Overview
Larimer County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 374,574. The District Court, 8th 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 the Colorado Probate Code (Title 15, Articles 10-17). The process begins with filing a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910 for informal or JDF 920 for formal) 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 less than $86,000 (2025 threshold, adjusted annually for inflation) that do not include real property. This allows successors to collect assets without full court administration.
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on the time and effort required.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Larimer 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
Larimer County Justice Center
Probate matters in Larimer County are handled at the Larimer County Justice Center.
Address: 201 LaPorte Ave, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: (970) 494-3500 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Clerk Customer Service: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Main Courthouse: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate division is part of the 8th Judicial District. The court clerk's office is located on the first floor.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot directly across from the Justice Center on Laporte Avenue and in the Civic Center Parking Garage. Security screening is required for entry into the building.
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 be able to use JDF 999 to collect assets.
- Joint Tenancy/Beneficiary Designations: Assets held in joint tenancy or with named beneficiaries (POD/TOD) pass outside of 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 a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910 or JDF 920) with the District Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) or Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $199)
- Acceptance of Appointment (JDF 911) and Renunciation/Nomination forms (if applicable)
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 (JDF 943 or JDF 944) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Larimer County (e.g., Fort Collins Coloradoan) for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is typically not required; the Registrar can issue Letters immediately if paperwork is in order. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing to resolve any disputes or validate the will before issuing Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow the creditor claim period (4 months from publication) to run.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within three months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative 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
Larimer County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys must file electronically via the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) system. Self-represented parties may file in paper or use the CCE system.
- Mediation: The 8th Judicial District may require mediation for contested probate matters.
- Court Resource Center: The Larimer County Justice Center has a Court Resource Center (08CourtResourceCenter@judicial.state.co.us) to assist pro se litigants with forms and procedural questions.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within Larimer County, such as the Fort Collins Coloradoan or Loveland Reporter-Herald.
Always check the current 8th Judicial District Chief Judge Orders for any temporary protocols or specific courtroom rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Larimer County)
- Petition for Probate (Formal or Informal): approximately $199
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (unless recording with Clerk & Recorder)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against estate: approximately $22
Fees are subject to change annually. Check the Colorado Judicial Branch fee schedule for the most current amounts.
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
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period is mandatory 4 months from the date of first publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Larimer County Court Resources
- Court Website: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/larimer-county
- Probate Self-Help: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/court-services/probate
- Colorado Probate Forms: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Larimer County Bar Association: (970) 482-4846 — Provides resources and a "Pro Bono Program" for qualifying individuals.
- Colorado Legal Services: (970) 493-2891 — Legal aid for low-income residents.
- Colorado Bar Association Find-a-Lawyer: https://www.cobar.org/Find-A-Lawyer
Publication
- Fort Collins Coloradoan: (970) 224-7777 — Major daily newspaper.
- Loveland Reporter-Herald: (970) 635-3650 — Daily newspaper serving Loveland area.