The Three Types of Probate in Colorado: An Overview (Pt. 2)

November 5, 2014 Posted In Creditors and Probate,Probate, Estate, & Trust Administration
by Colorado Estate Matters

Resuming The 3 Types of Probate in Colorado: An Overview (Pt. 1), below we will continue our discussion regarding the different types of probate in Colorado, with a specific focus on formal probate and some info you should know regarding all types of probate in Colorado.

Formal Probate in Colorado

To minimize the possible complications and costs of probate in Colorado, contact Colorado Estate Matters, Ltd. Our attorneys are ready to provide you with superior service for all of your probate and estate planning needs.

Formal probate in Colorado is typically what people think of (and dread) when they are concerned about having to proceed through a drawn out, expensive and costly probate process. With formal probate in Colorado, the courts will oversee every aspect of the case, playing a critical role in reviewing every action and making final rulings regarding disputes in the case.

In general, formal probate in Colorado will occur when any single one (or some combination) of the following factors arise with an estate:

• A decedent has left no will.
• The existing will has not been authorized, and/or there are challenges to the legitimacy of the will for an estate.
• The existing will provides unclear instructions regarding the distribution of the estate’s assets.
• The heir to an estate cannot be located.
• There are substantial disputes regarding the assets of the estate.

A Few More Things about Probate in Colorado

• Estates that start off going through one type of probate may end up being resolved through another. For instance, informal probate can quickly become formal probate in Colorado in the event that disputes among the heirs arise.
• The reverse of the above can also be true, as formal probate in Colorado can be switched to informal probate if or when the major disputes regarding an estate have been resolved.
• While it is always best to proceed through formal probate in Colorado with the help of an experienced attorney, it is also advised to have a trusted probate lawyer guide you through other types of probate in Colorado to minimize the chances that issues will arise, resulting in the need for formal probate proceedings.

Denver Probate Attorneys at Colorado Estate Matters, Ltd. can assist you through the probate process.

Are you preparing for or dealing with probate in Colorado? If so, you can rely on the probate and estate planning lawyers at Colorado Estate Matters, Ltd. We provide a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to our clients’ various legal needs.  We take pride in helping each of our clients and their families find the best solutions for them.

While this means that we provide personalized attention at every step of the process, it also means that our clients can rely on our Denver probate attorneys to always be competent, caring and professional while providing them with the highest quality legal services at affordable rates.

Contact Us

We can discuss your estate planning needs and different options during our consultation. To schedule this meeting, call us at (303) 713-9147 or email us using the contact form at the top of this page.

From our offices in Denver, we serve clients throughout the southwest and southeast Metro Area, including (but not limited to) people in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Castle Rock, Parker, Aurora, Greenwood Village, Englewood, Centennial, Wheat Ridge, Golden and Arvada.