Bent County Probate Court Cases
Bent County probate court records are maintained at the Bent Combined Court in Las Animas. These files document estate settlements, will probate proceedings, and protective guardianships for residents of this southeastern Colorado county. The 16th Judicial District oversees all probate matters in Bent County along with Crowley and Otero counties. Records can be accessed by contacting the courthouse or using statewide search tools.
Bent County Probate Court Location
The Bent Combined Court handles all probate matters for the county. The court is located at 725 Bent Avenue in Las Animas. This facility serves the entire county's court needs.
Contact the court by telephone at 719-383-7152. This number reaches the main clerk's office. Staff can assist with probate record questions. No separate email address is published for records requests.
The Bent County Trial Court page provides official court information and contact details.
Bent County is part of the 16th Judicial District. This district includes three counties in southeastern Colorado. Crowley and Otero counties share district boundaries with Bent. The District Court serves all three locations.
The courthouse maintains regular business hours. Visitors should call ahead to confirm availability. Some records may require preparation time before viewing.
How to Search Bent County Probate Records
Locating probate records in Bent County requires using available resources. Several methods can help you find the documents you need.
The Colorado Judicial Branch operates a statewide docket search at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. This tool includes Bent County cases. Search by name, case number, or date range. Results show basic case details only. Copies of documents require direct court contact.
In-person visits provide complete file access. Go to the Bent Combined Court during business hours. The clerk can retrieve probate files for your review. You may request copies of documents. Bring identification with you.
Written requests are accepted by mail. Send letters to 725 Bent Avenue, Las Animas, CO 81054. Include complete case information. Provide your contact details for follow-up.
Older records may be archived at the Colorado State Archives. Contact the Archives for historical cases from the early 1900s through the 1980s. Their database is at archives.colorado.gov/archives-search.
Types of Bent County Probate Court Records
The Bent Combined Court handles several categories of probate cases. Each type produces distinct records.
Decedent estate cases settle affairs after someone dies. The court oversees debt payment and asset distribution. Files contain wills, inventories, creditor notices, and accountings. These records track the estate's value and final distributions to heirs.
Informal probate applies to estates without disputes. The process is administrative and streamlined. Formal probate requires court hearings. This happens when conflicts exist or will validity is questioned.
Guardianship cases protect minors and incapacitated adults. Conservatorship cases manage finances for protected persons. Both require court supervision. Records include details about the protected person's needs and assets.
All proceedings follow Colorado Probate Code Title 15. This statute establishes uniform procedures statewide.
16th Judicial District Information
Bent County is part of Colorado's 16th Judicial District. District boundaries affect where cases are filed.
The district comprises three counties in southeastern Colorado. Bent, Crowley, and Otero counties form this judicial district. The District Court serves all three counties. Judges rotate between courthouse locations.
Probate cases are filed in the county of residence. Bent County decedents' estates are filed in Las Animas. The District Court has jurisdiction over all local probate matters.
Records remain in the county where filed. They do not transfer between courthouses. Contact the specific county court for access to files from that jurisdiction.
Requesting Bent County Probate Records
The court accepts record requests through several methods. Choose the approach that works best for you.
The online records request form at coloradojudicial.gov/recorddocument-request-form is available for Bent County. Complete the form with case details. Submit electronically. Staff will respond with instructions.
In-person requests provide fastest service. Visit the courthouse at 725 Bent Avenue in Las Animas. The clerk can locate files and make copies. Payment is accepted at the counter.
Phone inquiries work for general questions. Call 719-383-7152 to speak with staff. They can confirm case existence and explain procedures.
Mail requests should include all known case information. Send to the courthouse address. Allow time for processing.
Other Counties in the 16th Judicial District
Bent County shares district boundaries with two other counties in the 16th Judicial District.