more neutral third parties for a decision based on evidence and testimony provided by the disputants. (1.3) "Chief justice" means the chief justice of the Colorado supreme court. (1.7) "Director" means the director of the office of dispute resolution. (2) "Early neutral evaluation" means an early intervention in a lawsuit by a court-appointed evaluator to narrow, eliminate, and simplify issues and assist in case planning and management. Settlement of the case may occur under early neutral evaluation. (2.1) "Fact finding" means an investigation of a dispute by a public or private body that examines the issues and facts in a case and may or may not recommend settlement procedures. (2.3) "Med-arb" means a process in which parties begin by mediation, and failing settlement, the same neutral third party acts as arbitrator of the remaining issues. (2.4) "Mediation" means an intervention in dispute negotiations by a trained neutral third party with the purpose of assisting the parties to reach their own solution. (2.5) "Mediation communication" means any oral or written communication prepared or expressed for the purposes of, in the course of, or pursuant to, any mediation services proceeding or dispute resolution program proceeding, including, but not limited to, any memoranda, notes, records, or work product of a mediator, mediation organization, or party; except that a written agreement to enter into a mediation service proceeding or dispute resolution proceeding, or a final written agreement reached as a result of a mediation service proceeding or dispute resolution proceeding, which has been fully executed, is not a mediation communication unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties. (2.7) "Mediation organization" means any public or private corporation, partnership, or association which provides mediation services or dispute resolution programs through a mediator or mediators. (3) "Mediation services" or "dispute resolution programs" means a process by which parties involved in a dispute, whether or not an action has been filed in court, agree to enter into one or more settlement discussions with a mediator in order to resolve their dispute. (4) "Mediator" means a trained individual who assists disputants to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of their disputes by identifying and evaluating alternatives. (4.3) "Mini-trial" means a structured settlement process in which the principals involved meet at a hearing before a neutral advisor to present the merits of each side of the dispute and attempt to formulate a voluntary settlement. (4.5) "Multi-door courthouse concepts" means that form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties select any combination of problem solving methods designed to achieve effective resolution, including, but not limited to, arbitration, early neutral evaluation, med-arb, mini-trials, settlement conference, special masters, and summary jury trials. (5) "Office" means the office of dispute resolution. (6) "Party" means a mediation participant other than the mediator and may be a person, public officer, corporation, partnership, association, or other organization or entity, either public or private. (7) "Settlement conference" means an informal assessment and negotiation session conducted by a legal professional who hears both sides of the case and may advise the parties on the law and precedent relating to the dispute and suggest a settlement. (8) "Special master" means a court-appointed magistrate, auditor, or examiner who, subject to specifications and limitations stated in the court order, shall exercise the power to regulate all proceedings in every hearing before such special master, and to do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for compliance with the court's order. relating to the dispute and suggest a settlement. (8) "Special master" means a court-appointed magistrate, auditor, or examiner who, subject to specifications and limitations stated in the court order, shall exercise the power to regulate all proceedings in every hearing before such special master, and to do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for compliance with the court's order. (9) "Summary jury trial" means summary presentations in complex cases before a jury empaneled to make findings which may or may not be binding.

C.R.S. § 13-22-303 Office of dispute resolution - establishment

13-22-303. Office of dispute resolution - establishment. There is hereby established in the judicial department the office of dispute resolution, the head of which shall be the director of the office of dispute resolution, who shall be appointed by the chief justice of the supreme court and who shall receive such compensation as determined by the chief justice.

C.R.S. § 13-22-304 Director - assistants

13-22-304. Director - assistants. The director shall be an employee of the judicial department and shall be responsible to the chief justice for the administration of the office. The director may be but need not be an attorney and shall be hired on the basis of training and experience in management and mediation. The director, subject to the approval of the chief justice, may appoint such additional employees as deemed necessary for the administration of the office of dispute resolution.

C.R.S. § 13-22-305 Mediation services

13-22-305. Mediation services. (1) In order to resolve disputes between persons or organizations, dispute resolution programs shall be established or made available in such judicial districts or combinations of such districts as shall be designated by the chief justice of the supreme court, subject to moneys available for such purpose. For all office of dispute resolution programs, the director shall establish rules, regulations, and procedures for the prompt resolution of disputes. Such rules, regulations, and procedures shall be designed to establish a simple nonadversary format for the resolution of disputes by neutral mediators in an informal setting for the purpose of allowing each participant, on a voluntary basis, to define and articulate the participant's particular problem for the possible resolution of such dispute. (2) Persons involved in a dispute shall be eligible for the mediation services set forth in this section before or after the filing of an action in either the county or the district court. (3) Each party who uses the mediation services or ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution in section 13-22-313 of the office of dispute resolution shall pay a fee as prescribed by order of the supreme court. Fees shall be set at a level necessary to cover the reasonable and necessary expenses of operating the program. Any fee may be waived at the discretion of the director. The fees established in this part 3 shall be transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the dispute resolution fund created in section 13-22-310. (4) All rules, regulations, and procedures established pursuant to this section shall be subject to the approval of the chief justice. (5) No adjudication, sanction, or penalty may be made or imposed by any mediator or the director. (6) The liability of mediators shall be limited to willful or wanton misconduct.

C.R.S. § 13-22-306 Office of dispute resolution programs - mediators

13-22-306. Office of dispute resolution programs - mediators. In order to implement the dispute resolution programs described in section 13-22-305, the director may contract with mediators or mediation organizations on a case-by-case or service or program basis. Such mediators or mediation organizations shall be subject to the rules, regulations, procedures, and fees set by the director. The tasks of the mediators or mediation organizations shall be defined by the director. The director may also use qualified volunteers to assist in mediation service or dispute resolution program efforts.

C.R.S. § 13-22-307 Confidentiality

13-22-307. Confidentiality. (1) Dispute resolution meetings may be closed at the discretion of the mediator. (2) Any party or the mediator or mediation organization in a mediation service proceeding or a dispute resolution proceeding shall not voluntarily disclose or through discovery or compulsory process be required to disclose any information concerning any mediation communication or any communication provided in confidence to the mediator or a mediation organization, unless and to the extent that: (a) All parties to the dispute resolution proceeding and the mediator consent in writing; or (b) The mediation communication reveals the intent to commit a felony, inflict bodily harm, or threaten the safety of a child under the age of eighteen years; or (c) The mediation communication is required by statute to be made public; or (d) Disclosure of the mediation communication is necessary and relevant to an action alleging willful or wanton misconduct of the mediator or mediation organization. (3) Any mediation communication that is disclosed in violation of this section shall not be admitted into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding. (4) Nothing in this section shall prevent the discovery or admissibility of any evidence that is otherwise discoverable, merely because the evidence was presented in the course of a mediation service proceeding or dispute resolution proceeding. (5) Nothing in this section shall prevent the gathering of information for research or educational purposes, or for the purpose of evaluating or monitoring the performance of a mediator, mediation organization, mediation service, or dispute resolution program, so long as the parties or the specific circumstances of the parties' controversy are not identified or identifiable.

C.R.S. § 13-22-308 Settlement of disputes

13-22-308. Settlement of disputes. (1) If the parties involved in a dispute reach a full or partial agreement, the agreement upon request of the parties shall be reduced to writing and approved by the parties and their attorneys, if any. If reduced to writing and signed by the parties, the agreement may be presented to the court by any party or their attorneys, if any, as a stipulation and, if approved by the court, shall be enforceable as an order of the court. (2) (Deleted by amendment, L. 91, p. 371, § 5, effective July 1, 1991.)

C.R.S. § 13-22-310 Dispute resolution fund - creation - source of funds

13-22-310. Dispute resolution fund - creation - source of funds. (1) There is hereby created in the state treasury a fund to be known as the dispute resolution fund, which fund shall consist of: (a) All moneys collected pursuant to section 13-22-305 (3); (b) Any moneys appropriated by the general assembly for credit to the fund; and (c) Any moneys collected by the office from federal grants and other contributions, grants, gifts, bequests, and donations. (2) All moneys in the fund shall be subject to annual appropriation by the general assembly. Any moneys not appropriated shall remain in the fund at the end of any fiscal year and shall not revert to the general fund.

