Overview
Crowley County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 5,900. The Crowley 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 Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 920) or Application for Informal Probate (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 Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit, adjusted annually) with no real property.
Colorado does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on time and complexity.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Crowley 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
Crowley County Combined Court
Probate matters in Crowley County are handled at the Crowley County Combined Court.
Address: 110 E. 6th Street, Room 303, Ordway, CO 81063
Phone: (719) 267-4468 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
The Combined Court handles both District and County court matters. Probate cases are typically filed in the District Court division.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse in Ordway. The building is accessible, but visitors should check in at the clerk's office for specific directions to the courtroom.
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 threshold), you may use JDF 999 Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property.
- Transfer on Death (TOD) Deeds: Real estate can be transferred directly to a beneficiary if a TOD deed was recorded prior to death.
- 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 Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) or Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920) with the Crowley County Combined Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (JDF 912)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $235-$265)
- Order Admitting Will (JDF 913) and Letters (JDF 915)
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 of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (or within 30 days of appointment for informal probate)
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Crowley 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 (for formal probate). At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Informal probate often does not require a hearing if uncontested.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to 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
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Crowley County-Specific Procedures
- Mandatory E-Filing: Attorneys must file electronically via the Colorado Courts E-Filing system (CCE).
- Mediation: Contested matters may be referred to mediation prior to a hearing.
- Self-Help Personnel: The court has a self-help coordinator available to assist with forms and procedural questions.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Crowley County for three consecutive weeks.
The 16th Judicial District (which includes Crowley County) may have specific case management orders that apply to probate cases.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Crowley County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $235-$265
- Small Estate Affidavit Recording: approximately $13 (if recorded)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Jury Demand Fee: $230 (if applicable)
Colorado fees are based on "reasonable compensation," not a statutory percentage.
Payment Methods
The court accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a surcharge).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditors have 4 months from the date of first publication to file claims against the estate.
Local Resources
Crowley County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: Colorado Probate Forms (JDF)
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Professional association for attorneys
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- Colorado Bar Find a Lawyer: cobar.org
Publication
- Ordway New Era: (719) 267-3576 — Official newspaper for legal notices in Crowley County.
- La Junta Tribune-Democrat: (719) 384-4467 — Regional newspaper serving the area.