Denver Probate Records Search
Denver County probate court records document how estates are settled for residents of Colorado's capital city. The Denver Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships for the city and county of Denver. This court operates independently from other Colorado District Courts and maintains exclusive jurisdiction over all probate matters within Denver. Records date back to 1864, with both historical archives and modern case files available for research and legal purposes.
Denver Probate Court Location and Contact
The Denver Probate Court sits in the City and County Building. The address is 1437 Bannock Street, Room 230, Denver, CO 80202. This location serves all Denver residents seeking probate services. The court is part of the 24th Judicial District. It has unique status in Colorado as the only separate probate court.
Phone contact is available at 303-606-2303. This line handles general questions. Self-help resources are at 303-606-2502. Email requests go to DenverProbateRecordsRequest@judicial.state.co.us. Staff can guide you through the records request process. They answer questions about forms and procedures.
The Denver Probate Court serves as the exclusive probate jurisdiction for Denver County.
The court holds records from 1864 to the present. Historical files from 1864 to 1927 and 1954 to 1959 are at the State Archives. Modern records stay at the courthouse. The statewide index covers Denver cases back to 1988. This helps you find case numbers for older matters.
Hours follow standard judicial business times. Call ahead to confirm. Some services need appointments. The court processes requests in the order received. Most record requests take several business days.
Denver Estate Records and Case Types
Denver probate cases include several record types. Estate probate is most common. These files contain wills, inventories, and accountings. They show how assets pass to heirs. The Denver Probate Court handles thousands of estate cases yearly.
Informal probate happens without hearings. This works when no one contests the will. The process moves faster. Formal probate requires court oversight. It applies when disputes exist. Both types create permanent court records.
Denver Probate Court maintains estate files and guardianship records for Denver County residents.
Guardianship records protect minors and adults. These cases appoint someone to make personal decisions. Conservatorship files manage money for protected persons. Both require ongoing court reports. Denver probate staff monitor these cases closely.
Mental health proceedings also occur here. The court handles involuntary treatment cases. These records have strict privacy rules. Access requires court orders in most cases.
How to Access Denver Probate Records
Getting Denver probate records requires following court procedures. The court offers several methods. Choose based on your needs and timeline.
Online requests work through the Judicial Branch system. Visit the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Complete the records request form. Include case numbers when possible. Provide names and dates of death. The court searches its database. Most requests finish within three business days.
Request Denver probate records through the court's online system or in person at the courthouse.
Mail requests take longer but work well. Send your letter to 1437 Bannock Street, Room 230. Include all details you know. Enclose payment for copy fees. Staff will search and copy files. Return time varies by request volume.
In-person visits allow same-day viewing. Go to Room 230 during business hours. Bring photo identification. View files at public terminals. Request copies at the counter. This method works best for urgent needs.
Historical records need different handling. Contact the Colorado State Archives for cases from 1864 to 1927. Also check there for 1954 to 1959 files. The Archives charges separate fees. Their search tools differ from the court's system.
Denver Probate Case Search Tips
Finding the right Denver probate case takes preparation. Gather key facts before you search. This saves time and money.
Start with the full legal name. Use the exact name from the death certificate. Middle names matter. Spelling must match court records. Nicknames may not appear in the index.
Dates help narrow searches. Know the year of death. The court organizes cases by year. Month and day add precision. Approximate dates work if exact ones are unknown.
The statewide docket search includes Denver cases from 1988 forward. Access it through the Judicial Branch website. Search by name or case number. Basic information appears instantly. Full documents require formal requests.
Case numbers speed up requests. If you have the number, include it. Staff can locate files faster. This reduces research fees. Numbers follow a year-sequence format.
For older cases, try the State Archives database. It covers Denver probate back to 1864. Search by name online. Note the case details. Then request copies from the Archives staff.
Denver Probate Laws and Procedures
Denver probate follows the Colorado Probate Code. Title 15 of the Revised Statutes applies. Denver has special rules due to its separate court.
The 120-hour rule applies here. You must wait five days after death to file. This gives families time to plan. Creditors wait even longer. They cannot file until 45 days pass.
Three years is the statute of limitations. File probate within this window. After three years, formal probate ends. Other legal options may exist. Consult an attorney for late cases.
Small estates use affidavits. The limit is $80,000 in assets. No court case is needed. Heirs file a simple form. This saves time and money.
Guardianships protect vulnerable people. Courts require background checks. Annual reports are mandatory. The court reviews each case. This ensures proper care continues.
Nearby Counties Probate Records
Denver County residents may need records from neighboring jurisdictions. Estate matters sometimes cross county lines. The following counties border Denver: