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Colorado Probate and Estate Forms

Colorado uses statewide JDF forms published by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Probate is filed in the District Court of the county where the decedent lived, except in Denver, where decedent estates are filed in the Denver Probate Court. Small estates of personal property can often be collected with an affidavit (JDF 999) without opening a court case.

Colorado Probate Forms by Situation

Start with the Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms library and the Open an Estate and Close an Estate self-help pages, then search by JDF number (for example 'JDF 910'). Instruction packets JDF 906 (probate with a will), JDF 907 (probate without a will), JDF 959 (closing informally), and JDF 957 (closing formally) walk through each path.

Find Forms By Your Situation

Official Resources

Start with the Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms library and the Open an Estate and Close an Estate self-help pages, then search by JDF number (for example 'JDF 910'). Instruction packets JDF 906 (probate with a will), JDF 907 (probate without a will), JDF 959 (closing informally), and JDF 957 (closing formally) walk through each path.

Colorado Judicial Branch - Self-Help Forms

Official statewide JDF forms library with search by form number or keyword.

Colorado Judicial Branch - Open an Estate

Official self-help page listing the forms for informal and formal probate, with and without a will.

Colorado Judicial Branch - Close an Estate

Official self-help page listing the forms for closing an estate informally or formally.

Denver Probate Court

Denver decedent estates are filed in the Denver Probate Court rather than district court; check for court-specific forms and procedures.

Colorado DMV - What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Colorado DMV page covering vehicle title transfer after death, including form DR 2712; the DMV does not accept JDF 999 for vehicles.

Colorado Revised Statutes

Official Colorado Revised Statutes; the small estate affidavit is governed by C.R.S. 15-12-1201 and 15-12-1202.

Important Notes

  • -Probate is filed in the District Court of the county where the decedent lived, except Denver, where decedent estates are filed in the Denver Probate Court.
  • -The Denver Probate Court may use court-specific (CPC) form versions or local procedures; the current statewide self-help site does not list separate CPC decedent estate forms, so confirm with that court before filing in Denver.
  • -In the current Colorado numbering, JDF 941 is the inventory and JDF 942 is the Interim/Final Accounting; the sworn closing statement is JDF 965, and there is no JDF 943 closing statement on the statewide forms list.
  • -The small estate limit is indexed by year of death: $88,000 for deaths in 2026, $86,000 for 2025, and $82,000 for 2024, per the JDF 998 guide.
  • -The JDF 999 affidavit is presented to the asset holder and is not filed with the court; the Colorado DMV requires its own form DR 2712 for vehicle titles.
  • -JDF forms are revised frequently and PDF links change with each revision; always download the current version from the coloradojudicial.gov form page before filing.

Sources: Colorado Judicial Branch - Self-Help Forms | Colorado Judicial Branch - Open an Estate

Not sure which Colorado forms you need?

Answer a few questions to sort the likely filing path before you pick forms or contact the District Court probate division.

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How to Use Colorado Probate FormsWhy the filing path comes before the form number

The form finder groups records such as Opening an Estate (Informal and Formal Probate), Estate Administration (Inventory and Accounting), Closing an Estate, Small Estate (Collection by Affidavit) so you can start with the likely procedure rather than one isolated form number.

Use source links such as Colorado Judicial Branch - Self-Help Forms, Colorado Judicial Branch - Open an Estate, Colorado Judicial Branch - Close an Estate to locate official forms and verify which documents belong in the packet.

Colorado Form Prep ChecksCounty packet rules and the records to gather before filing

Choose the filing path

Common filing paths in this data include Collection of personal property by affidavit (no court filing), Informal probate through the registrar, Formal probate with notice and a hearing, DMV small estate affidavit. Match the estate facts to the correct path before preparing forms.

Verify the county packet

Check the county District Court probate division or local filing-office instructions for coversheets, copy rules, appointments, fees, and filing methods.

Pull supporting records first

Collect the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset values, deed or title records, heir and beneficiary details, and creditor information before filling out the packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get Colorado probate forms?
Start with Colorado Judicial Branch - Self-Help Forms, Colorado Judicial Branch - Open an Estate, Colorado Judicial Branch - Close an Estate. Then verify local county instructions before you file, because packet rules, copy requirements, fees, and filing methods can vary.
How do I know which Colorado probate form I need?
Start with the filing path, not the form number. The right packet depends on will status, asset type and value, creditor issues, heirs or beneficiaries, and whether a simplified procedure fits.
Can I file Colorado probate forms without an attorney?
Some paths may allow self-filing, but this state data includes categories or situations where attorney help may be required or strongly expected. Verify the county rules and get legal help when rights, disputes, real estate, creditors, or tax facts are unclear.
What should I gather before filling out Colorado probate forms?
Gather the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset and debt lists, deed or title records, beneficiary records, and names and addresses for heirs or beneficiaries.
Colorado Official Forms and SourcesOfficial references used for this page

Information current as of June 11, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Colorado can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

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