Quick answer: Colorado probate attorney fees are not set by a statutory percentage. Under C.R.S. § 15-10-602 they must be reasonable, subject to court review. Straightforward informal probate typically costs $3,500–$5,000; formal or contested cases run $5,000–$15,000+.
How Colorado probate attorneys bill
Flat fee or hourly for informal probate
Because Colorado uses a reasonableness standard, most attorneys quote a flat fee for a straightforward informal estate ($3,500–$5,000) or bill hourly (commonly $250–$450/hour in Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder).
Hourly for formal or contested
Formal probate — will contests, unclear heirs, disputes — is billed hourly and runs $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
Do you even need an attorney?
Colorado's informal track and small estate affidavit are designed to be usable without a lawyer. Consider one when:
- The estate is large or includes real property or a business.
- The case is formal — disputes, will-validity questions, or unclear heirs.
- There are significant creditor claims or tax issues.
- You want the inventory, notices and closing done correctly.
How to keep Colorado probate attorney fees down
- Use the small estate affidavit ($88,000 for 2026 deaths) — no attorney, no court.
- Use informal administration and, if simple, handle it yourself.
- Ask for a flat fee for informal probate, in writing.
- Plan with a trust or beneficiary deed — both avoid probate entirely.
Attorney fees are only one piece. See the full picture in the Colorado probate cost breakdown, or estimate your total with the Colorado probate cost calculator.