Overview
Garfield County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 63,167. The Garfield 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 Formal Probate of Will and Adjudication of Intestacy (JDF 910) or Petition for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 911) 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. This allows successors to collect assets without full probate court administration.
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 Garfield 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
Garfield County Combined Courts
Probate matters in Garfield County are handled at the Garfield County Courthouse.
Address: 109 8th St., Suite 104, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: (970) 928-3065 (Probate Registrar)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:50 PM
The court is located in downtown Glenwood Springs. The Probate Registrar handles estate filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot on W. 7th St., at 7th St. and Colorado Ave (north half), and in the parking garage at 9th St. and Cooper Ave.
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 limit), you may use the Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets after a 10-day waiting period.
- Summary Administration: For estates where the assets are sufficient only to pay exempt property allowances and family allowances.
- 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 or JDF 911) with the Garfield County Combined Courts. Include:
- Completed Petition (JDF 910 or JDF 911)
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $229)
- Order Admitting Will (JDF 913) and Letters (JDF 915)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via the Colorado Courts E-Filing system.
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
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Garfield 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 a 4-month period for claims to be filed
- 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
Garfield County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented litigants may e-file or file in paper.
- Mediation: Contested matters may be referred to mediation.
- Case Management: The court may set status conferences to ensure the estate is progressing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Garfield County for three consecutive weeks.
Check with the Probate Registrar for specific local forms or checklists.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Garfield County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $229
- Objection to Probate: approximately $192
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- E-filing transaction fees apply
Colorado requires fees to be reasonable; there is no statutory percentage schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a processing fee). A service fee applies to credit card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 3 years
The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum duration for formal administration.
Local Resources
Garfield County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch - General Probate Information
- Colorado Probate Forms: Self-Help Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Find a Lawyer
- Alpine Legal Services: (970) 945-8858 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: cobar.org
Publication
- Glenwood Springs Post Independent: (970) 945-8515 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Rifle Citizen Telegram: (970) 625-3245 — Local newspaper