Like many things in the law, “probate” is something that sounds more complicated than the concept really is. Simply, “probate” is the legal process by which the assets of someone who has died are transferred to the appropriate heirs or beneficiaries. The process also allows any creditors whom the deceased person may have owed to come forward and collect the outstanding balance.

Probate has gotten a bad rap in many states because the process has become so overwhelming, complex, and expensive. Luckily, here in Colorado, the probate process is one of the most consumer-friendly in the nation. The courts here have set things up to allow the appointed personal representative to complete the process without completing unnecessary steps or paperwork. When no one is fighting over whom will get which assets, the process is pretty routine and protects the estate from future claims.