When someone in Colorado dies, distributing their estate doesn’t always happen right away. Often, their assets must pass through probate—a legal process to ensure all bills get paid, heirs are identified, and property finds its way to the right people. That can stretch out for months or longer, leaving you waiting for inheritance funds. Below is a quick look at how probate in Colorado usually unfolds, along with an option to get money sooner if you need it.
The Probate Process in Colorado
Who Files for Probate?
The executor named in the will (or a close family member if there is no will) typically files a Petition for Estate Administration in the county where the deceased lived. State law gives a 30-day window for filing the will, though many people file earlier to keep things moving.
What Happens Next?
- Appointing a Personal Representative: The court authorizes someone to manage the estate, whether it’s the named executor or an appointee if no will exists.
- Notifying Heirs and Creditors: The representative informs any beneficiaries and provides official notice to creditors, who have limited time to submit claims.
- Cataloging Assets: They identify and secure everything the person owned—real estate, savings, personal belongings—and assess each item’s value.
- Paying Off Debts: Bills, mortgages, taxes, and other claims get paid from estate funds.
- Distribution: Once debts are settled, the rest of the property goes to heirs, under either the will’s terms or state intestate rules.
- Closing the Estate: The representative files final paperwork, showing the court everything has been handled, and the estate is officially done.
How Long Might It Take?
It depends on complexity: simpler estates might wrap up in around nine months, but those involving property in multiple locations, will disputes, or large debts can linger for a year or two. Formal probate typically stays open at least six months to give creditors time to come forward.
Exemptions and Simplifications
Not every estate requires full probate. Colorado allows:
- Small Estate Affidavit (JDF 999): If the estate’s total is under a set threshold (adjusted yearly for inflation) and doesn’t include real property, heirs might skip formal probate.
- Informal Probate: Families can often follow a simpler route if the will is uncontested and the estate is straightforward.
- Summary Administration: If probate has started but the estate has no major debts or taxes, the personal representative may request summary administration to streamline things.
Also, assets that automatically pass to someone else—like joint accounts, living trusts, or life insurance policies naming a beneficiary—don’t go through probate.
Dying Without a Will in Colorado
If no valid will exists, intestate succession laws govern who inherits. Typically, a spouse and/or children receive most of the estate, while parents, siblings, or extended relatives might receive shares if the deceased left no immediate family. In this scenario, the court names an administrator to manage the estate, but the tasks—securing property, notifying creditors, and distributing funds—resemble those of an executor.
Handling Probate Costs
Court Filing Fees
Opening formal or informal probate costs $199, plus additional fees if you need further court filings.
Attorney Fees
Some families choose to work with a probate lawyer, especially if the estate is large or complicated.
Executor/Personal Representative Fees
Colorado guidelines often place fees between 2% and 5% of the estate’s total, but the exact amount can vary. It’s also possible to waive compensation.
Professional Services
Appraisers, accountants, or other specialists may be necessary if the estate includes unique or high-value property.
Getting Funds Sooner With an Inheritance Advance
Heirs often find it tough to wait for a year or more, particularly if large bills or debts can’t be postponed. That’s where Rockpoint Probate Funding can help by providing a probate cash advance. Often called a “probate loan,” it differs from standard loans:
- No Monthly Payments: Repayment comes straight out of your eventual inheritance.
- No Credit Check: Approval hinges on the estate’s worth, not your credit score or income.
- No Risk If You Don’t Inherit: If for some reason you don’t receive anything in the end, you typically owe nothing back.
Receiving an advance in as little as a day can relieve immediate money worries—like funeral costs, mortgage payments, or everyday bills—without piling on interest charges or ongoing loan installments.
Contact Rockpoint Probate Funding
To learn more, call (888) 263-8588. If you’re dealing with probate in Colorado and need your inheritance sooner, a cash advance may offer the short-term relief you need.
Key Takeaways
Colorado probate laws ensure that a deceased person’s final debts get paid and property goes to rightful heirs, but the process can be lengthy. Small estate affidavits, informal probate, or other exemptions can sometimes simplify or speed things up. Meanwhile, if you can’t afford to wait for an inheritance, options like a probate cash advance through Rockpoint Probate Funding might help bridge the financial gap. Understanding these steps and alternatives upfront can reduce stress during an already emotional time.
