Overview
Logan County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 20,755. The Logan County District Court (13th 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 or 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 simplified procedure for small estates. If the decedent's personal property is valued at less than $86,000 (2025 limit, adjusted annually for inflation) and there is no real property, successors may use a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets without court appointment.
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 Logan 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
Logan County Combined Courts
Probate matters in Logan County are handled at the Logan County Combined Courts.
Address: 110 N. Riverview Road, Room 205, Sterling, CO 80751
Phone: (970) 522-6565 (Option 7)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
The court is located in the Logan County Justice Center. The District Court handles probate matters, while the County Court handles smaller civil matters.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse. 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 be able to use the Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) instead of opening a court case.
- Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or POD accounts) or held in joint tenancy bypass probate.
- 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 Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910 for Intestate or JDF 911 for Testate) with the Logan County District Court. Include:
- Application for Informal Probate or Petition for Formal Probate
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $229)
- Acceptance of Appointment (JDF 917)
- Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (JDF 912) if applicable
Attorneys are required to e-file via the Colorado Courts E-Filing system (CCE). Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (JDF 940) to all heirs and devisees within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Logan County, such as the Sterling Journal-Advocate, for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is typically not required; the Registrar can sign the order and Letters. For formal probate (contested cases or unclear wills), the court will 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:
- Prepare an Inventory of estate assets within 3 months of appointment.
- Notify known creditors and allow the 4-month creditor claim period to run.
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- Close the estate by filing a Verified Statement of Personal Representative Closing Estate (JDF 965).
Local Requirements
Logan County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys must e-file all documents. Pro se parties may file paper documents.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Sterling Journal-Advocate.
- Self-Help: The 13th Judicial District provides a Self-Help Coordinator who can assist with forms and procedural questions (but cannot give legal advice).
- Hearings: Most uncontested probate matters are handled administratively by the Probate Registrar without a court appearance.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Logan County)
- Petition for Appointment (Probate Opening): approximately $229
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (unless filed for specific reasons)
- Certification of Letters: approximately $20 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$200 depending on the newspaper
- E-filing fees: Varies by document type (approx. $12 per filing)
Colorado does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable based on work performed.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 6-9 months (minimum 6 months due to creditor period)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The mandatory creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication.
Local Resources
Logan County Court Resources
- Court Website: Logan County Combined Courts
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: JDF Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Find a Lawyer
- Colorado Legal Services: (970) 522-2211 — Provides assistance to low-income residents.
- 13th Judicial District Self-Help: (970) 526-3978
Publication
- Sterling Journal-Advocate: (970) 522-1990 — Website
- South Platte Sentinel: (970) 522-1990