Colorado Probate Administration

In its most basic terms, probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies in order to legally transfer the title in an asset to the beneficiaries designated in a will. The Colorado probate law also governs the process for the distribution of property where there has been no will. The law provides for the determination of who qualifies as an heir to the deceased and what portion of the assets his or her position in the family entitles them to receive. During the probate process, a personal representative (also known as executor) will go through many routine tasks, such as

• Identifying and inventorying estate property
• Paying estate debts and taxes
• Distributing property as directed by a will or state law

Though this explanation of probate may seem simple, the process usually is not. There are often a number of different persons interested in the probate estate, including: creditors, other family members, beneficiaries, the surviving spouse, and the personal representative for the estate. Each person has a different interest in the probate administration that is protected by Colorado law. In addition to the expected responsibilities, there may be other legal problems, such as relatives contesting their share of the estate, a challenge to the validity of a will or the size and types of debts included as obligations of the estate. Because of all these competing interests, the steps undertaken to complete a probate administration can be lengthy, time-consuming, and costly—if done improperly.

If you are charged with the responsibility of handling the probate administration of an estate, don't take chances and open yourself up to allegations of improper handling of assets. Get assistance from a professional. Contact our Probate Administration office to find out how we can make your job easier.