States / Colorado
After a death in Colorado
Where to look for a will, who to ask and where to search for money in Colorado.
The will
Which court handles probate
The district court in the county where the person lived handles probate (Denver has its own Denver Probate Court).
"District Court Judges in all counties and some Magistrates"
What to do with the original will
Whoever has custody of a will must deliver it to the probate court in the Colorado county where the person lived within 10 days after the testator's death. Willful failure makes the holder liable for damages; ignoring a court order is contempt.
"Within ten days after a testator's death"
C.R.S. § 15-11-516(1). Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
Wills deposited during life
Under the statute, a living testator or the testator's agent may deposit a will with any court for safekeeping; the court keeps it sealed and confidential. A family can ask that court after the death. Practice varies by court, and Colorado also created a separate state abandoned-wills depository (for professionals holding old wills), so confirm with the specific court.
"A will may be deposited by the testator or the testator's agent with any court for safekeeping"
C.R.S. § 15-11-515. Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
Opening a safe deposit box
Yes. If the decedent was a sole or joint box lessee and no personal representative has been appointed, the bank must let a person reasonably believed to be an heir or devisee, a nominated personal representative, or their agent or attorney in, with a bank representative present, to look for a will, a burial-plot deed, or burial instructions. Burial documents may be removed.
"for the purpose of determining whether the box contains an instrument that appears to be a will of the decedent"
C.R.S. § 15-10-111(1). Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
Unclaimed money
Colorado Department of the Treasury
"There is no charge to the owner for the recovery of funds directly through the State Treasurer's Office."
Instructions for heirs and estates
Source, checked 2026-10-15.
Small estates
A small estate may be able to skip full probate. What counts differs, so check with the court before you rely on a limit.
Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit, 2026 deaths
Limit $88,000. Wait 10 days.
C.R.S. §§15-12-1201–1202. Read the rule.
Death certificates
Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics
First copy $25.00, more copies in the same order $20.00 each. Proof of relationship or direct and tangible legal interest and identification is required.
Order from the state. Online vendors add fees.
State will and court rules checked 2026-11-06. See how we check facts or report a mistake. This is general information, not legal advice.