Colorado uses the Uniform Probate Code in clean form, runs a centralized statewide Judicial Branch case search portal (CICON), and has experienced one of the steepest home-value run-ups in the country over the past decade — meaning today's inherited Colorado homes carry historic equity positions, often $300,000-$600,000 above their last refinanced cost basis.
Colorado adopted the Uniform Probate Code (Colorado Revised Statutes Title 15, Article 12), which gives the state one of the cleanest informal probate processes in the country. An informal application for probate of will (CRS section 15-12-301) can be filed and Letters Testamentary issued within days.
Colorado's Judicial Branch operates a single statewide ICON case search system covering all 22 judicial districts.
Colorado has Transfer-on-Death deeds (Beneficiary Deeds, CRS section 15-15-401) that are widely used by retiree owners — particularly in resort counties (Eagle, Summit, Pitkin). A TOD-deeded home bypasses probate but still generates a recorded estate deed at the county clerk and recorder.
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Not every estate goes through it — it depends on how the home was titled, whether there's a will or trust, and Colorado rules. We'll help you find out.
Start with probate →Selling isn't the only option. Talk through whether it makes sense for you and what you'd actually walk away with after costs and the stepped-up basis.
Explore selling →Renting, holding, or renovating could be worth it. See what the numbers look like in your specific market before deciding.
Look at keeping it →Before you sell, rent, or move in, understand the home's real condition — and what fixing it up would actually take locally.
Check repairs →Informal probate (CRS 15-12-301) typically completes in 6 to 9 months. Formal probate runs 9 to 15 months. The 4-month creditor period after publication is the floor.
Yes — Beneficiary Deeds under CRS 15-15-401. These are heavily used by retiree homeowners. The deeded home bypasses probate but a recorded estate transfer still appears in county records.
Resort counties (Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, La Plata) see disproportionately high inherited-home equity. Front Range secondary counties (Larimer, Weld, Douglas) see strong inherited-home volume with growing population bases.
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