Overview
Alamosa County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 16,689. The Alamosa Combined Court (12th 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 of the Colorado Revised Statutes). The process begins with filing a Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 920) or Application for Informal Probate of Will and 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 decedent's personal property is valued at $86,000 or less (for deaths in 2025/2026) and includes no real estate, successors may use a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets without court involvement after a 10-day waiting period.
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on the services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Alamosa 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
Alamosa Combined Court
Probate matters in Alamosa County are handled at the Alamosa Combined Court.
Address: 8955 Independence Way, Alamosa, CO 81101
Phone: (719) 589-4996 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The court is part of the 12th Judicial District, which serves the San Luis Valley. The Clerk's office accepts filings and provides access to probate records.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot directly in front of the courthouse on Independence Way. Visitors must pass through security screening upon 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 $86,000 or less (2025/2026 limit) and there is no real property, you may be able to skip court filing entirely using JDF 999.
- 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 or informal probate is needed, file the appropriate petition (e.g., JDF 910 for informal or JDF 920 for formal) with the Alamosa Combined Court. Include:
- JDF 910 or 920: Application/Petition for Probate
- Original Will: If the decedent left a will
- JDF 911: Acceptance of Appointment
- JDF 912: Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing Fee: Approximately $199 (District Court)
Attorneys are required to e-file via the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) system. Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (JDF 943 or 944) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Alamosa County, such as the Alamosa Valley Courier, for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, there is typically no hearing; the Registrar reviews the application and issues Letters if everything is in order. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing to resolve any objections or validity issues before issuing Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors: The creditor claim period is generally 4 months from the date of first publication.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment (JDF 941).
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Verified Statement of Personal Representative Closing Administration (JDF 965) to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Alamosa County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys must file electronically through the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) system. Pro se litigants (representing themselves) may file in paper format at the courthouse.
- Mediation: The 12th Judicial District may require mediation for contested probate matters before a hearing is held.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Alamosa Valley Courier.
- Self-Help: The court has a Self-Help Coordinator available to assist with forms and procedural questions (but cannot give legal advice).
Always check with the Clerk of Court for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Alamosa County)
- Probate Petition (Formal or Informal): approximately $199
- Small Estate Affidavit: $0 (No court filing required)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- E-filing fees: Varies by document type and service provider (approx. $12 per filing)
Colorado does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on time and complexity.
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
- Small Estate Affidavit: 10-day waiting period after death.
- Informal Probate (Uncontested): 6-12 months minimum (due to 4-month creditor period).
- Formal Probate (Contested): 9 months to 2+ years depending on complexity.
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the first date of publication, which sets the minimum duration for most estate administrations.
Local Resources
Alamosa County Court Resources
- Court Website: Alamosa Combined Court
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: Self-Help Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Legal Services (Alamosa Office): (719) 589-4993 — Provides civil legal assistance to low-income residents.
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Find a Lawyer
Publication
- Alamosa Valley Courier: (719) 589-2553 — valleycourier.com