ABVE/D in Colorado

Recognition and practice information for American Board of Vocational Experts Diplomate in Colorado.

Recognition and qualification in Colorado

The ABVE Diplomate is an advanced forensic credential recognizing expertise in vocational evaluation and expert testimony for litigation. Scope covers earning capacity, employability, vocational rehabilitation, and expert witness practice.

The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) administers public vocational rehabilitation in Colorado. KWVRS ABVE/D-credentialed experts apply nationally recognized standards.

Colorado courts and venues

Expert qualification in Colorado's courts is determined case by case.

  • District Court - Civil cases in any amount, domestic relations, criminal, juvenile, probate and mental health cases
  • County Court - Limited jurisdiction; civil cases up to $25,000, misdemeanors, traffic
  • Water Court - Exclusive jurisdiction over water rights, the use and administration of water and all other water matters

Highest court: Colorado Supreme Court. Federal venues: D. Colo.

Sources: Colorado Judicial Branch, Trial Courts by County: district courts hear civil cases in any amount, as well as domestic relations, criminal, juvenile, probate and mental health cases; county courts handle civil cases under $25,000, misdemeanors and traffic infractions; water courts have exclusive jurisdiction over water matters; Denver County's probate and juvenile courts; the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court, the court of last resort (reviewed 2026-10-12); Colorado General Assembly, Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, courts and court procedure: the county court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the district court in civil actions in which the debt, damage or value of the personal property claimed does not exceed $25,000, and no civil jurisdiction except that specifically conferred upon it by law (reviewed 2026-10-12); Colorado Judicial Branch, Denver District Court: Denver's judicial district is not a combined court; its county, district, probate and juvenile courts are constitutionally separate courts (reviewed 2026-10-12); Colorado Judicial Branch, Denver Probate Court: exclusive jurisdiction over probate, estates, guardians and conservators and the adjudication of the mentally ill, in Denver County only (reviewed 2026-10-12); Colorado Judicial Branch, Denver Juvenile Court: a separate trial court serving the City and County of Denver, whose juvenile cases include adoptions, child custody and child support; paternity cases are filed there (reviewed 2026-10-12)

Other credentials in Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ABVE/D and ABVE/F?

ABVE/F is the Fellow, the board's certification for a forensic vocational expert with three years of documented experience in assessment of vocational capacity and forensic work. ABVE/D is the Diplomate, which requires at least seven years of that experience and distinguished performance such as publications, office in a professional organization or awards. Both are earned through the same examination, a peer-reviewed forensic work product and the board's code of ethics.

Does the ABVE credential substitute for state licensure?

No. ABVE is a forensic specialty credential and does not replace state licensure where required for practice.

References

  1. ABVE Certification OverviewOrganization
  2. Colorado Judicial Branch, Trial Courts by County: district courts hear civil cases in any amount, as well as domestic relations, criminal, juvenile, probate and mental health cases; county courts handle civil cases under $25,000, misdemeanors and traffic infractions; water courts have exclusive jurisdiction over water matters; Denver County's probate and juvenile courts; the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court, the court of last resort (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
  3. Colorado General Assembly, Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, courts and court procedure: the county court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the district court in civil actions in which the debt, damage or value of the personal property claimed does not exceed $25,000, and no civil jurisdiction except that specifically conferred upon it by law (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
  4. Colorado Judicial Branch, Denver District Court: Denver's judicial district is not a combined court; its county, district, probate and juvenile courts are constitutionally separate courts (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
  5. Colorado Judicial Branch, Denver Probate Court: exclusive jurisdiction over probate, estates, guardians and conservators and the adjudication of the mentally ill, in Denver County only (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
  6. Colorado Judicial Branch, Denver Juvenile Court: a separate trial court serving the City and County of Denver, whose juvenile cases include adoptions, child custody and child support; paternity cases are filed there (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government

Ready to Get Started on ABVE/D engagements in Colorado?

Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.