Probate in Colorado | Osterhout Law, P.C.

Osterhout Law, P.C.

Probate Doesn’t Have to Be
As Hard As It Sounds

We help Colorado families navigate the probate process — clearly, calmly, and without unnecessary stress.

The Basics

So, What Actually
Is Probate?

When someone passes away, their estate often has to go through a court-supervised process before assets can be transferred to family members. That process is probate.

It’s not as scary as it sounds — but it does take time, involves paperwork, and can catch families off guard if they’re not prepared. We’re here to handle it so you don’t have to figure it out on your own while you’re grieving.

When Is Probate Required?

In Colorado, probate is typically required when someone dies owning assets in their name alone — without a joint owner or beneficiary designation — that exceed $88,000 in value, or if they owned real estate solely in their name.

When Can You Skip It?

Assets with named beneficiaries — like life insurance, retirement accounts, and jointly held property — pass directly to loved ones without probate. A well-structured trust can also keep an estate out of court entirely.

What We Do

We Handle the Hard Parts
So You Don’t Have To

Whether you’re the personal representative of an estate or a family member trying to understand what comes next, we’ll walk you through every step.

Opening the Estate

We file the necessary paperwork with the court, give proper notice to creditors, and get the process started the right way from day one.

Guiding the Personal Representative

If you’ve been named executor or personal representative, we’ll make sure you understand your responsibilities — and that you’re protected along the way.

Handling Claims & Debts

We help you evaluate and respond to creditor claims, so the estate is wound down properly and assets reach the right people.

Closing the Estate

When everything is settled, we prepare the final accounting and court filings to close the estate cleanly and completely.

Your Attorney

You’re Not Alone
in This

Dealing with a loved one’s estate is hard enough without also trying to decode legal paperwork and court deadlines. At Osterhout Law, we keep things straightforward — we tell you exactly what needs to happen, take care of as much as we can for you, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Based in Colorado Springs, we work with families throughout Colorado. If you’re not sure where to start, just call — we’ll figure it out together.

Call (720) 724-8456

Common Questions

Things People
Often Ask Us

How long does probate take in Colorado? ▾

It depends on the complexity of the estate, but most straightforward Colorado probate cases take somewhere between six months and a year. The timeline is largely driven by creditor notice periods and court scheduling — not things that can be rushed, but things we can keep moving efficiently.

Do I need a lawyer to go through probate? ▾

Technically, no — but most personal representatives find it well worth having one. Probate involves court filings, legal deadlines, and personal liability if something goes wrong. Having an attorney handle the process protects both you and the beneficiaries.

What if there’s no will? ▾

When someone dies without a will (called dying “intestate”), Colorado law determines how assets are distributed. The estate still goes through probate, and the court will appoint an administrator. We handle intestate estates regularly and can guide you through the process.

Can probate be avoided with a trust? ▾

Yes — a revocable living trust is one of the most effective ways to keep an estate out of probate entirely. Assets held in the trust pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. If you’re interested in setting up a plan that avoids probate for your own family, we can help with that too.

Let’s Figure Out
Next Steps Together

Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Give us a call and we’ll help you understand what the process looks like for your specific situation.

Call Osterhout Law, P.C. (720) 724-8456

Or schedule a consultation online →

Probate Doesn’t Have to BeAs Hard As It Sounds

So, What ActuallyIs Probate?