Overview
Pueblo County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 169,866. The Pueblo Combined Court (10th 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, C.R.S.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 920) or a Petition for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 910) 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.
For smaller estates, Colorado offers a Small Estate Affidavit procedure. As of 2025, this is available if the value of the decedent's personal property (less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $86,000 and there is no real property involved.
Filing fees are set by the Colorado Judicial Branch. As of 2025, the filing fee for a standard decedent's estate is $229.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Pueblo 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
Pueblo Combined Court
Probate matters in Pueblo County are handled at the Pueblo Combined Court.
Address: 501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
Phone: (719) 404-8700 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The court is located in the Dennis Maes Pueblo Judicial Building. The Clerk's Office handles probate filings. Security screening is required for entry.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and on surrounding streets. The building is ADA accessible.
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 collect assets using form JDF 999 without court involvement.
- Joint Tenancy/Beneficiary Designations: Assets held in joint tenancy or with named beneficiaries (POD/TOD) pass directly to the survivor.
- 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 petition with the Pueblo Combined Court. Common forms include:
- Petition for Informal Probate (JDF 910)
- Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920)
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing Fee ($229)
- Acceptance of Appointment (JDF 911)
- Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (JDF 912) (if applicable)
Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) is available for attorneys. Self-represented litigants typically file in paper or may use specific pro se portals if available.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (JDF 940) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Pueblo County, such as The Pueblo Chieftain, for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is often not required; the Registrar can process the application administratively. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing to review the petition. 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 the statutory period (4 months from publication) for claims.
- 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
Pueblo County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys via Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE). Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper like The Pueblo Chieftain for three consecutive weeks.
- Mediation: The 10th Judicial District may require mediation for contested probate matters.
- Self-Help: The Pueblo Combined Court has a Self-Help Center available to assist with forms and procedural questions (but cannot give legal advice).
Always check with the Clerk of Court for the most up-to-date local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pueblo County)
- Decedent's Estate Petition: $229
- Guardianship/Conservatorship: $229
- Certified copies of Letters: ~$20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court fee (unless recording real estate documents, which incurs recording fees)
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
- Informal Probate (uncontested): 6-12 months (minimum 6 months for creditor period)
- Formal Probate: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The creditor claim period in Colorado is generally 4 months after publication of notice.
Local Resources
Pueblo County Court Resources
- Court Website: Pueblo Combined Court
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help
- Colorado Probate Forms: JDF Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Pueblo County Bar Association: (719) 546-0069 — Website
- Colorado Legal Services (Pueblo Office): (719) 545-6708 — Provides assistance to low-income residents.
- Colorado Bar Association Find a Lawyer: cobar.org
Publication
- The Pueblo Chieftain: (719) 544-3520 — Website