Probate in Denver
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 24, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you’re settling an estate in Denver, the process follows Colorado’s statewide rules — see the Colorado probate process and costs — but where you go is unique.
Denver is the only place in Colorado with a dedicated Denver Probate Court (created by the state constitution); everywhere else, probate is filed in the county District Court. Before you start, check whether the estate even needs probate — smaller estates can use the small estate affidavit. If you do proceed, the personal representative duties guide covers your responsibilities, and do you need a lawyer walks through when to get help.
Local probate court
Court: Denver Probate Court — a dedicated probate court (created by the Colorado Constitution) that hears Denver probate, trust, and protective-proceeding matters.
Denver is unique in Colorado: instead of filing probate in the District Court, Denver matters go to the separate Denver Probate Court. Verify the current location, hours, and filing procedures on the court's official site before you file.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Where is probate handled in Denver?
- In the Denver Probate Court — a separate court created by the Colorado Constitution that handles probate, trusts, and protective proceedings. Unlike the rest of Colorado (which uses the county District Court), Denver has its own dedicated probate court.
- Is Denver probate different from other Colorado counties?
- The law is the same statewide, but Denver is the only county with a standalone probate court. Everywhere else, probate is filed in the county District Court.
- Can a small Denver estate avoid court?
- Yes — if it's at or under Colorado's small-estate limit, heirs can use the Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit with no court filing. See our Colorado small estate guide.