C.R.S. § 13-22-311 Court referral to mediation - duties of mediator

13-22-311. Court referral to mediation - duties of mediator. (1) Any court of record may, in its discretion, refer any case for mediation services or dispute resolution programs, subject to the availability of mediation services or dispute resolution programs; except that the court shall not refer the case to mediation services or dispute resolution programs where one of the parties claims that the party has been the victim of physical or psychological abuse by the other party, at any time and regardless of prior participation, and states that the party is thereby unwilling to enter into mediation services or dispute resolution programs. In addition, the court may exempt from referral any case in which a party files with the court, within five days of a referral order, a motion objecting to mediation and demonstrating compelling reasons why mediation should not be ordered. Compelling reasons may include, but are not limited to, that the costs of mediation would be higher than the requested relief and previous attempts to resolve the issues were not successful. Parties referred to mediation services or dispute resolution programs may select said services or programs from mediators or mediation organizations or from the office of dispute resolution. This section shall not apply in any civil action where injunctive or similar equitable relief is the only remedy sought. (2) Upon completion of mediation services or dispute resolution programs, the mediator shall supply to the court, unless counsel for a party is required to do so by local rule or order of the court, a written statement certifying that parties have met with the mediator. (3) In the event the mediator and the parties agree and inform the court that the parties are engaging in good faith mediation, any pending hearing in the action filed by the parties shall be continued to a date certain. (4) In no event shall a party be denied the right to proceed in court in the action filed because of failure to pay the mediator.

C.R.S. § 13-22-312 Applicability

13-22-312. Applicability. This part 3 shall apply to all mediation services or dispute resolution programs conducted in this state, whether conducted through the office of dispute resolution or through a mediator or mediation organization.

C.R.S. § 13-22-313 Judicial referral to ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution

13-22-313. Judicial referral to ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution. (1) Any court of record, in its discretion, may refer a case to any ancillary form of alternative dispute resolution; except that the court shall not refer the case to any ancillary form of alternative dispute resolution where one of the parties claims that it has been the victim of physical or psychological abuse by the other party and states that it is thereby unwilling to enter into ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution. In addition, the court may exempt from referral any case in which a party files with the court, within five days of a referral order, a motion objecting to ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution and demonstrating compelling reasons why ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution should not be ordered. Compelling reasons may include, but are not limited to, that the costs of ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution would be higher than the requested relief and previous attempts to resolve the issues were not successful. Such forms of alternative dispute resolution may include, but are not limited to: arbitration, early neutral evaluation, med-arb, mini-trial, multi-door courthouse concepts, settlement conference, special master, summary jury trial, or any other form of alternative dispute resolution which the court deems to be an effective method for resolving the dispute in question. Parties and counsel are encouraged to seek the most appropriate forum for the resolution of their dispute. Judges may provide guidance or suggest an appropriate forum. However, nothing in this section shall impinge upon the right of parties to have their dispute tried in a court of law, including trial by jury. (2) Ancillary programs may be established, made available, and promoted in any judicial district or combination of districts as designated by the chief judge of the affected district. Rules and regulations for ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution shall be promulgated by the director of the office of dispute resolution. (3) All rules, regulations, and procedures established pursuant to this section shall be subject to the approval of the chief justice. (4) Nothing in this section shall preclude any court from making a referral to mediation services provided for in this article. (5) All referrals under this section shall be made subject to the availability of alternative dispute resolution programs. Parties referred to ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution may select services offered by the office of dispute resolution or by other individuals or organizations. (6) This section shall not apply in any civil action where injunctive or similar equitable relief is the only remedy sought.

C.R.S. § 13-22-501 Short title

13-22-501. Short title. This part 5 shall be known and may be cited as the "Colorado International Dispute Resolution Act".

C.R.S. § 13-22-502 Legislative declaration

13-22-502. Legislative declaration. The general assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of the state of Colorado to encourage parties to international commercial or noncommercial agreements or transactions to resolve disputes arising from such agreements or transactions, when appropriate, through arbitration, mediation, or conciliation. Therefore, it is the intent of the general assembly that arbitration and ancillary forms of alternative dispute resolution be made available to resolve international disputes.

