Denver Probate Administration Lawyer

Estate Administration for Denver Families, Backed by Tax Law Credentials

When a loved one dies, the estate doesn’t settle itself. Someone must step forward, file the right documents, notify creditors and beneficiaries, and see the process through to final distribution. That person is the personal representative, and the legal process they must navigate is probate. At Curtis Law Firm, we’ve helped Denver metro families and personal representatives handle that responsibility for over 15 years. Attorney Cory Curtis holds both a JD and an LL.M in Taxation from the University of Denver, which means he brings tax law knowledge directly into estate administration matters, including estate tax returns and the tax-related issues that can arise during probate. Our services are available in English and Spanish, and financing is available for legal fees.

Our practice covers the full range of estate matters: probate administration, probate litigation, wills, trusts, and succession planning. Whether you’re a first-time personal representative or a beneficiary trying to understand your rights, we can help you move forward with clarity.

To speak with our Denver probate administration lawyers, call us at (720) 408-7726 or contact us online today.

Serving Denver County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County & Adams County

Colorado law generally requires that most estates pass through some form of probate before assets reach their intended recipients. Assets held in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries and aren’t subject to probate. But assets named only in a will, or left without any beneficiary designation at all, may need to go through the court process before they can be distributed. That obligation can apply whether the person who died left a detailed estate plan or nothing at all.

Curtis Law Firm serves clients throughout the Denver metro area, including Denver County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County, and Adams County. Wherever you are in this region, our team is reachable and ready to guide you through what comes next.

Common Probate Challenges in Colorado

Probate isn’t always straightforward. Common complications include disputed or outdated will language, inaccurate asset valuations, unresolved creditor claims, and disagreements among beneficiaries or heirs. Denver’s real estate market can add another layer of complexity: precise property appraisals can be a required step in the administration process, and significant value fluctuations can make that work contentious.

Colorado probate is governed by its own statutory framework, the Colorado Uniform Probate Code, which sets specific requirements for notice, filing deadlines, and court timelines. These requirements differ meaningfully from those in other states, and missing a step can create delays or expose the personal representative to liability. We handle both uncontested probate administration and contested matters. When disputes rise to the level of litigation, we can assist through our probate litigation practice.

How Probate Works in Colorado

The Colorado probate process has two core stages. First, the court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. Second, that representative settles outstanding debts, pays required taxes, and distributes remaining assets to the named or statutory beneficiaries. When no will exists, Colorado’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits, typically prioritizing a surviving spouse, then children, then extended family members.

Personal representatives carry real responsibilities throughout this process. They must notify beneficiaries, publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper, file required court documents, conduct an inventory of the estate’s assets and debts, and prepare a final accounting. A probate attorney helps the personal representative complete each of these steps in compliance with Colorado law, reducing the risk of personal liability for procedural errors.

Informal vs. Formal Probate in Colorado

Colorado offers two distinct probate tracks under the Colorado Uniform Probate Code, and choosing the right one is one of the first decisions a probate attorney helps you make.

Informal Probate

Informal probate involves limited court involvement. A court registrar appoints the personal representative without a formal hearing, and most steps are completed through filings rather than court appearances. This track may work well when the will is uncontested, all heirs are identified, and the estate is relatively straightforward.

Formal Probate

Formal probate requires judicial supervision. It’s appropriate when the validity of a will is in question, heirs are unknown or in disagreement, creditor claims are unresolved, or the estate’s complexity warrants court oversight at each stage. For estates located within the City and County of Denver, the Denver Probate Court, designated as the 24th Judicial District, has exclusive jurisdiction. Estates in Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, and Adams counties are handled by their respective district courts.

Why Denver Families Choose Curtis Law Firm

At Curtis Law Firm, you work directly with a legal professional from start to finish. We offer both full representation and unbundled services, so the level of support we provide can fit your situation and budget.

Tax Law Knowledge
With an LL.M in Taxation, Cory Curtis brings tax law knowledge to estate administration matters, including the preparation of estate tax returns, an obligation that can catch families off guard mid-probate.

Bilingual Services
Our services are fully bilingual in English and Spanish, so families and personal representatives can communicate with confidence throughout the process.

Flexible Scheduling & Affordable Fees
We offer appointment flexibility to accommodate personal representatives and family members managing their own work and grief simultaneously. Small retainers and payment plan options are available, and financing for legal fees is accessible through our payment portal.

Bar Association Memberships
Curtis Law Firm is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, and the Arapahoe County Bar Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the First Steps in the Probate Process?

The process begins with filing a petition in probate court to either validate the will or open an intestacy proceeding if no will exists. The court may then appoint a personal representative to manage the estate. You’ll need to gather documents including the death certificate and any existing will. Getting legal counsel at this stage helps ensure all filings meet Colorado probate requirements from the outset.

How Long Does Probate Take in Denver?

A straightforward case with minimal assets and no disputes may conclude in roughly six to nine months. Contested wills, unresolved creditor claims, or complex estates can extend the process well beyond a year. The timeline depends on the specific facts of the estate, the court’s schedule, and whether any disputes arise during administration.

Can Probate Be Avoided in Colorado?

Yes. Living trusts, joint ownership of assets, and beneficiary designations on accounts and life insurance policies can allow assets to transfer directly without passing through probate. These strategies require advance planning. Consulting with an estate planning attorney before death occurs is an effective way to structure an estate to minimize or potentially avoid the probate requirement.

What Does Probate Cost in Colorado?

Costs typically include court filing fees, attorney fees, and expenses for appraisals and other administrative tasks. In Colorado, attorney fees must be reasonable given the time involved and the complexity of the estate; unlike some states, Colorado doesn’t use a statutory percentage scale to set them. Understanding potential costs early in the process helps families plan and avoid financial surprises during administration.

How Does Colorado Law Determine Who Inherits?

When a valid will exists, assets are distributed according to its terms. Without a will, Colorado’s intestacy laws control distribution, generally prioritizing a surviving spouse first, then children, then more distant relatives. Personal representatives must understand which framework applies before making any distributions.

Talk to a Probate Attorney in Denver

If you’re managing a loved one’s estate in Denver or across Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, or Adams County, we’re ready to help you understand what’s required and move through the process with confidence. Bilingual Spanish services and flexible scheduling are available. Call Curtis Law Firm at (720) 408-7726 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.