Estate Administration (Probate) in Colorado, Arizona, and California
Estate administration, often called probate, is the court process for settling a person’s estate after they die. The personal representative gathers property, pays debts, and passes what’s left to the heirs. Each state sets its own steps and deadlines. Attorney Daniel R. Klein can guide you, with as much help as you need.
- Reviewed by
- Daniel R. Klein, attorney
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This page is general information about Colorado and Arizona law as of . It is not legal advice.
Who is this for?
- You’ve been named personal representative, or executor, in a loved one’s will.
- Your loved one died without a will, and the family needs someone to settle things.
- You’ve been asked to serve and want to know what’s involved before you say yes.
- You live in one state, and your loved one lived in another.
What happens in probate, step by step?
A personal representative is the person who settles the estate. Here is what that person does:
- Open the case. You apply to the court to be appointed. The court gives you letters, a court document that proves you can act for the estate.
- Give notice. You tell the heirs, the people who inherit, and you publish a notice so creditors know to send their bills.
- List the property. You make an inventory, a list of what the estate owns and what it’s worth.
- Pay debts and taxes. You pay valid bills and file final tax returns.
- Distribute and close. You give what’s left to the heirs and close the case.
Many cases use informal probate, which is handled by a court officer without a hearing. Formal probate includes a hearing before a judge, and is used when there are questions or disputes.
How does Daniel help a personal representative?
You can choose the level of help you want. Some families want to handle most steps themselves. Others want us to carry the load. Both are fine.
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First meeting
Daniel R. Klein reviews the will, the property, and the family with you, and explains what needs to happen now.
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Open the estate
We prepare and file the documents to have you appointed.
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Keep the deadlines
We track notices, the inventory, and the creditor claim period for you.
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Settle the estate
We help you pay valid claims, handle taxes with your CPA, and prepare a final accounting.
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Close the case
We prepare the closing documents so you can be released from the job.
Are probate deadlines different in Arizona?
Yes. The steps are similar, but several time limits differ. In Colorado, you can file as soon as 120 hours (5 days) after the death (Colorado Judicial Branch).
| Rule | Colorado | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Who can serve | Age 21 or older (JDF 998) | Non-licensed people must complete a court-approved training (Maricopa County Superior Court) |
| Notice to heirs | Within 30 days of appointment (C.R.S. 15-12-705) | Within 30 days of appointment (A.R.S. 14-3705) |
| Inventory | Within 3 months (C.R.S. 15-12-706) | Within 90 days (A.R.S. 14-3706) |
| Creditor notice | Published 3 weeks in a row; claims due no sooner than 4 months after first notice (C.R.S. 15-12-801) | Published once a week for 3 weeks; creditors get 4 months from first notice (A.R.S. 14-3801) |
| Outer limit for debts from before the death | 1 year after death (C.R.S. 15-12-803) | 2 years after death (A.R.S. 14-3803) |
| Earliest closing | 6 months after appointment (C.R.S. 15-12-1003) | 4 months after appointment (A.R.S. 14-3933) |
| Deadline to open probate | 3 years after death, with exceptions (C.R.S. 15-12-108) | 2 years after death, with exceptions (A.R.S. 14-3108) |
| Small-estate affidavit | Up to $88,000 in personal property for 2026 deaths; wait 10 days; no real estate (C.R.S. 15-12-1201; JDF 999) | Up to $200,000 in personal property; wait 30 days. A separate affidavit covers real estate up to $300,000 after 6 months (A.R.S. 14-3971) |
A small estate affidavit is a sworn form that lets heirs collect property without opening probate. For more detail, read our guide to how probate works in Colorado.
What should I bring?
- A copy of the death certificate. Please bring it with you rather than emailing it.
- The original will, and any codicils, if there are any.
- Recent statements for bank and retirement accounts. Bring them to the meeting.
- A list of family members and heirs, with their cities.
- Any letters you’ve received from the court, creditors, or insurers.
You can also print our what to bring checklist.
Please don’t email private documents, like account statements or medical records. We’ll tell you how to share them safely.
What does it cost?
You’ll get a written quote before any work begins. See how our fees work.
Questions people ask
How long does probate take?
No estate closes overnight. By law, a Colorado estate can’t close by sworn statement until 6 months after appointment (C.R.S. 15-12-1003). In Arizona, the earliest is 4 months (A.R.S. 14-3933). Many estates take longer, depending on the property, taxes, and family. We’ll give you an estimate for your situation.
Am I personally responsible for the estate’s debts?
Usually not. Valid debts are paid from the estate, not from your own pocket. But a personal representative who skips steps, like paying heirs before valid bills, can run into trouble. Following the notice and claim rules protects you, and we’ll walk you through them.
Do I need a lawyer for probate?
Not always. In Colorado, you may handle probate yourself, but you’re held to the same rules as a lawyer, and court staff can’t give legal advice (Colorado Judicial Branch). Many people want help with the deadlines and paperwork. You can choose guidance only or full help.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
No. Property with a named beneficiary, or held in a funded trust, passes outside probate. Small estates can often use an affidavit instead. In Colorado, that’s up to $88,000 in personal property for 2026 deaths, and it can’t transfer a home. In Arizona, it’s up to $200,000 in personal property, and a separate affidavit covers Arizona real estate up to $300,000 (C.R.S. 15-12-1201; A.R.S. 14-3971).
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