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Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate in Colorado. See how reporting accurate values instead of purchase prices affects your probate fees.
Personal property in Colorado is valued at fair market value — what the item would sell for on the open market, not the original purchase price.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 Most household items (furniture, electronics, clothing) lose 50-90% of their value. Professional appraisals are used for art, collectibles, jewelry, and other high-value items.
Yes. Colorado probate fees are typically 2-4% of the estate value, which includes personal property.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 Accurate fair market valuations — rather than purchase prices — keep the reported estate value lower. Use the Colorado probate calculator to estimate total costs.
Estates with personal property under $88,000 in Colorado may qualify for Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit, which avoids full probate.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 Accurate valuation at fair market value can determine whether the estate falls below this threshold. Check eligibility with the Colorado probate need checker.
High-value items such as art, antiques, jewelry, and collectibles typically require professional appraisals. For typical household items — furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing — fair market value can be estimated using comparable sales data. Colorado probate courts require the executor to file an inventory with values for all personal property.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
Total probate costs in Colorado include attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. Personal property value is one component of the gross estate that determines fee calculations. The Colorado probate calculator provides a complete cost breakdown.
Not necessarily. Items with named beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts), jointly held property, and assets in a trust bypass probate. Only personal property owned solely by the deceased passes through probate in Colorado. The Colorado probate need checker determines which assets require probate.
In-depth guides covering Colorado probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
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Click categories on the left to add items. Name each item, pick a type, and enter what you paid.
These estimates are based on general resale market data and insurance industry depreciation guides. They are approximations, not professional appraisals. Fair market value is what a willing buyer would pay on the open market. For high-value items or contested estates, consult a certified appraiser.
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