ProbateUS
Probate Court

Larimer County

Colorado

970-494-3500

Court Location & Contact

Address

201 LaPorte Ave, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Fax

970-494-3580

Filing Fees

Larimer County, Colorado

Fee TypeAmount
Decedent's Estate (not small estates)
Guardianship/Conservatorship

Judges & Officers

CM
C. Michelle Brinegar
SB
Sarah B. Cure
LK
Laurie K. Dean
JD
Joseph D. Findley
GM
Gregory M. Lammons
DM
Daniel M. McDonald
DM
Daniel M. St. John II
JG
Juan G. Villaseñor
KS
Kraig S. Ecton
K"
Katharine "Jenny" Ellison
JB
Joshua B Lehman
TL
Thomas L. Lynch
MR
Matthew R. Zehe

Required Forms

JDF 703 - Petition for Transfer of Lodged Will Pursuant to § 15–11–516(2), C.R.S.JDF 704 - Order for Transfer of Lodged WillJDF 705 - Probate Case Information SheetJDF 709 - Instructions to Set a Hearing and to Complete a Notice of HearingJDF 710 - Notice to Set HearingJDF 711 - Notice of HearingJDF 712 - Notice of Hearing Without Appearance Pursuant to C.R.P.P. 24JDF 714 - Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence and Proof of Publication Pursuant to §§ 15–10–401(1)(C) and 15–10–401(3), C.R.S.JDF 716 - Notice of Hearing by Publication Pursuant to § 15–10–401, C.R.S.JDF 717 - Certificate of ServiceJDF 718 - Person Service AffidavitJDF 719 - Waiver of NoticeJDF 721 - Irrevocable Power of Attorney Designating Clerk of Court as Agent for Service of ProcessJDF 722 - Objection to a Hearing Without AppearanceJDF 723 - ObjectionJDF 724JDF 821 - Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment by Written Instrument as Guardian for Minor Pursuant to § 15–14–202, C.R.S.JDF 836 - Order for Termination of Guardianship—Minor Pursuant to § 15–14–210, C.R.S.JDF 844 - Notice of Appointment of Emergency Guardian and Notice of Right to Hearing Pursuant to § 15–14–312, C.R.S.JDF 852 - Petition for Termination of Guardianship—Adult Pursuant to § 15–14–318, C.R.S.JDF 856 - Order for Modification of Guardianship Adult or Minor Pursuant to §§ 15–14–318, C.R.S. Or 15–14–210, C.R.S.JDF 903 - Withdrawal of Demand for Notice of Filings or Orders Pursuant to § 15–12–204, C.R.S.JDF 999 - Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit

Probate Forms Library

44 fillable forms — scroll to browse

1041Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-TAllocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CECertification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GSGeneration-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GSGeneration-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GSNotification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-VPayment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HASRequest for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NAU.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDTU.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 UU.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-AU.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-AUnited States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITEDUnited States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

Probate Guide

Probate in Larimer County, Colorado

The Larimer County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Larimer County, CO, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Colorado, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Colorado?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Colorado's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Larimer County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Larimer County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Colorado law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Colorado, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Colorado does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Larimer County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Larimer County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Larimer County Justice Center is open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted. Probate matters are handled by the District Court. Larimer County is included in the Eighth Judicial District. The public is strongly encouraged to submit filings in either WORD or PDF format to AcjcClerk@judicial.state.co.us or via U.S. mail directly to 7325 S. Potomac St. Centennial, Colorado 80112, as an alternative to filing in person.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Larimer County, CO?

Probate petitions for estates in Larimer County are filed at the Larimer County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Larimer County?

Probate filing fees in Larimer County, Colorado vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Colorado?

Probate in Colorado typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Larimer County?

While not always legally required in Colorado, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Colorado, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Larimer County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Colorado

Peter (Pete) Bullard

Law Offices of Peter W. Bullard, P.C.

Fort Collins · 4 mi

General Trust & EstateTestamentary Planning+1

Jennifer Spitz

Lyons Gaddis

Longmont · 29 mi

General Trust & EstateTestamentary Planning+1

Nancy (Susie) Germany

The Germany Law Firm, PC

Erie · 36 mi

Asset ProtectionConservatorships/Guardianships+6

Shelly Merritt

Hutchinson Black and Cook, LLC

Boulder · 41 mi

General Trust & EstateBusiness Planning+4

Constance (Connie) Eyster

Hutchinson Black and Cook, LLC

Boulder · 41 mi

General Trust & EstateTrust and Estate Administration
See more attorneys near Larimer County