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After a parent dies · Colorado
Small estates in Colorado: collecting a parent's property without full probate
In Colorado, a person or company holding the property that refuses the affidavit without reasonable cause is liable for the heirs' costs, including reasonable attorney fees. In Colorado, anyone who receives property through the affidavit must answer to a personal representative if one is appointed later.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- In Colorado, a person or company holding the property that refuses the affidavit without reasonable cause is liable for the heirs' costs, including reasonable attorney fees. Colorado Judicial Branch, JDF 999. Checked November 2, 2026
- In Colorado, anyone who receives property through the affidavit must answer to a personal representative if one is appointed later. Colorado Judicial Branch, JDF 999. Checked November 2, 2026
- In Colorado, the affidavit for collecting personal property is not filed with the court, so there is no filing fee. Colorado Judicial Branch, JDF 999 instructions. Checked November 2, 2026
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for Colorado
- How to order a death certificate in Colorado
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Small estates: collecting a parent's property without full probate: all states
Neighbouring states
- Small estates in Arizona: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Kansas: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Nebraska: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in New Mexico: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Oklahoma: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Utah: collecting a parent's property without full probate
Questions
Where do these Colorado facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Colorado Judicial Branch, JDF 999; Colorado Judicial Branch, JDF 999 instructions. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Colorado or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.