ProbateUS
Probate Court

Sedgwick County

Colorado

970-474-3627

Court Location & Contact

Address

315 Cedar Street Julesburg, CO 80737

Fax

970-458-7755

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Sedgwick County, Colorado

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Civil Union$230.00

Judges & Officers

CS
Carl S. McGuire III
DM
Dina M. Christiansen
SM
Stevie M.G. Gagliano
RC
Robert C. James
KL
Kimbra L. Killin
MM
Myka M. Landry

Required Forms

JDF 910 - Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 911 - Acceptance of Appointment
JDF 912 - Renunciation and/or Nomination of Personal Representative
JDF 913 - Order for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 915 - Letters Testamentary/of Administration
JDF 916 - Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 917 - Order for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 711 - Notice of Hearing
JDF 721 - Irrevocable Power of Attorney
JDF 920 - Petition for Formal Probate of Will and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 921 - Order Admitting Will to Formal Probate and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 922 - Petition for Adjudication of Intestacy and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 923 - Order of Intestacy, Determination of Heirs and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative
JDF 714 - Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence and Proof of Publication Pursuant to §§ 15-10-401(1)(C) and 15-10-401(3), C.R.S.
JDF 716 - Notice of Hearing by Publication Pursuant to § 15-10-401, C.R.S.
JDF 941 - Decedent's Estate Inventory
JDF 943 SC - Creditor Notice Publication
JDF 944 SC - Creditor Notice
JDF 942 SC - Estate Accounting
JDF 960 SC - Petition for Final Settlement
JDF 731 - Receipt and Release
JDF 965 SC - Closing Statement
Affidavit of Heirship
JDF 703 - Petition for Transfer of Lodged Will Pursuant to § 15–11–516(2), C.R.S
JDF 730 - Decree of Final Discharge Pursuant to §§ 15–12–1001, 15–12–1002, or 15–14–431, C.R.S.
JDF 781 - Provisional Letters Pursuant to § 15–14.5–302, C.R.S.

Probate Guide

Probate in Sedgwick County, Colorado

The Sedgwick County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Sedgwick County, CO, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Colorado, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Colorado?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Colorado's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Sedgwick County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Sedgwick County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Colorado law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Colorado, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Colorado does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Sedgwick County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Sedgwick County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Sedgwick County, CO?

Probate petitions for estates in Sedgwick County are filed at the Sedgwick County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Sedgwick County?

Probate filing fees in Sedgwick County, Colorado vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Colorado?

Probate in Colorado typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Sedgwick County?

While not always legally required in Colorado, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Colorado, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Sedgwick County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

ACTEC Fellows in Colorado

Alison Zinn

Lathrop Gage LLP

Denver

Conservatorships/GuardianshipsElder Law+1

Amber R. E. Stone

651 Garrison St

Lakewood

Estate PlanningTrust & Probate Law

Baird Brown

Brown & Brown, P.C.

Grand Junction

General Trust & EstateTestamentary Planning+1

Barbara Dalvano

Law Office of Barbara Ann Dalvano

Denver

Bradley (Brad) Frigon

The Law Office of Bradley J. Frigon

Littleton

Asset ProtectionConservatorships/Guardianships+6
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