Overview
Eagle County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 54,330. The Eagle County Combined Courts 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 Probate of Will and Adjudication of Heirs (JDF 910 or JDF 920) 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 smaller estates, Colorado offers a simplified procedure using the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (JDF 998). This process is available if the decedent's personal property is valued at $86,000 or less (for deaths in 2025; adjusted annually for inflation) and includes no real estate.
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 Eagle 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
Eagle County Combined Courts
Probate matters in Eagle County are handled at the Eagle County Justice Center.
Address: 885 Chambers Ave, Eagle, CO 81631
Phone: (970) 328-6373
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The court is located within the Eagle County Justice Center. The Clerk's Office may close for staff meetings on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Justice Center. All 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 consists only of personal property valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit), you may use JDF 998 to collect assets without court appointment.
- 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 Probate (JDF 910 for formal or JDF 920 for informal) with the Eagle County Combined Courts. Include:
- Petition for Probate
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $199-$235)
- Order Admitting Will and Appointing Personal Representative
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 at least 14 days before the hearing (for formal probate) or within 30 days of appointment (for informal probate).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Eagle County, such as the Vail Daily, for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is typically not required; the registrar can approve the petition if all paperwork is in order. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing to address any objections or complexities.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 4 months for claims after publication
- 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 to close the estate
Local Requirements
Eagle County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; pro se litigants may file in paper or use the CCE system.
- Mediation: The 5th Judicial District may require mediation for contested probate matters.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Vail Daily or Eagle Valley Enterprise.
- Self-Help: The court provides a self-help coordinator to assist with forms and procedural questions (but cannot give legal advice).
Always check with the court clerk for the most up-to-date local rules and administrative orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Eagle County)
- Petition for Probate (Formal/Informal): approximately $199-$235
- Small Estate Affidavit: $83 (if filed with court, though often not required)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 + $0.75 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $95-$150 depending on the newspaper and length
- Jury Demand: approximately $190
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). A convenience fee applies to card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 6-9 months (minimum 6 months for 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
Eagle County Court Resources
- Court Website: Eagle County Combined Courts
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: JDF Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Eagle County Bar Association: Local bar resources and attorney listings.
- Colorado Legal Services: (970) 328-8888 — Legal aid for low-income residents.
- Colorado Bar Association Find-a-Lawyer: cobar.org
Publication
- Vail Daily: (970) 949-0555 — Official newspaper for legal notices.
- Eagle Valley Enterprise: (970) 328-6656 — Alternative publication option.