C.R.S. § 13-22-503 Definitions

13-22-503. Definitions. As used in this part 5, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Arbitration" means the referral of a dispute to one or more neutral third parties for a decision based on evidence and testimony provided by the disputants. (2) "Conciliation" means all forms of dispute resolution including, but not limited to, arbitration and mediation. (3) "International dispute" means any dispute which involves the following: (a) A dispute between persons who are residents of more than one country or entities which have facilities or operations relevant to the dispute located in more than one country; (b) A dispute in which the parties have expressly agreed that the subject matter relates to interests in more than one country; or (c) A dispute which is otherwise related to interests in more than one country. (4) "Mediation" means an intervention in dispute negotiations by a trained, neutral third party with the purpose of assisting the parties to reach their own solution.

C.R.S. § 13-22-504 Agreement for alternative dispute resolution

13-22-504. Agreement for alternative dispute resolution. The parties to an international dispute may agree to submit such dispute to arbitration, mediation, or conciliation for resolution of such dispute by means other than by litigation. Such dispute resolution pursuant to this part 5 shall be subject to any treaties or agreements which are in force and effect between the United States and any other country.

C.R.S. § 13-22-505 Applicability

13-22-505. Applicability. The provisions of part 2 of this article and sections 13-22-307 and 13-22-308 shall apply to any international dispute submitted to alternative dispute resolution pursuant to this part 5.

C.R.S. § 13-22-506 Choice of language

13-22-506. Choice of language. The parties to any international dispute submitted for alternative dispute resolution pursuant to this part 5 may agree upon the language or languages to be used in the dispute resolution proceedings.

C.R.S. § 13-22-507 Immunity

13-22-507. Immunity. None of the arbitrators, mediators, conciliators, witnesses, parties, or representatives of the parties involved in the arbitration, mediation, or conciliation of an international dispute pursuant to this part 5 shall be subject to service of process on any civil matter while such persons are present in this state for the purpose of participating in the arbitration, mediation, or conciliation of that international dispute.

C.R.S. § 13-22-601 Contracts pertaining to marijuana enforceable

13-22-601. Contracts pertaining to marijuana enforceable. It is the public policy of the state of Colorado that a contract is not void or voidable as against public policy if it pertains to lawful activities authorized by section 16 of article XVIII of the state constitution and article 10 of title 44.

C.R.S. § 13-22-701 Short title

13-22-701. Short title. The short title of this part 7 is the "Colorado Parental Notification Act".

C.R.S. § 13-22-702 Legislative declaration

13-22-702. Legislative declaration. (1) The people of the state of Colorado, pursuant to the powers reserved to them in Article V of the Constitution of the state of Colorado, declare that family life and the preservation of the traditional family unit are of vital importance to the continuation of an orderly society; that the rights of parents to rear and nurture their children during their formative years and to be involved in all decisions of importance affecting such minor children should be protected and encouraged, especially as such parental involvement relates to the pregnancy of an unemancipated minor, recognizing that the decision by any such minor to submit to an abortion may have adverse long-term consequences for her. (2) The people of the state of Colorado, being mindful of the limitations imposed upon them at the present time by the federal judiciary in the preservation of the parent-child relationship, hereby enact into law the following provisions.

C.R.S. § 13-22-703 Definitions

13-22-703. Definitions. As used in this part 7, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Minor" means a person under eighteen years of age. (2) "Parent" means the natural or adoptive mother and father of the minor who is pregnant, if they are both living; one parent of the minor if only one is living, or if the other parent cannot be served with notice, as hereinafter provided; or the court-appointed guardian of such minor if she has one or any foster parent to whom the care and custody of such minor shall have been assigned by any agency of the state or county making such placement. (3) "Abortion" for purposes of this part 7 means the use of any means to terminate the pregnancy of a minor with knowledge that the termination by those means will, with reasonable likelihood, cause the death of the minor's unborn offspring. (4) "Clergy member" means a priest; a rabbi; a duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed minister of a church; a member of a religious order; or a recognized leader of any religious body. (5) "Medical emergency" means a condition that, on the basis of the physician's good-faith clinical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of a pregnant minor as to necessitate a medical procedure necessary to prevent the pregnant minor's death or for which a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. (6) "Relative of the minor" means a minor's grandparent, adult aunt, or adult uncle, if the minor is not residing with a parent and resides with the grandparent, adult aunt, or adult uncle.

