Overview
Broomfield County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 78,000. The Broomfield 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/Informal 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 called the Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit (JDF 999). This procedure is available if the decedent's estate is valued at $86,000 or less (for deaths in 2025/2026, adjusted annually) and contains no real property.
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 Broomfield 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
Broomfield Combined Court
Probate matters in Broomfield County are handled at the Broomfield Combined Court.
Address: 17 Descombes Dr, Broomfield, CO 80020
Phone: (303) 464-5020 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Clerk's Office: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM)
The Broomfield Combined Court houses both the District and County courts. Probate matters are typically heard in the District Court division.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot directly in front of the courthouse. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $86,000 or less (adjusted annually) and includes no real estate, you may be able to collect assets using JDF 999 without court involvement.
- Joint Tenancy/Beneficiary Designations: Assets held in joint tenancy or with named beneficiaries (POD/TOD) pass directly to the survivor.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910) with the Broomfield Combined Court. Include:
- JDF 910 (Petition)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $199)
- JDF 911 (Acceptance of Appointment)
- JDF 912 (Renunciation and/or Nomination, if applicable)
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 940) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing (or within 30 days of appointment for informal probate).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Broomfield County, such as the Broomfield Enterprise, for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is often not required, and the Registrar can issue letters immediately if paperwork is in order. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing. If approved, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 4 months for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate 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
Broomfield County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys must file electronically via the Colorado Courts E-Filing system (CCE). Self-represented parties may file in paper or use the CCE system.
- Bond requirements: Bond is generally not required unless specified in the will or requested by an interested party, but the court has discretion.
- Local court rules: Broomfield is in the 17th Judicial District. Check 17th JD local rules for specific procedural nuances.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Broomfield County, typically the Broomfield Enterprise, for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local forms and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Broomfield County)
- Petition for Appointment (Probate): approximately $199
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (unless filed for record purposes)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$250 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against estate: approximately $22
Colorado does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable."
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
- Simple estates (Informal): 6-9 months (minimum 6 months due to creditor period)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Colorado is 4 months from the date of first publication.
Local Resources
Broomfield County Court Resources
- Court Website: Broomfield Combined Court
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: JDF Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Find a Lawyer
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- Metro Volunteer Lawyers: denbar.org/mvl
Publication
- Broomfield Enterprise: (303) 473-1400 — Legal Notices