Overview
Jefferson County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 578,533. The Jefferson County District Court (1st Judicial District) 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 Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Title 15. The process begins with filing a Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 920) or an application for informal probate 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 for inflation) that do not include real property. This allows successors to collect assets without court administration using form JDF 999.
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives. Fees must be "reasonable" based on the time spent, the complexity of the estate, and the results achieved.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Jefferson 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
Jefferson County District Court
Probate matters in Jefferson County are handled at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Address: 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: (720) 772-2540 (Probate Department)
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday: 7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
The Probate Department is part of the 1st Judicial District. The courthouse is located in the government complex in Golden.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the large surface lot located directly in front of the courthouse. Security screening is required for entry.
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) and contains no real property, you may use JDF 999 to collect assets without court filing.
- Transfer on Death (TOD): Assets with named beneficiaries or TOD designations (including real estate with a beneficiary deed) bypass probate.
- 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 forms with the Jefferson County District Court. For formal probate, file JDF 920. Include:
- JDF 920 (Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative)
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- $229.00 Filing Fee
- JDF 910 (Acceptance of Appointment)
- JDF 911 (Renunciation and/or Nomination, if applicable)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants via the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) 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 any hearing (for formal probate).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County (e.g., Golden Transcript or Jefferson Sentinel) for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, there is typically no hearing; the Registrar processes the application. For formal probate, the court may schedule a hearing. If approved, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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 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 (JDF 965) to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Jefferson County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys must e-file. Pro se litigants may e-file or file in paper.
- Mediation: The 1st Judicial District often refers contested probate matters to mediation before a hearing is held.
- Status Conferences: The court may set status conferences to ensure the estate administration is progressing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check the latest Chief Justice Directives and 1st Judicial District Local Rules for updates.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Jefferson County)
- Formal/Informal Probate Petition: approximately $229.00
- Certification of Orders: approximately $20.00 per document
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20.00 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Jury Demand Fee: approximately $230.00 (if applicable)
Colorado law requires "reasonable" compensation for personal representatives and attorneys, rather than a fixed percentage.
Payment Methods
The court accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), checks, and money orders. A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
Jefferson County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: Self-Help Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- 1st Judicial District Bar Association: (303) 279-5568 — Provides local legal resources.
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Legal aid for low-income residents.
- Colorado Bar Association Find A Lawyer: cobar.org
Publication
- Golden Transcript: (303) 566-4100 — Legal notices.
- Jefferson Sentinel: (303) 566-4100 — Legal notices.