Overview
Summit County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 30,882. The Summit County Combined Courts 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 Formal or Informal Probate of Will and Adjudication of Heirs (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 $86,000 or less (for deaths in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation) and there is no real property, successors may use an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (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 Summit 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
Summit County Combined Courts
Probate matters in Summit County are handled at the Summit County Justice Center.
Address: 501 N. Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 453-2272 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The court is located in Breckenridge. The Clerk's Office may close for staff meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available at the Justice Center. The facility is ADA accessible. 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 consists only of personal property valued at $86,000 or less (2025 limit), you may be able to skip probate using JDF 999.
- Joint Tenancy/Beneficiary Designations: Assets with named beneficiaries or held in joint tenancy pass outside of 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 Probate (JDF 910 or 911) with the Summit County Combined Courts. Include:
- Petition for Formal/Informal Probate
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $199 - $230)
- Order Admitting Will and Appointing Personal Representative (proposed)
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) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (for formal probate) or within 30 days of appointment (for informal).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Summit County, such as the Summit County Journal, for three successive 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. 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 claim period
- 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 to close the estate
Local Requirements
Summit County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys must file electronically via the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) system. Self-represented litigants may file in paper or use the CCE system.
- Mediation: Contested probate matters may be referred to mediation.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Summit County Journal.
- Self-Help: The court has a self-help coordinator available to assist with forms and procedural questions (but cannot give legal advice).
Always check with the court clerk for the most up-to-date local rules and filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Summit County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $199 - $230
- Small Estate Affidavit: $0 (no court filing required)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $40-$150 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
- E-filing fee: ~$12 per filing (if using CCE)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). A convenience fee applies to card payments.
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 duration for the process.
Local Resources
Summit County Court Resources
- Court Website: Summit 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 — cobar.org
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — coloradolegalservices.org
- Continental Divide Bar Association: Local bar association for Summit, Eagle, Lake, and Clear Creek counties.
Publication
- Summit County Journal: (970) 668-3998 — Official legal newspaper
- Summit Daily News: (970) 668-3998 — summitdaily.com