Overview
Denver County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 736,000. The Denver Probate 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 Colorado Probate Code (Title 15, Articles 10-17, C.R.S.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Formal/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 simplified procedure for small estates. If the estate is valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit, adjusted annually for inflation) and contains no real property, successors can use a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets without opening a court case.
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on services performed and the complexity of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Denver 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
Denver Probate Court
Probate matters in Denver County are handled at the City and County Building.
Address: 1437 Bannock St, Room 230, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 606-2303 (Probate Division)
Self-Help Center Phone: (303) 606-2502
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Note: The court may have modified hours on select dates, including closures from noon to 1:00 PM. Verify current hours with the court.)
The Denver Probate Court is located in the historic City and County Building. It is a dedicated probate court, unique in Colorado, separate from the District Court system.
Parking and Access
Metered street parking is available on Bannock Street and surrounding blocks. Public parking lots and garages are located nearby, including at 1245 Bannock St and the Justice Center Garage.
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 (2025 limit, adjusted annually) and includes no real property, you may use JDF 999 to collect assets without court administration.
- Transfer on Death (TOD) Deeds: Real estate can be transferred directly to beneficiaries 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 Petition for Probate (JDF 910) with the Denver Probate Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910)
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $199-$229)
- Acceptance of Appointment (JDF 911) and Renunciation (JDF 912) if applicable
Attorneys are required to e-file via Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE). Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail.
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 (for formal probate)
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Denver 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 4 months for claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- 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
Denver County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for pro se litigants.
- Mediation: The court may order mediation for contested matters.
- Self-Help Center: Located in Room 230; provides forms and procedural assistance.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Denver County for three consecutive weeks.
Denver Probate Court has its own specific local rules regarding remote hearings and pleading formats.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Denver County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $199
- Trust Registration: approximately $199
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Jury Demand: ~$230
Colorado fees are based on 'reasonable compensation', not a percentage of the estate.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Credit card payments may incur a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 3 years
Creditor claim period is 4 months. Contested wills or complex assets significantly extend timelines.
Local Resources
Denver County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Denver Probate Court Self-Help
- Colorado Judicial Branch Forms: Colorado Judicial Branch Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Denver Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Find a Lawyer
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Low-income legal assistance
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: cobar.org
Publication
- The Denver Post: (303) 954-1000 — Major daily newspaper
- Denver Herald-Dispatch: (303) 296-1525 — Local community paper