Overview
Yuma County is located in Colorado with a population of approximately 10,000. The Yuma 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 an Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) or Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920) 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 (2026 threshold, adjusted annually) and includes no real estate, successors can use a Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999) to collect assets 10 days after death without court administration.
Colorado does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" based on the time and work performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Yuma 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
Yuma County Combined Court
Probate matters in Yuma County are handled at the Yuma County Courthouse.
Address: 310 Ash St, Suite L, Wray, CO 80758
Phone: (970) 592-6120 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The courthouse is located in Wray, the county seat. The Combined Court handles both district and county matters, including probate, civil, and criminal cases.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse in Wray. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $86,000 or less (2026 limit) and contains no real property, you may use JDF 999 to collect assets after a 10-day waiting period.
- Transfer on Death (TOD): Real estate with a recorded Beneficiary Deed or assets with TOD/POD designations bypass 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 an Application for Informal Probate (JDF 910) or Petition for Formal Probate (JDF 920) with the Yuma County Combined Court. Include:
- Original Will (if one exists)
- Acceptance of Appointment (JDF 911)
- Renunciation/Nomination (JDF 912) if applicable
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $199 + surcharges)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via the Colorado Courts E-Filing (CCE) system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (JDF 943) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 30 days of appointment.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Yuma County (e.g., Yuma Pioneer or Wray Gazette) for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, there is typically no hearing; the clerk reviews and approves the application if it is complete. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing to resolve any disputes or validity issues before issuing Letters.
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
Yuma County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for pro se litigants.
- Case Management: The 13th Judicial District may have specific case management orders; check with the clerk for any local variations.
- Forms: The court utilizes standard Colorado JDF forms.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Yuma County for three consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of Court for the most current local rules and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Yuma County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $199 (plus applicable surcharges, total ~$230)
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (unless recording with Clerk & Recorder)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certification + $0.75 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
- E-filing fee: ~$12 per submission (if using CCE)
Colorado does not set statutory percentage fees for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable.
Payment Methods
The court accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (subject to a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal, no disputes): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication, which sets a minimum duration for the estate administration.
Local Resources
Yuma County Court Resources
- Court Website: coloradojudicial.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Colorado Judicial Branch - Probate
- Colorado Probate Forms: JDF Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Colorado Bar Association: (303) 860-1115 — Find a Lawyer program
- Colorado Legal Services: (303) 837-1313 — Low-income legal assistance
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: licensedlawyer.org
Publication
- Yuma Pioneer: (970) 848-2174 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Wray Gazette: (970) 332-4170 — Newspaper of general circulation