How Long Does Probate Take in Colorado?

What Affects How Long Probate Takes

Common factors include:

• whether there is a valid will
• the size and complexity of the estate
• required waiting periods under state law
• court workload and processing time
• whether the estate is contested

These factors influence how much time the court needs to process the estate and whether additional review or waiting periods apply.

Typical Probate Timeline in Colorado

While every case is different, probate generally follows these steps:

• Filing the application (Week 1–2) For informal probate, an application is filed with the district court. No hearing is required. For formal probate, a petition is filed and a hearing is scheduled.
• Appointment of personal representative (Week 1–3) In informal probate, the registrar appoints the personal representative without a hearing, often within days.
• Inventory (Month 1–3) The personal representative must prepare an inventory of estate assets within three months of appointment.
• Notice to creditors (Month 1–5) Notice is published once a week for three consecutive weeks. Creditors have four months from first publication to file claims.
• Payment of debts and taxes (Month 5–8) Valid claims and taxes are paid from the estate.
• Distribution to beneficiaries (Month 8–10) Remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
• Closing the estate (Month 9–12) A closing statement is filed. In informal probate, no hearing is needed.

Short vs. Long Probate Cases

• Simple estates often complete probate closer to the lower end of the typical range.
• Contested or complex estates can take significantly longer, especially if disputes arise or assets are difficult to locate.

How Colorado Probate Differs From Other States

Colorado adopted the Uniform Probate Code and offers one of the more efficient probate processes in the country. Informal probate requires no court hearings at all — the personal representative is appointed by a registrar, acts independently, and closes the estate by filing a simple statement. Colorado also allows a small estate affidavit for personal property under $74,000 and has a simplified process for real property under $74,000.

Colorado's Informal Probate Process

Most uncontested estates in Colorado use informal probate, which allows the entire process to be completed without a single court hearing. The personal representative files an application, receives appointment from the court registrar, administers the estate independently, and closes by filing a verified statement. This makes Colorado one of the fastest and least expensive states for straightforward probate cases.