Can You Self-File Probate in Arapahoe County, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Self-filing in Arapahoe County works best for straightforward estates with a clear will and few beneficiaries. The estate settlement plan tracks each Arapahoe County filing step alongside the estate's accounts and deadlines.
File at the District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112. Phone: 303-645-6600. Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Arapahoe County requires e-filing for probate matters. Colorado uses ICCES (Integrated Colorado Courts E-Filing System) statewide. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys per Administrative Order 2017-01 and Chief Justice Directive 11-01. Attorneys who file paper documents are charged $50 per document. Self-represented parties may file in paper format. Arapahoe County was the original pilot site for Colorado e-filing.
Yes, Colorado offers informal probate procedures that are designed to be manageable without attorney representation.C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (fees), § 15-12-1201 (small estate), § 15-12-801 and § 15-12-803 (creditor claims), § 15-12-603 (bond), § 13-32-102 (filing fee), per the CRS 2026 codified titles; CO Department of Revenue Probate Index 2026; CO Judicial Branch List of Fees; JDF 999 (R: April 28, 2026)Verified Sep 8, 2026 The process is most straightforward for simple estates with clear wills and cooperative beneficiaries.
Court filing fees in Colorado vary by county.C.R.S. § 15-10-602 (fees), § 15-12-1201 (small estate), § 15-12-801 and § 15-12-803 (creditor claims), § 15-12-603 (bond), § 13-32-102 (filing fee), per the CRS 2026 codified titles; CO Department of Revenue Probate Index 2026; CO Judicial Branch List of Fees; JDF 999 (R: April 28, 2026)Verified Sep 8, 2026 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.
Sources
Data sourced from District Court primary sources (7 pages reviewed). How we research.
Self-File Probate Assessment in Nearby Counties
- More Colorado counties: Alamosa County (Alamosa) · Archuleta County (Pagosa Springs)
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Petition for Probate and Letters
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Small Estate Affidavit
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