Overview
Arapahoe County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 666,918. The Arapahoe County District Court (Probate Division) 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, C.R.S.). The process begins with filing an Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) or a Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920) 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.
For smaller estates, Colorado offers a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 998/999) procedure. This is available if the estate consists of personal property valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit, adjusted annually for inflation) and includes no real estate.
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives. Fees must be "reasonable" based on the time spent, the complexity of the work, and the results achieved.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Arapahoe 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
Arapahoe County District Court
Probate matters in Arapahoe County are handled at the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
Address: 7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial, CO 80112
Phone: (303) 645-6600
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Arapahoe County Justice Center houses the 18th Judicial District Court. The Probate Division is responsible for estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lots surrounding the Justice Center. The facility is fully accessible, with security screening required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999): If the estate consists of personal property valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit) and no real estate, you may be able to collect assets by affidavit without court involvement.
- Transfer on Death (TOD): Real estate with a recorded Beneficiary Deed and bank accounts with TOD/POD designations transfer directly to beneficiaries.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) or Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920) with the Arapahoe County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Acceptance of Appointment (JDF 917)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee ($229 for most estates)
- Renunciation/Nomination (JDF 912) (if required)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via the Colorado Courts E-Filing system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (JDF 944) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment (for informal probate).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe County (such as The Sentinel) for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, there is typically no hearing; the Registrar reviews the application and issues Letters. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 4 to 6 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow the 4-month statutory claim period to run.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment.
- 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
Arapahoe County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; pro se litigants may file in paper or use the CCE system.
- Case Management: The court may require status reports if the estate remains open beyond statutory guidelines (typically 12-18 months).
- Mediation: Contested probate matters in the 18th Judicial District are often referred to mediation before a trial is scheduled.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check the 18th Judicial District's specific probate instructions for the most current local rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Arapahoe County)
- Petition for Probate (Formal/Informal): approximately $229
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court fee if not filed; ~$83 if filed (varies)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Answer/Response: approximately $192
Colorado fees are subject to change. Check the current JDF 1 Fee Schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). A convenience fee applies to credit 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 mandatory creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication.
Local Resources
Arapahoe County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: JDF Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Arapahoe County Bar Association: (303) 797-2227 — arapahoecountybar.org
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Provides aid to low-income residents.
- Colorado Bar Association: cobar.org
Publication
- The Sentinel: (303) 750-7555 — Legal Notices
- Littleton Independent: (303) 566-4100 — Legal Notices