Overview
Weld County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 369,745. The Weld County Combined Court (19th 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 Formal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (JDF 920) or an Application for Informal Probate (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 simplified procedure known as the Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999). This can be used if the decedent owned no real property and the value of their personal property is $86,000 or less (for deaths occurring in 2025, adjusted annually for subsequent years).
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on the time spent and services performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Weld 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
Weld County Combined Court
Probate matters in Weld County are handled at the Weld County Courthouse.
Address: 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: (970) 475-2505 or (970) 475-2506 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The courthouse is a historic Classical Revival-style building located in downtown Greeley. Probate matters are typically heard in the Centennial Center building or the main courthouse.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the designated Juror Parking Lot 2, located on 11th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, just south of the courthouse. Security screening is required for entry into the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists of personal property worth $86,000 or less (2025 threshold, adjusted annually) and no real estate, you may be able to collect assets using JDF 999 without court administration.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For collecting personal property like bank accounts or vehicles if the estate meets the small estate threshold.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) or Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920) with the Weld County Combined Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (JDF 912)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $199-$235)
- Order Admitting Will and Appointing Personal Representative (JDF 913 or 921)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys via Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE). Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Weld County for three consecutive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 4 to 6 weeks after filing. 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 by publishing notice and allowing 4 months for claims to be filed
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Weld County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for pro se litigants.
- Mediation: The 19th Judicial District may require mediation for contested probate matters.
- Case Management: Status conferences may be scheduled to ensure the estate is progressing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Weld County for three consecutive weeks.
Check with the Probate Clerk for specific local forms or administrative orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Weld County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $199-$235
- Small Estate Affidavit filing: approximately $83 (if filed with court)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Jury Demand: ~$190 (if applicable)
Colorado law requires fees to be reasonable; there is no statutory percentage for attorney or executor fees.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A convenience fee applies to credit card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum duration for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Weld County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Self-Help Resources
- Colorado Judicial Branch Probate Forms: Downloadable JDF forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Weld County Bar Association: (970) 352-6006 — Local bar association
- Colorado Legal Services - Weld County: (970) 353-7554 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
- Colorado Bar Association Find a Lawyer: cobar.org
Publication
- Greeley Tribune: (970) 352-0211 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Fort Lupton Press: (303) 857-2223 — Local weekly newspaper