If you’re stepping into the role of personal representative—or grieving someone who didn’t leave a clear estate plan—you’re probably wondering how long probate will take. Maybe you’ve heard it can drag on for years. Or maybe you’re feeling pressure to wrap things up quickly.

The truth in Colorado? Most probate cases take 6 to 12 months, but the timeline can vary depending on the estate’s complexity, family dynamics, and how prepared things are from the start.

Here’s a step-by-step look at the probate process in Colorado, and what affects the timing along the way.

Step 1: Open the Probate Case (1–4 weeks)

The process begins by filing paperwork with the probate court in the county where the person lived. If there’s a valid will, the original is submitted at this time. The court will appoint a personal representative (also called an executor), either named in the will or selected based on Colorado law.

Once appointed, the court issues “Letters Testamentary” or “Letters of Administration”—legal documents that authorize the personal representative to act on behalf of the estate.

Step 2: Notify Heirs and Creditors (1–2 months)

Within a few weeks of being appointed, the personal representative must notify all interested parties: heirs, beneficiaries, and known creditors. Colorado law also requires publishing a notice in a local newspaper for unknown creditors, which starts a 4-month clock for those creditors to file claims.

Step 3: Gather and Value Assets (1–3 months)

The personal representative must locate and value all of the estate’s assets, including bank accounts, real estate, investments, personal property, and more. This step can be quick for a small estate or take longer for larger, more complex ones, especially if records are hard to find or appraisals are needed.

Step 4: Pay Debts, Taxes, and Expenses (3–6 months)

Before any inheritance can be distributed, the estate must pay outstanding debts, funeral costs, taxes, and other expenses. If the estate lacks liquid cash, the personal representative may need to sell property to cover these costs, which can extend the timeline.

Colorado doesn’t have a separate state estate tax, but final income tax returns and property taxes still need to be filed and paid.

Step 5: Distribute Remaining Assets (6–12 months from start)

Once all debts and expenses are handled, the personal representative can distribute the remaining assets to heirs and beneficiaries. This usually happens near the end of the probate process, after the 4-month creditor window has closed and final court documents are filed.

If the estate is complex or if there’s any disagreement among heirs, this step can take longer.

Step 6: Close the Estate (1–2 weeks)

The final step is filing a closing statement with the court to officially wrap up the estate. Once accepted, the personal representative’s legal duties are complete, although they can be liable for up to a year.

What Can Delay Probate?

Some common causes of delay include:

• Missing or outdated estate planning documents
• Disagreements between heirs
• Difficulty locating or valuing assets
• Real estate that needs to be sold
• Unpaid taxes or creditor disputes
• Court backlogs in certain counties

Having a knowledgeable probate attorney can help avoid or minimize many of these delays.

The Bottom Line

While no two probate cases are exactly alike, most in Colorado follow a similar timeline and can be completed in under a year, especially with good communication and legal support.

If you’re navigating probate after a loved one’s passing, we’re here to help. At Lester Law, we walk with personal representatives every step of the way, making the process as smooth, clear, and manageable as possible. You don’t have to do this alone.

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This website includes information about legal issues. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on your specific legal problems.