C.R.S. § 13-22-704 Notification concerning abortion

13-22-704. Notification concerning abortion. (1) No abortion shall be performed upon an unemancipated minor until at least 48 hours after written notice of the pending abortion has been delivered in the following manner: (a) The notice shall be addressed to the parent at the dwelling house or usual place of abode of the parent. Such notice shall be delivered to the parent by: (I) The attending physician or member of the physician's immediate staff who is over the age of eighteen; or (II) The sheriff of the county where the service of notice is made, or by his deputy; or (III) Any other person over the age of eighteen years who is not related to the minor; or (IV) A clergy member who is over the age of eighteen. (b) Notice delivered by any person other than the attending physician shall be furnished to and delivered by such person in a sealed envelope marked "Personal and Confidential", and its content shall not in any manner be revealed to the person making such delivery. (c) Whenever the parent of the minor includes two persons to be notified as provided in this part 7 and such persons reside at the same dwelling house or place of abode, delivery to one such person shall constitute delivery to both, and the 48-hour period shall commence when delivery is made. Should such persons not reside together and delivery of notice can be made to each of them, notice shall be delivered to both parents, unless the minor shall request that only one parent be notified, which request shall be honored and shall be noted by the physician in the minor's medical record. Whenever the parties are separately served with notice, the 48-hour period shall commence upon delivery of the first notice. (d) The person delivering such notice, if other than the physician, shall provide to the physician a written return of service at the earliest practical time, as follows: (I) If served by the sheriff or his deputy, by his certificate with a statement as to date, place, and manner of service and the time such delivery was made. (II) If by any other person, by his affidavit thereof with the same statement. (III) Return of service shall be maintained by the physician. (e) (I) In lieu of personal delivery of the notice, the same may be sent by postpaid certified mail, addressed to the parent at the usual place of abode of the parent, with return receipt requested and delivery restricted to the addressee. Delivery shall be conclusively presumed to occur, and the 48-hour time period as provided in this part 7 shall commence to run at 12:00 o'clock noon on the next day on which regular mail delivery takes place. (II) Whenever the parent of the minor includes two persons to be notified as provided in this part 7 and such persons reside at the same dwelling house or place of abode, notice addressed to one parent and mailed as provided in the foregoing subparagraph shall be deemed to be delivery of notice to both such persons. Should such persons not reside together and notice can be mailed to each of them, such notice shall be separately mailed to both parents unless the minor shall request that only one parent shall be notified, which request shall be honored and shall be noted by the physician in the minor's medical record. (III) Proof of mailing and the delivery or attempted delivery shall be maintained by the physician. (2) (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, if the minor is residing with a relative of the minor and not a parent, the written notice of the pending abortion shall be provided to either the relative of the minor or a parent. e physician in the minor's medical record. (III) Proof of mailing and the delivery or attempted delivery shall be maintained by the physician. (2) (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, if the minor is residing with a relative of the minor and not a parent, the written notice of the pending abortion shall be provided to either the relative of the minor or a parent. (b) If a minor elects to provide notice to a person specified in subsection (2)(a) of this section, the notice shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section. (3) At the time the physician, licensed health-care professional, or staff of the physician or licensed health-care professional informs the minor that notice must be provided to the minor's parents prior to performing an abortion, the physician, licensed health-care professional, or the staff of the physician or licensed health-care professional must inform the minor under what circumstances the minor has the right to have only one parent notified.

