1Immediate Actions
The first days
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingColorado Vital Records Office
Certified Colorado death certificates are issued by CDPHE Vital Records ($25 for the first certified copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, per the State Registrar fee schedule effective January 1, 2026), orderable online through the state's authorized vendors, by mail, or in person by appointment at the state office in Denver. Certified copies are also available from local county vital records offices, which is often faster; Pitkin County families should check with their local public health agency for local availability. The district court clerk does not issue death certificates.
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
2Required by Law
First 10 days
Deposit the Will
Within 10 days after a testator's death (or as soon as the death becomes known), the custodian of a will must lodge it with the court having probate jurisdiction in the Colorado county where the decedent resided or was domiciled at death - for Pitkin County residents, the Pitkin Combined Court (Pitkin County Courthouse). A will may also be deposited with the court during the testator's lifetime (C.R.S. § 15-11-515; $18 fee under C.R.S. § 13-32-102(1)(h)). Verify the custodian's obligations and timing with the court. (C.R.S. § 15-11-516)
Creditor claim window
Creditors generally have 4 months from first publication of notice to creditors to bring claims against the estate. (C.R.S. § 15-12-801)
Notify Key Parties
- Banks and credit card companies (to prevent unauthorized use)
- Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
- Employer (if applicable) for final paycheck and benefits
3Assess Your Situation
Before filing anything
Which probate type is right for you?
Small estate? If the estate is worth less than the Colorado small-estate limit (shown on the options below), you may qualify for simplified procedures.
Is there a valid will? If yes, you'll file for probate with will. If no will exists, it's intestate probate.
Complex assets? Business interests, real estate in multiple states, or contested claims may require probate administration.
Select a probate type below to see specific requirements and costs.
Which applies to your situation?
Not sure? Use the free checker at the top of this page - you don't have to decide this alone.
Personal property may be collected by affidavit when the fair market value of the decedent's probate estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed the inflation-adjusted limit under C.R.S. §§ 15-12-1201 and 15-10-112 ($88,000 for decedents dying in 2026 per the Colorado Department of Revenue's published cost-of-living table), at least 10 days have passed since death, and no personal representative has been appointed or applied for. The affidavit covers personal property only, not real estate. Verify eligibility for the specific assets and institutions involved.
- Qualifies:
- $88,000 (deaths in 2026; $86,000 for deaths in 2025)
If the inventory shows the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed exempt property, the family allowance, administration costs, reasonable funeral expenses, and last-illness medical expenses, the personal representative may distribute immediately without notice to creditors and close the estate with a sworn closing statement. Verify eligibility with the court before relying on this path.
- Qualifies:
- Smaller estates that meet the state limit
Documents you'll need:
- Certified Death Certificate
- Original Will
- Acceptance of Appointment
- Letters Testamentary/of Administration
- Decedent's Estate Inventory
Informal probate and appointment proceedings are filed with the court registrar without a hearing (C.R.S. § 15-12-301); formal testacy proceedings are litigated before a judge (C.R.S. § 15-12-401 et seq.); supervised administration keeps the personal representative under continuing court supervision (C.R.S. §§ 15-12-501 and 15-12-502). Probate, testacy, and appointment proceedings generally must be commenced within three years after the decedent's death (C.R.S. § 15-12-108). The personal representative inventories probate property within three months of appointment (C.R.S. § 15-12-706). Verify bond, notice, and local scheduling requirements with the court.
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- Certified Death Certificate
- Original Will
- Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative
- Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative
- Acceptance of Appointment
- Letters Testamentary/of Administration
- Notice to Creditors by Publication
- Decedent's Estate Inventory
Personal property may be collected by affidavit when the fair market value of the decedent's probate estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed twice the exempt-property amount of C.R.S. § 15-11-403 as adjusted under C.R.S. § 15-10-112, at least 10 days have passed since death, and no personal representative has been appointed or applied for (C.R.S. § 15-12-1201). The Colorado Department of Revenue's published cost-of-living table sets the affidavit limit at $88,000 for decedents dying in 2026 ($86,000 for deaths in 2025). The affidavit covers personal property only, not real estate.
- Qualifies:
- $88,000
Documents you'll need:
- Certified Death Certificate
- Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property
4File for Probate
Where to file, forms & fees
Where to File
Free Filing Help Available
Pitkin Combined Court (Pitkin County Courthouse) - Clerk's Office / Colorado Courts Self-Help Resources can help you understand forms and filing requirements at no cost.
Visit Self-Help Center