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Colorado Probate Timeline Calculator

Estimate how long probate will take in Colorado — based on whether you have informal or formal probate, and the 4-month creditor window.

Based on C.R.S. 15-12-706, 801, 803, 1003 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Colorado probate

Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.

Estimated timeline in Colorado
6–12 months
Informal probate, cooperative heirs, no real estate sale
What is informal probate? →
Facing probate in Colorado?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

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Colorado's probate timeline, at a glance

MilestoneColorado ruleSource
Information to heirs/devisees mailedWithin 30 days of appointmentC.R.S. § 15-12-705
Inventory dueWithin 3 months of appointmentC.R.S. § 15-12-706
Notice to creditors published3 times over 3 successive weeksC.R.S. § 15-12-801
Creditor claim deadline4 months from first publication, or 60 days from mailed notice, whichever laterC.R.S. § 15-12-803
Absolute claim bar (no notice given)1 year from date of deathC.R.S. § 15-12-801, 803
Earliest closing statement (informal)6 months after appointment or 1 year after death, whichever occurs firstC.R.S. § 15-12-1003

Colorado probate timeline — frequently asked questions

How long does probate take in Colorado?

Informal probate usually takes 6 to 12 months; formal probate 9 to 18 months. Every Colorado estate must stay open at least until the creditor claim period runs, and the closing statement can't be filed earlier than 6 months after appointment or 1 year after death, whichever occurs first.

How long do Colorado creditors have to file a claim?

4 months from the first publication of the notice to creditors, or 60 days from mailed notice to a known creditor, whichever is later, under C.R.S. § 15-12-801 and § 15-12-803. If no notice is ever published or mailed, creditors have up to 1 year from the date of death.

What is informal probate in Colorado?

A track handled by a court registrar without a hearing, used for most uncontested Colorado estates. Formal probate goes before a judge or magistrate and is used for contested wills, disputed appointments, or other disagreements.

When can a Colorado estate close?

An unsupervised personal representative can file the sworn closing statement no earlier than 6 months after appointment or 1 year after death, whichever occurs first, under C.R.S. § 15-12-1003.

Colorado probate tools & guides

Colorado Probate DeadlinesEvery statutory date, with citations What Delays Probate in ColoradoThe real causes, beyond the baseline Informal vs Formal ProbateWhich one applies to your estate Colorado Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on Colorado statute (C.R.S. § 15-12-705, 706, 801, 803, 1003), part of the Uniform Probate Code as adopted in Colorado. Actual timelines depend on the specific District Court's (or Denver Probate Court's) calendar, whether the estate is contested, and how quickly the personal representative files. Confirm current timelines with the court or a licensed Colorado attorney before acting.