What are the steps to file probate in Colorado?

The probate process in Colorado typically involves filing the petition, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining estate. The opening step is the petition for probate, which requests Letters from the court. Each step has specific court requirements and deadlines.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate in Colorado?

Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.

Ready to file? Every probate form, step by step.

State

County (optional)

Estimated Estate Value

Total probate assets (exclude beneficiary-designated accounts)

Surviving Spouse?

YesNo

Number of Beneficiaries

1-23-56+

Complicating Factors (if any)

Includes real estate or investmentsBusiness assets or out-of-state propertyDisputed will, creditors, or family conflictMinor or special needs beneficiaries

Can you self-file probate?

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Cost comparison vs. hiring an attorney

This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Colorado offers informal probate procedures that are designed to be manageable without attorney representation. The process is most straightforward for simple estates with clear wills and cooperative beneficiaries.

Court filing fees in Colorado vary by county. Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Colorado probate calculator.

Simple estates in Colorado typically take 4-6 months. The 4-month creditor claim period is the minimum timeline. Self-filed probate takes roughly the same time as attorney-filed probate.

Colorado allows Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit for estates with personal property under $88,000. There is a 10-day waiting period. These procedures are simpler than formal probate and well-suited for self-filing.

The primary savings from self-filing come from eliminating attorney fees, which are the largest expense in most probate cases. Court filing fees, publication costs, and executor compensation remain the same whether an attorney is involved or not. The Colorado probate calculator shows the attorney fee component.

The probate process in Colorado typically involves filing the petition, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining estate. Each step has specific court requirements and deadlines. The Colorado estate settlement plan outlines every step from filing to final distribution. To start, the Colorado petition for probate prepares the opening petition that requests Letters.

Self-Filing Probate in Colorado

Colorado offers informal probate (Yes), which involves less court oversight and is generally manageable without an attorney. UPC adoption status: Yes. Simple estates with clear wills and cooperative beneficiaries are the best candidates for self-filing. The Colorado petition for probate prepares the opening petition that requests Letters from the court.

Self-filing eliminates attorney fees — the largest probate expense. Court costs ($229), publication, and executor compensation apply regardless. See the probate calculator for a Colorado-specific cost estimate.

Estates under $88,000 in Colorado may qualify for simplified procedures that bypass formal probate entirely. These procedures are well-suited for self-filing and significantly reduce the paperwork and court appearances required.

The probate timeline in Colorado runs 4 months to 6 months for simple estates, whether self-filed or attorney-handled. Follow the estate settlement plan to stay on track through each phase.