Overview
Boulder County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 330,262. The Boulder County Combined Court (20th 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 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 (2025 threshold, subject to annual adjustment) and there is no real property, successors may use a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets without court administration.
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 Boulder 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
Boulder County Combined Court
Probate matters in Boulder County are handled at the Boulder County Justice Center.
Address: 1777 6th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: (303) 441-3750 (Probate Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Department is part of the 20th Judicial District. The court handles wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the Justice Center Parking Lot located at 1777 6th Street. Additional street parking may be available nearby. Be sure to check posted signs for time limits and permit requirements. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse.
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 limit), you may be able to skip probate using Form JDF 999.
- Joint Tenancy: Real property held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship passes directly to the surviving owner.
- 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 Boulder County Combined Court. Include:
- Original Will (if one exists)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Order Admitting Will and Appointing Personal Representative (Proposed)
- Letters Testamentary/Administration (Proposed)
- Filing Fee (approximately $199)
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 (JDF 940) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Boulder County (e.g., Boulder Daily Camera or Longmont Times-Call) for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is typically not required; the registrar can process the application administratively. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing to resolve any objections or validity issues before issuing Letters.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 4 months for claims to be filed.
- 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
Boulder County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented parties may file in person or use the simplified e-filing interface if available.
- Mediation: The 20th Judicial District may refer contested probate matters to mediation.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper such as the Boulder Daily Camera, Longmont Times-Call, or Colorado Hometown Weekly.
- Self-Help: The court provides a Self-Help Center for procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.
Always check the latest Chief Justice Directives and local court rules (C.R.P.P.) for updates.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Boulder County)
- Petition for Probate (Formal or Informal): approximately $199
- Small Estate Affidavit: $0 (No court filing required, but affidavit must be notarized)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against estate: approximately $22
Note: Fees are subject to change. Check the Colorado Judicial Branch fee schedule for the most current amounts.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). A convenience fee applies to card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estates (Affidavit): Immediate (after 10-day waiting period from death)
- Informal Probate (Uncontested): 6-9 months (minimum 6 months due to creditor period)
- Formal Probate (Contested/Complex): 9 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Colorado is 4 months from the date of first publication.
Local Resources
Boulder County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: coloradojudicial.gov/self-help
- Colorado Probate Forms: coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Boulder County Bar Association: (303) 440-4758 — boulder-bar.org
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — coloradolegalservices.org
- Metro Volunteer Lawyers: (303) 837-1313
Publication
- Boulder Daily Camera: (303) 473-1400 — dailycamera.com
- Longmont Times-Call: (303) 776-2244 — timescall.com