Overview
Bent County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 5,600. The Bent Combined Court 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 an application for informal probate 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 estate consists of personal property only (no real estate) and is valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit), successors may use the Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets without court administration after a 10-day waiting period.
Colorado does not have a statutory percentage fee for personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on services rendered and the complexity of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bent 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
Bent Combined Court
Probate matters in Bent County are handled at the Bent County Courthouse.
Address: 725 Bent Avenue, Las Animas, CO 81054
Phone: (719) 456-1353 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
The court is located in the historic Bent County Courthouse in Las Animas. The Combined Court handles both District and County court matters, including probate, civil, and criminal cases.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists of personal property only (no real estate) and is valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit), you may use the "Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit" (JDF 999) after a 10-day waiting period.
- Informal Probate: For uncontested estates, an informal process is available that does not require a court hearing.
- 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 a Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920) or Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) with the Bent Combined Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (JDF 912)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $200-$240)
- Order Admitting Will (JDF 921) or Letters (JDF 915)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants via the Colorado Courts E-Filing system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Bent County for three consecutive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
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:
- Publish notice to creditors and allow the 4-month claim period to expire
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Bent County-Specific Procedures
- Mandatory E-Filing for Attorneys: Attorneys must file all documents electronically. Pro se litigants may file in paper.
- Mediation: Contested probate matters may be referred to mediation prior to a hearing.
- Case Management: The court may schedule status conferences to ensure the estate is progressing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Bent County for three consecutive weeks.
The Sixteenth Judicial District rules apply to proceedings in Bent County. Always check with the Clerk of Court for the most current local protocols.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bent County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $235
- Certification of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Jury Demand Fee: approximately $200
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (affidavit is presented to asset holders)
Colorado fees must be reasonable; there is no statutory percentage for attorney or executor fees.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A processing fee applies to credit card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years+
The creditor claim period is 4 months, which sets a minimum duration for formal administration. Court scheduling and potential disputes can extend these timelines significantly.
Local Resources
Bent County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: Colorado Probate Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Find a Lawyer program
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
- Colorado Bar Association: cobar.org
Publication
- Bent County Democrat: (719) 456-1333 — Official newspaper for legal notices in Bent County
- La Junta Tribune-Democrat: (719) 384-4441 — Regional newspaper