Lincoln County Probate Court Filings
Lincoln County probate records are available at the Combined Court in Hugo. The 23rd Judicial District handles estate cases and guardianship matters for this eastern plains county. Records are open to the public for research and genealogical purposes.
Lincoln County Probate Court Location
The Lincoln County Combined Court handles all probate matters for Lincoln County. This includes estate administration, will probate, guardianship appointments, and conservatorship cases. The court serves residents throughout the county and surrounding areas.
You can visit the Clerk of Court office during business hours to view probate files in person. The office is located at 103 Third Ave, P.O. Box 128, Hugo, CO 80821. Staff can help you locate specific cases and request copies of documents. Bring proper identification and any relevant case information to speed up your search.
The Lincoln County Combined Court serves Lincoln County residents for all probate matters.
Contact the court directly for current hours and procedures. Court staff can explain how to request records and what fees apply. Some services may require advance notice or appointments.
Lincoln County Court Contact Details
Reach out to the court using the following contact information. Staff can answer questions about probate procedures, records requests, and filing requirements.
Phone: 719-743-2455
Email: LincolnRecordsRequest@judicial.state.co.us
Probate Registrar: Kimberly Graham
Judicial District: 23rd (with Douglas, Elbert)
Visit the court website for additional information and online resources.
Lincoln County Historical Probate Records
Older Lincoln County probate records are preserved at the Colorado State Archives. These historical files include 1890-1980 records at Colorado State Archives. Researchers can access these materials for genealogy and historical research.
To search historical records, visit the State Archives online database. Enter the name of the deceased person to find matching records. Note the case number and year for any files you want to review. Contact the Archives to request copies of specific documents.
View historical probate records through the Colorado State Archives research portal.
Historical probate files often contain valuable family history information. You may find original wills, lists of heirs, estate inventories, and property descriptions. These documents provide unique insights into the lives of past residents.
How to Access Lincoln County Probate Records
There are several ways to access probate records in Lincoln County. Each method suits different needs depending on the age of the case and the type of documents you need.
For recent cases, visit the Clerk of Court office in person. You can view files and request copies during business hours. The court maintains records for cases filed from the mid-1980s to the present. Bring identification and any case information you have.
The statewide docket search helps you locate cases before visiting. Search by name to find case numbers and filing dates. This free tool covers all Colorado District Courts. It shows basic case details but not full document images.
The Clerk and Recorder office maintains land and property records related to estate settlements.
You can also request records by mail or online. Submit a records request form through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Include the case number, names of parties, and approximate filing date. Allow several business days for processing.
Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder
The Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder maintains land records and property documents. These records may relate to probate cases involving real estate transfers. You can search recorded documents through their office.
Visit the Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder website for online document searches. Property records often contain important details about estate assets and transfers. These documents complement court probate files.
Land records show how property passed from deceased owners to heirs. Deeds, mortgages, and liens all appear in these files. Review both court and land records for a complete picture of estate settlements.
Types of Lincoln County Probate Records
Lincoln County probate courts handle several types of cases. Each creates distinct records that serve different purposes. Understanding these differences helps you find the right documents.
Estate probate is the most common case type. When someone dies, their estate goes through probate. The court supervises asset distribution to heirs. Records include the original will, estate inventory, creditor notices, and final accounting. These files show what the person owned and who received it.
Informal probate offers a simpler process. The court appoints a personal representative without a hearing. This works when no one contests the will and all heirs agree. Formal probate requires court hearings. Judges oversee the process when disputes arise or when only a copy of the will exists.
Guardianship records involve minors or incapacitated adults. A guardian makes personal decisions for someone unable to do so. Conservatorship records involve managing finances and property. These cases create detailed records about the protected person's situation.
Small estate affidavits allow simpler transfers. When an estate is worth less than $80,000, heirs can use an affidavit instead of full probate. This faster process avoids lengthy court proceedings. The affidavit is filed with the court but requires minimal supervision.
Searching Lincoln County Probate Records
Finding specific probate records requires some basic information. The more details you have, the easier your search will be. Start with the full name of the deceased person and approximate date of death.
Case numbers are the most precise way to locate files. If you know the case number, the Clerk can pull the file quickly. Without it, staff can search by name. Name searches may take longer and could require research fees.
Probate cases are public records in Colorado. Anyone can request to view or copy these files. Some restrictions apply to guardianship and conservatorship cases involving living persons. These files may require a court order to access.
When searching online databases, try different name variations. People may have used nicknames or middle names in legal documents. Check for spelling variations too. Historical records often contain name errors or abbreviations.
Colorado Probate Laws and Rules
All Lincoln County probate cases follow the Colorado Probate Code. This is Title 15 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. It governs estate administration, wills, and protective proceedings statewide.
Article 10 establishes general probate provisions. It defines key terms and explains court jurisdiction. Article 11 covers intestate succession and wills. It states who inherits when there is no will. It also sets rules for making valid wills.
Article 12 governs probate procedures and estate administration. It explains both informal and formal probate processes. Article 14 addresses guardianships and conservatorships. These laws protect minors and adults who cannot care for themselves.
Probate cases must follow specific time limits. You cannot file a probate petition until 120 hours after death. The statute of limitations for probate is three years. After that, the will cannot be probated through normal channels.
Other Colorado Counties
Find probate records for other Colorado counties through the links below. Each county page provides local court contact information and records access details.