Probate · Denver, Colorado
Guidance through probate, one clear step at a time.
When someone you love has died, the legal work can feel like too much. We explain what Colorado probate involves, handle the court filings, and help you settle the estate with care.
Meet with an attorney. No cost and no obligation.
District court
Letters
Authority to act
Personal representative
with our help
- 1Gather assets
- 2Pay valid debts
- 3Distribute
Estate settled for your family
After a loss
What to do now, and what can wait.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. These steps protect the estate and give you room to grieve.
Helpful to do now
First weeks
- Order several certified copies of the death certificate.
- Look for the original will and any trust documents.
- Secure the home, vehicles, and valuables.
- Collect the mail and keep a list of bills and accounts.
Best to hold off on
Until then
- Giving belongings or money to family members.
- Paying the estate’s debts out of your own pocket.
- Selling property before you have legal authority to act.
The items on the right can wait until the court gives you legal authority to act.
Does the estate need probate?
Not every estate goes through the same process.
The right path depends on what the person owned, how it was titled, and whether there was a will or trust. We’ll help you find the simplest one that fits.
Question 1
Were the assets held in a living trust?
Outside probate
Trust administration
If there was a living trust, the successor trustee settles it privately, but still has real duties to carry out.
Question 2
Is it a smaller estate with no real estate?
Simplest
Small estate affidavit
For smaller estates without real estate, property may be collected with a sworn affidavit instead of a court case.
Question 3
Is the will unclear, or do heirs disagree?
Court involved
Formal probate
Used when a will is unclear or contested, heirs disagree, or the court needs to decide questions about the estate.
Most common
Informal probate
When there’s no disagreement, most of the process is handled through filings with the court, usually without hearings.
A simplified guide. Some estates use more than one path, and we’ll confirm which applies once we review the details.
The probate timeline
What to expect, from first filing to final distribution.
Knowing the road ahead makes it easier to take one step at a time. We guide you through each phase and handle the court paperwork.
4-month claim window
- 0
- 3 mo
- 6 mo
- 9 mo
- 12 mo
- Letters issued
- Claims deadline
- Estate closed
First weeks
Getting started
Locate the will, gather information about assets and debts, and decide which process fits.
Opening
Opening the estate
We file with the district court. The personal representative receives letters giving legal authority to act.
At least 4 months
Notifying creditors
Notice is published, and creditors generally have four months from first publication to present claims.
Ongoing
Managing the estate
Inventory assets, pay valid debts and final taxes, and keep beneficiaries informed along the way.
Final step
Distributing and closing
Distribute what remains under the will or Colorado law, then formally close the estate.
How long does it take? Many straightforward estates close in about a year. Real estate, taxes, or disagreements can add time.
How we help
As much or as little help as you need.
Some families want a guide to answer questions as they go. Others want us to handle the work from start to finish. Either way, you’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.
Explain your role and deadlines as personal representative
Prepare and file court documents
Publish notice and handle creditor claims
Inventory estate assets and coordinate final tax returns
Guide distributions and close the estate
Help successor trustees administer a trust
Talking with him was the first time I’d felt better since my Mom died. Brian is both professional and respectful and I was finally able to get peace of mind.
S. S.
Probate client
Your attorney · 20 years in Colorado
Personal attention, from first call to final signature.
You’ll work directly with Brian, who takes time to understand your family, explains each option in plain language, and lets you decide at your own pace.
What you can expect
- Direct accessWork with Brian throughout
- Clear explanationsPlain language, practical options
- No surprisesFees discussed before work begins
Common questions
Probate questions we hear often.
General information, not legal advice. For guidance on your situation, schedule a free consultation.
What is probate in Colorado?
Probate is the court process used to handle certain matters after someone dies, such as appointing a personal representative and settling the estate. The right process depends on what the person owned and whether there was a will.
How are fees discussed?
We talk about fees during your free 30-minute consultation, before any work begins, so you know what to expect.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Colorado law decides who inherits, and the court appoints someone to manage the estate. A will lets you make those choices yourself.
Free 30-minute consultation