Overview
Teller County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 24,862. The Teller County District Court (4th 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 906 for Informal or JDF 910 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 (2025 threshold, adjusted annually for inflation) and there is no real property, successors may use a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets without full court administration.
Colorado does not have statutory percentage-based attorney or executor fees. Instead, fees must be "reasonable" based on the time and effort required. Personal representatives are entitled to reasonable compensation, often calculated on an hourly basis.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Teller 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
Teller County Courthouse
Probate matters in Teller County are handled at the Teller County Courthouse.
Address: 101 W. Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Phone: (719) 689-7360 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Teller County Combined Court houses both County and District courts. Probate matters are generally heard in the District Court. The courthouse is a historic building located in Cripple Creek.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse in Cripple Creek. 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 figure), you may use the Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) after a 10-day waiting period.
- Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with beneficiary designations (e.g., life insurance, 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 or informal probate is needed, file a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 906 or JDF 910) with the Teller County District 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-$235)
Attorneys are generally 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 943) to all heirs and devisees within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Teller County (e.g., Pikes Peak Courier) for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For Informal Probate, there is typically no hearing; the Registrar reviews the application and issues Letters if everything is in order. For Formal Probate, a hearing is scheduled, and the judge reviews the petition before appointing a Personal Representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors (claims period is 4 months from first publication)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Verified Statement of Personal Representative Closing Administration (JDF 965) to close the estate
Local Requirements
Teller County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for self-represented litigants.
- Mediation: The 4th Judicial District may require mediation for contested probate matters.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Pikes Peak Courier.
- 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 Clerk of Court for the most current local rules and standing orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Teller County)
- Petition for Appointment (Probate): approximately $199-$235
- Small Estate Affidavit: No fee if not filed; ~$113 if filed with the court
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against the estate: approximately $22
Fees are subject to change. Check the current Colorado Judicial Branch fee schedule.
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
- Small Estate Affidavit: 10 days after death
- Informal Probate: 6-12 months (minimum 6 months for creditor period)
- Formal Probate: 9-18 months
- Contested Estates: 1 year or more
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Teller County Court Resources
- Court Website: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/teller-county
- Probate Self-Help: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-resources
- Colorado Probate Forms: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- El Paso & Teller County Bar Association: (719) 473-9700 — https://www.elpasocountybar.org
- Colorado Legal Services: (719) 471-0380 — https://www.coloradolegalservices.org
- Colorado Bar Association Find-a-Lawyer: https://www.cobar.org
Publication
- Pikes Peak Courier: (719) 687-3006 — Official newspaper for legal notices in Teller County