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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Colorado

What Are My Duties as Executor in Colorado?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Colorado is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Colorado starts at approximately $229.C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (fees), § 15-12-1201 (small estate), § 15-12-801 (creditor claims), § 15-12-603 (bond), CO DoR Probate_Index_2026, Colorado Judicial Branch JDF 998 (R: March 19, 2026), JDF 943SC, JDF 906 (R: January 9, 2025)Verified May 30, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Colorado requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (fees), § 15-12-1201 (small estate), § 15-12-801 (creditor claims), § 15-12-603 (bond), CO DoR Probate_Index_2026, Colorado Judicial Branch JDF 998 (R: March 19, 2026), JDF 943SC, JDF 906 (R: January 9, 2025)Verified May 30, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Colorado allows estates valued at $88,000 or less to use a Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit.C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (fees), § 15-12-1201 (small estate), § 15-12-801 (creditor claims), § 15-12-603 (bond), CO DoR Probate_Index_2026, Colorado Judicial Branch JDF 998 (R: March 19, 2026), JDF 943SC, JDF 906 (R: January 9, 2025)Verified May 30, 2026 The waiting period is 10 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Colorado allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 30, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Colorado executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Colorado include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Colorado probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Colorado

Probate in Colorado begins with filing the will and a petition with the court. The initial filing fee is $229C.R.S. § 13-32-102(1)(b), (7); HB 2024-1286Verified May 30, 2026. After appointment, the executor receives letters testamentary granting legal authority to manage estate affairs.

Creditors in Colorado have 4 monthsC.R.S. § 15-12-801Verified May 30, 2026 to file claims after notice is published. The executor must publish notice in a local newspaper and send direct notice to known creditors. For smaller estates under $88,000§ 15-12-1201Verified May 30, 2026, simplified procedures may be available that bypass formal probate.

Colorado allows reasonable compensation for executors, typically 2%C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 30, 2026 to 4%C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 30, 2026 of estate value. Executors can waive their fee or negotiate a different amount. See the executor fee calculator for a breakdown.

Simple estates in Colorado typically close in 4 monthsC.R.S. § 15-10-602Verified May 30, 2026 from the date of filing. Estates held in a revocable living trust skip probate entirely — the successor trustee handles distribution privately in weeks. The creditor claims guide covers notification deadlines for estates that do go through probate.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 30, 2026

Legal Sources

  • § 15-12-1201
  • C.R.S. § 13-32-102(1)(b), (7); HB 2024-1286
  • C.R.S. § 15-10-602
  • C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • C.R.S. § 15-12-801

Data sourced from Colorado statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Colorado Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Colorado probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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