Colorado Informal Probate Form Requirements

If you've recently lost a loved one in Colorado and need to settle their estate, understanding the informal probate form requirements can save you weeks of frustration and avoid unnecessary court appearances. Informal probate is the simpler path through Colorado's probate system, but only if you file the right forms, in the right way, from the start. A single missing signature or incorrect box checked can send your petition back and delay everything.

What Is Informal Probate in Colorado?

Informal probate is a streamlined court process used when there's no dispute about a will, the executor, or how assets should be distributed. Instead of appearing before a judge, a court clerk (called a registrar) reviews your paperwork and issues orders. It's faster, cheaper, and far less stressful than formal probate.

Colorado's Uniform Probate Code governs this process under C.R.S. § 15-12-301 through § 15-12-311. To qualify, the estate typically needs a valid will (or clear intestate succession), no contested claims, and a willing personal representative. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, comparing informal and formal probate options can help you decide.

Which Forms Do You Need to File for Informal Probate?

Colorado uses standardized probate forms available through the state court system. Here are the primary forms you'll need:

JDF 920 – Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative: This is your main filing. It identifies the decedent, the will, the nominated personal representative, and the interested parties.
JDF 921 – Statement of Acceptance and Duties: Once appointed, the personal representative signs this form accepting the role and acknowledging their legal responsibilities.
JDF 922 – Letters Testamentary: Issued by the registrar after your application is approved. This document gives the personal representative authority to act on behalf of the estate.
JDF 960 – Notice of Appointment and Duties of Personal Representative: Sent to all interested parties to inform them of the appointment and their rights.
JDF 999 – Certificate of Compliance: Used to confirm that proper notice was given.
Original Last Will and Testament: You must file the original will, not a copy. If you only have a copy, you'll likely need to proceed through formal probate instead.

For a full walkthrough of the filing sequence, the step-by-step process for informal probate in Colorado covers each form in order.

How Do You Fill Out the Application for Informal Probate (JDF 920)?

This form is where most errors happen. Here's what each section requires:

Section 1 – Decedent Information: Full legal name, date of death, county of residence, and Social Security number. Use the name exactly as it appears on the death certificate.
Section 2 – Will Information: Date the will was signed, whether it was self-proved (notarized), and confirmation that the original is attached.
Section 3 – Personal Representative: Name, address, and relationship to the decedent. The person must be at least 18 and mentally competent. If the will names an alternate, note that as well.
Section 4 – Heirs and Interested Parties: List every person entitled to inherit, including those named in the will and anyone who would inherit under Colorado intestacy laws if the will didn't exist. Include full names, addresses, and relationships.
Section 5 – Priority for Appointment: Colorado law gives priority to the executor named in the will, then to surviving spouses, then to other heirs. Confirm you have legal priority.

Need help avoiding mistakes on these forms? Our guide on expert tips for Colorado probate form completion covers the most common pitfalls.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make?

After reviewing hundreds of informal probate filings, these errors come up repeatedly:

Filing a copy instead of the original will. The registrar will reject your application without the original document. If the original is lost, you may need to pursue formal probate where a judge can evaluate a copy.
Listing incomplete heirs. You must name every heir and interested party, even estranged relatives or those not in the will. Missing someone can invalidate the entire proceeding.
Using the wrong form. Colorado has separate forms for informal probate with a will (testate) and without a will (intestate). Using the wrong one means starting over.
Not including a self-proved affidavit. If the will wasn't notarized with a self-proving affidavit, you'll need witness testimony or may be directed to formal probate. Check whether your loved one's will includes this.
Filing too early. Colorado law requires a 10-day waiting period after death before you can file your application. Filing before that window closes will result in rejection.
Missing the acceptance form. After the registrar issues Letters Testamentary, the personal representative must file JDF 921 to officially accept the appointment. Many people skip this step.

Understanding how informal probate requirements differ from formal ones can help you avoid unnecessary complications.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File Informal Probate Forms?

Colorado law doesn't require you to hire an attorney for informal probate. Many people handle straightforward estates on their own, especially when the will is clear, there are no disputes, and the estate is modest. That said, consider professional help if:

The estate includes real property in multiple counties or states
There are significant debts or creditor claims
Any heir is a minor or has a legal disability
Family members have indicated they may contest the will
The will's validity is in question

You can find the official probate forms and filing instructions on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.

How Long Does Informal Probate Take Once Forms Are Filed?

If your paperwork is complete and correct, the registrar typically issues Letters Testamentary within a few business days. After that, the personal representative must:

Publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper (allowing 4 months for claims)
Send notice to all known creditors
Inventory and appraise estate assets
Pay valid debts and taxes
Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries
File a final accounting and close the estate

The entire process usually takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the estate's complexity and whether any creditor issues arise. For estates that end up requiring court oversight, reviewing how to navigate formal probate court forms can prepare you for a potential transition.

What Happens If the Court Rejects Your Informal Probate Forms?

Rejection doesn't mean you've lost your chance. The registrar will usually tell you what's missing or incorrect. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete heir lists, missing signatures, or insufficient information about the will. You can correct the issues and refile. If the rejection stems from a dispute or a problem with the will itself, you may be redirected to formal probate, where a judge will hear the matter.

Practical Checklist for Colorado Informal Probate Forms

Confirm at least 10 days have passed since the date of death
Locate the original last will and testament
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate (you'll need several)
Complete JDF 920 with all required information
List every heir and interested party with full names and addresses
Verify the will has a self-proving affidavit or plan for witness testimony
File the application with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived
Pay the filing fee (typically $164–$224 depending on the county)
File JDF 921 (Acceptance of Appointment) after Letters Testamentary are issued
Send JDF 960 notices to all interested parties
Publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper
File JDF 999 (Certificate of Compliance) confirming all notices were sent

Next step: Download the correct forms from your county probate court, verify your will is the original, and gather the full legal names and addresses of every heir before you start filling anything out. Getting this groundwork right the first time is the difference between a smooth filing and weeks of back-and-forth corrections.