Overview
Clear Creek County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 9,076. The Clear Creek County 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, C.R.S.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910 for Formal or JDF 911 for Informal) 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 small estates with personal property valued at $86,000 or less (2025 threshold, adjusted annually for inflation) and no real property, a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) may be used to collect assets without full probate court administration.
Colorado generally does not have statutory attorney or executor fees; fees must be reasonable based on the time and effort required.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Clear Creek 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
Clear Creek County Combined Court
Probate matters in Clear Creek County are handled at the Clear Creek County Courthouse.
Address: 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 367, Georgetown, CO 80444
Phone: (303) 569-0820
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Clerk's office closed for lunch 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM daily; closed 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month for staff meetings)
The Combined Court handles both District and County court matters. Probate cases are typically filed in the District Court.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse in Georgetown. Visitors should be prepared for 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 consists of personal property valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit, adjusted annually) and includes no real estate, you may be able to use JDF 999 to collect assets after a 10-day waiting period.
- Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with designated beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts) or held in joint tenancy pass directly to the beneficiary or survivor.
- 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 with the Clear Creek County Combined Court. Common forms include:
- Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910 or 911)
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing Fee (approximately $199)
- Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (JDF 912) (if applicable)
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 940) to all heirs and devisees within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper such as the Clear Creek Courant for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is often not required if the application is complete and uncontested; the Registrar may issue Letters immediately. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing to review the petition.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow a 4-month period for claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within three months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- Close the estate by filing a Verified Statement of Personal Representative Closing Administration (JDF 965) or a Petition for Final Settlement.
Local Requirements
Clear Creek County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys via Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE). Optional for self-represented litigants.
- Local Rules: The 5th Judicial District may have specific case management orders. Check with the court clerk for any county-specific requirements.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within Clear Creek County, such as the Clear Creek Courant.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local forms and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Clear Creek County)
- Probate Petition (Formal or Informal): approximately $199
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (affidavit is presented to asset holders)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certification plus copy costs
- Publication costs: approximately $35-$100 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against Estate: approximately $22
Fees are subject to change. Check the current Colorado Judicial Branch fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) with a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estate Affidavit: 10-day waiting period after death.
- Informal Probate: Minimum 6 months (due to 4-month creditor period).
- Formal/Contested Estates: 9 months to 2 years or more.
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Clear Creek County Court Resources
- Court Website: Clear Creek County Combined Court
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help
- State Probate Forms: Colorado JDF Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — cobar.org
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — coloradolegalservices.org
Publication
- Clear Creek Courant: (303) 566-4100 — coloradocommunitymedia.com