Overview
Adams County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 542,973. The Adams County District Court (17th Judicial District) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Colorado probate is governed by the Colorado Probate Code (Title 15, Articles 10-17). The process begins with filing a Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 920) or Petition for Adjudication of Intestacy and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Colorado offers a simplified procedure for small estates. If the value of the decedent's personal property (no real estate) is less than approximately $86,000 (adjusted annually for inflation), successors may use a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets without court appointment.
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on the time and effort required.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Adams County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Adams County District Court
Probate matters in Adams County are handled at the Adams County Justice Center.
Address: 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601
Phone: (303) 659-1161 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Building hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Clerk's Office is closed to the public on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
The 17th Judicial District serves Adams and Broomfield counties. The probate department oversees estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the large lot directly in front of the Justice Center. The courthouse is accessible via public transit, with RTD bus stops located nearby (check current Route 520 schedules). Security screening is required for all visitors entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists only of personal property valued at approximately $86,000 or less (2025/2026 threshold), you may be able to collect assets via affidavit without court involvement.
- Joint Tenancy/Beneficiary Designations: Assets held in joint tenancy or with direct beneficiary designations (POD/TOD) pass outside of probate.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file the appropriate petition with the Adams County District Court. Common forms include:
- JDF 910: Petition for Adjudication of Intestacy and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative (if no will)
- JDF 920: Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (if there is a will)
- Original Will: If applicable
- JDF 911/921: Acceptance of Appointment
- JDF 912/922: Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (if needed)
- Filing Fee: Approximately $199-$230 (subject to change)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants in Colorado courts.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (JDF 962) of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (or as directed by the court).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Adams County, such as The Sentinel or Brighton Standard Blade, for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is uncontested and all documents are in order, the court may grant the petition without a formal hearing in some informal proceedings. Upon approval, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: The creditor claim period in Colorado is generally 4 months from the date of first publication.
- Inventory and appraise: Prepare an inventory of estate assets within 3 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims: Prioritize and pay debts from estate assets.
- File tax returns: File necessary federal and state income/estate tax returns.
- Distribute assets: Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will or laws of intestacy.
- Close the estate: File a Verified Statement of Personal Representative Closing Administration (JDF 965) or petition for formal discharge.
Local Requirements
Adams County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to e-file documents via the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) system. Self-represented litigants may file in paper or use the CCE system.
- Mediation: The 17th Judicial District may require mediation for contested probate matters.
- Status Reports: The court monitors case progress and may issue notices if an estate remains open for an extended period (typically over 3 years) without activity.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a legal newspaper within Adams County, such as The Sentinel (Sentinel Colorado), Brighton Standard Blade, or Westminster Window.
Always check the latest Chief Justice Directives and 17th Judicial District administrative orders for current procedural changes.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Adams County)
- Probate Opening Fee: approximately $199-$230
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (affidavit is presented to asset holders)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against Estate: approximately $22 filing fee for creditors
Colorado does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). A convenience fee applies to card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period of 4 months sets a minimum duration for most formal probate cases.
Local Resources
Adams County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: coloradojudicial.gov
- Colorado Probate Forms: coloradojudicial.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Adams/Broomfield Bar Association: (303) 659-7720 — Provides local legal resources.
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Legal aid for low-income residents.
- Colorado Bar Association Find-a-Lawyer: cobar.org
Publication
- The Sentinel (Sentinel Colorado): (303) 750-7555 — Legal notices
- Brighton Standard Blade: (303) 566-4100 — Legal notices