On February 18, 2026, the landscape of appellate practice in Colorado underwent significant changes with the implementation of new rules and procedures aimed at streamlining the appellate process and improving access to justice for litigants.One of the key changes that took effect on this date was the adoption of electronic filing for all appellate documents. This move from traditional paper filings to electronic filing is expected to expedite the appellate process, reduce costs, and make it easier for parties to submit and access documents remotely. Additionally, the switch to electronic filing is also anticipated to improve efficiency and organization within the appellate courts.Another notable change that came into effect on February 18 was the introduction of mandatory mediation in certain appellate cases. Under the new rules, parties involved in civil appeals are now required to participate in mediation before their case can proceed to oral argument. This is intended to encourage parties to resolve their disputes outside of court, potentially saving time and resources for both the litigants and the appellate courts.Furthermore, in an effort to make appellate practice more accessible to all litigants, the Colorado appellate courts also implemented new procedures to expedite the appointment of appellate counsel for indigent defendants. This move aims to ensure that all parties have adequate representation throughout the appellate process, regardless of their financial circumstances.Overall, these changes mark a significant shift in Colorado's appellate practice, with a focus on improving efficiency, accessibility, and fairness within the appellate courts. The implementation of electronic filing, mandatory mediation, and improved indigent defense procedures are all expected to have a positive impact on the appellate process moving forward.