Overview
Pitkin County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 17,358. The Pitkin County Combined Court 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, C.R.S.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and 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 simplified procedure for small estates. If the decedent's personal property is valued at $86,000 or less (for deaths in 2025/2026) and there is no real property, successors may collect assets using a Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit (JDF 999) without opening a court case.
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 Pitkin 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
Pitkin County Combined Court
Probate matters in Pitkin County are handled at the Pitkin County Courthouse.
Address: 506 E Main Street, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: (970) 925-7635 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The court is located in downtown Aspen. The Combined Court handles both District and County court matters, including probate.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available in downtown Aspen, though it can be limited and is often metered. Public transit is available via the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) buses which service the Aspen area. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse.
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 (2025/2026 limit), you may use the Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit (JDF 999).
- 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 Probate (JDF 910 or JDF 920) with the Pitkin County Combined Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Acceptance of Appointment (JDF 911)
- Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (JDF 912, if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing Fee: Approximately $199 (verify current fee with court)
- Order Admitting Will and Appointing Personal Representative (proposed)
Colorado courts require mandatory e-filing for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file in paper or use the simplified e-filing system if available.
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 Pitkin County (e.g., Aspen Daily News or The Aspen Times) for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For Informal Probate, there is typically no hearing; the Registrar reviews the application. For Formal Probate, the court will schedule a hearing on the petition. 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:
- 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
Pitkin County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented parties may file in person or by mail.
- Mediation: Contested probate matters may be referred to mediation.
- Local Forms: While state JDF forms are standard, check with the clerk for any specific local cover sheets or instructions.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Pitkin County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check the current 9th Judicial District administrative orders for any specific local rules regarding probate.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pitkin County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $199
- Small Estate Affidavit: $0 (no court filing required)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against Estate: approximately $199 (if filed by creditor)
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
- 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, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Pitkin County Court Resources
- Court Website: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/pitkin-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
- Pitkin County Bar Association: (970) 920-5341 — Local bar resources.
- Alpine Legal Services: (970) 945-8858 — Legal aid for eligible residents.
- Colorado Bar Association Find a Lawyer: https://www.cobar.org
Publication
- Aspen Daily News: (970) 925-2720 — Legal notices.
- The Aspen Times: (970) 925-3414 — Legal notices.