More Than 20 Years Of Serving Colorado Families And Businesses In Times Of Need

Colorado Probate And Estate Administration Attorneys

Probate administration is the process in which the assets from the deceased individual’s estate are distributed in a court-supervised process. Estate administration is a broader term that also encompasses trust administration and distribution of assets outside of probate. Nonprobate assets typically include life insurance policies, payable on death accounts and real estate with survivorship rights.

At Chayet & Danzo, LLC, we understand the nuances of Colorado probate law and are able to assist with a full range of estate administration. We are a boutique estate law firm with a statewide reach. Our award-winning lawyers share a commitment to delivering personalized service through all aspects of the estate administration and probate process. Please call 303-872-5980 to speak with an experienced probate attorney today. We offer free initial consultations.

What Does Probate Mean For Colorado Residents?

All probate estates have a person who is responsible, under the court’s supervision, for the administration of the decedent’s estate in Colorado. This person is known as the personal representative (formally called executor or executrix).

What’s The Role Of A Personal Representative?

In Colorado, the person who represents your estate after you die is your personal representative. This person must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind. The duties of the representative you designate are to:

  • File your will with the court
  • Create an inventory of the estate and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries
  • Pay your estate expenses and debts

A well-prepared will can make your personal representative’s job easier by laying out your wishes.

Guiding You Through The Probate And Estate Administration Process

We can guide you through the probate and estate administration process by protecting your rights and making sure you understand Colorado probate law. When an individual passes away without a will or trust, or if their will does not cover all estate assets, the probate process can be more challenging. Additionally, if the will was created under undue influence, it could further complicate matters. Such complications can pose obstacles for fiduciaries, beneficiaries, heirs and others engaged in managing the estate.

We are happy to assist you, regardless of your tie to the deceased individual’s estate. We handle probate matters that deal with:

  • Probate litigation: Our firm can litigate your probate case if there is a dispute regarding the mental capacity of the deceased individual (also referred to as the decedent or testator). We can also assist you if you are a creditor who needs to collect debt from the estate.
  • Estate and trust administration: Our firm will assist you with your responsibilities as a trustee or personal representative of an estate.
  • Representation of fiduciaries: If you are a fiduciary, you can turn to us for help fulfilling your responsibilities. You can also rely on us for robust advocacy if you are being sued for alleged mismanagement of the estate.
  • Will contests: It may be necessary to litigate a will if a term of the will is questioned due to capacity or undue influence. We will represent you in a will contest to recover your assets.
  • Breach of fiduciary duties: We handle litigation involving fiduciary misconduct such as conflicts of interests, financial mismanagement and breaches of loyalty.

Because our lawyers focus solely on estate law, estate planning and related areas of practice, we offer a valuable depth of understanding into each of these areas. Not all estate lawyers handle contested estates or other estate-related litigation. We do. This equips us to be well-prepared for any hurdles that may arise.

How Long Does Probate And Estate Administration Take?

The duration of the probate and estate administration process can vary significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. Factors that can extend the timeline include the complexity of the estate, challenges to the will, disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, or difficulties with locating all the estate assets.

At Chayet & Danzo, LLC, our experienced attorneys can help streamline this process. We understand that prolonged proceedings can be stressful. We can help by providing individualized guidance on expected timelines and supporting you through each step to minimize potential delays. Our goal is to expedite the process as much as possible without jeopardizing the quality of our representation.

Contact Our Denver-Based Law Firm To Discuss Your Probate Questions

We handle a wide range of probate and estate issues. To learn about the services that our probate attorneys offer, contact our law firm today at 303-872-5980 for a free initial consultation. We also have an office in Edwards and serve clients statewide.