C.R.S. § 13-22-705 No notice required - when

13-22-705. No notice required - when. (1) No notice shall be required pursuant to this part 7 if: (a) The person or persons who may receive notice pursuant to section 13-22-704 (1) certify in writing that they have been notified; or (b) The person whom the minor elects to notify pursuant to section 13-22-704 (2) certifies in writing that he or she has been notified; or (c) The pregnant minor declares that she is a victim of child abuse or neglect by the acts or omissions of the person who would be entitled to notice, as such acts or omissions are defined in "The Child Protection Act of 1987", as set forth in article 3 of title 19, and any amendments thereto, and the attending physician has reported such child abuse or neglect as required by the said act. When reporting such child abuse or neglect, the physician shall not reveal that he or she learned of the abuse or neglect as the result of the minor seeking an abortion. (d) The attending physician certifies in the pregnant minor's medical record that a medical emergency exists and there is insufficient time to provide notice pursuant to section 13-22-704; or (e) A valid court order is issued pursuant to section 13-22-707.

C.R.S. § 13-22-706 Penalties - damages - defenses

13-22-706. Penalties - damages - defenses. (1) Any person who performs or attempts to perform an abortion in willful violation of this part 7 shall be liable for damages proximately caused thereby. (2) It shall be an affirmative defense to any civil proceedings if the person establishes that: (a) The person relied upon facts or information sufficient to convince a reasonable, careful and prudent person that the representations of the pregnant minor regarding information necessary to comply with this part 7 were bona fide and true; or (b) The abortion was performed to prevent the imminent death of the minor child and there was insufficient time to provide the required notice. (3) Any person who counsels, advises, encourages or conspires to induce or persuade any pregnant minor to furnish any physician with false information, whether oral or written, concerning the minor's age, marital status, or any other fact or circumstance to induce or attempt to induce the physician to perform an abortion upon such minor without providing written notice as required by this part 7 commits a class 5 felony and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-401.

C.R.S. § 13-22-707 Judicial bypass - rules

13-22-707. Judicial bypass - rules. (1) (a) If any pregnant minor elects not to allow the notification required pursuant to section 13-22-704, any judge of a court of competent jurisdiction shall, upon petition filed by or on behalf of such minor, enter an order dispensing with the notice requirements of this part 7 if the judge determines that the giving of such notice will not be in the best interest of the minor, or if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the minor is sufficiently mature to decide whether to have an abortion. Any such order shall include specific factual findings and legal conclusions in support thereof and a certified copy of such order shall be provided to the attending physician of said minor and the provisions of section 13-22-704 (1) and section 13-22-706 shall not apply to the physician with respect to such minor. (b) The court, in its discretion, may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor and also an attorney if said minor is not represented by counsel. (c) Court proceedings under this subsection (1) shall be confidential and shall be given precedence over other pending matters so that the court may reach a decision promptly without delay in order to serve the best interests of the minor. Court proceedings under this subsection (1) shall be heard and decided as soon as practicable but in no event later than four days after the petition is filed. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an expedited confidential appeal to the court of appeals shall be available to a minor for whom the court denies an order dispensing with the notice requirements of this part 7. Any such appeal shall be heard and decided no later than five days after the appeal is filed. An order dispensing with the notice requirements of this part 7 shall not be subject to appeal. (e) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the minor is not required to pay a filing fee related to an action or appeal filed pursuant to this subsection (1). (f) If either the district court or the court of appeals fails to act within the time periods required by this subsection (1), the court in which the proceeding is pending shall immediately issue an order dispensing with the notice requirements of this part 7. (g) The Colorado supreme court shall issue rules governing the judicial bypass procedure, including rules that ensure that the confidentiality of minors filing bypass petitions will be protected. The Colorado supreme court shall also promulgate a form petition that may be used to initiate a bypass proceeding. The Colorado supreme court shall promulgate the rules and form governing the judicial bypass procedure by August 1, 2003. Physicians shall not be required to comply with this part 7 until forty-five days after the Colorado supreme court publishes final rules and a final form.

C.R.S. § 13-22-708 Limitations

13-22-708. Limitations. (1) This part 7 shall in no way be construed so as to: (a) Require any minor to submit to an abortion; or (b) Prevent any minor from withdrawing her consent previously given to have an abortion; or (c) Permit anything less than fully informed consent before submitting to an abortion. (2) This part 7 shall in no way be construed as either ratifying, granting or otherwise establishing an abortion right for minors independently of any other regulation, statute or court decision which may now or hereafter limit or abridge access to abortion by minors.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.docxFetched: 10/6/2026

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