Washington County Estate Archives
Washington County probate court records preserve estate settlements for northeastern Colorado residents. The Washington County Combined Court in Akron handles wills, estate administration, and guardianship cases. These records document the transfer of agricultural lands and personal property in a rural farming community. The court serves families with efficient, personalized attention to each estate matter.
Washington County Combined Court Location
The Washington County Combined Court is in Akron. The address is 150 Ash Avenue, Akron, CO 80720. This courthouse serves all of Washington County. It is part of the 13th Judicial District.
The 13th District includes Kit Carson, Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, and Washington counties. These northeastern counties share judicial resources. The court rotates between locations. Staff understand agricultural community needs.
The Washington County Combined Court serves probate needs for northeastern Colorado.
Phone contact is at 970-345-2706. Staff answer general questions. They explain probate procedures. They help with filing requirements. Complex matters may need legal advice.
The courthouse is in Akron. The town is the county seat. High plains surround it. Hours follow judicial schedules. Call to confirm before visiting.
Washington Probate Record Categories
Estate probate is common here. Files include wills and inventories. They document property transfers. Many estates include farm land. The court handles these well.
Informal probate suits simple estates. No hearings are needed. The process moves quickly. Personal representatives work independently. This saves time.
Washington County Combined Court maintains estate files and guardianship records for the county.
Formal probate handles disputes. Court oversight is required. Hearings address conflicts. The judge ensures fairness. Complex estates need this.
Guardianship cases protect people. Minors may need new guardians. Adults may need help too. The court appoints carefully. Background checks are standard.
Conservatorships manage finances. The conservator protects assets. Regular reports are required. Court review ensures compliance. Vulnerable adults are protected.
How to Access Washington Probate Records
Record access follows state guidelines. The court provides options. Choose what works for you.
Online requests are efficient. Visit the Judicial Branch site. Complete the request form. Include case numbers if known. Add names and dates. Staff process promptly. Most finish within days.
The Washington County Clerk handles county records and administrative services.
Mail requests go to Akron. Address to the Clerk of Court. Include all details. Enclose payment. Allow processing time.
In-person visits allow immediate access. Come during business hours. Bring photo ID. View files on site. Get copies right away. This helps urgent needs.
The County Clerk handles related records. Property transfers need coordination. Visit their office too. They work with the court. Both help complete transfers.
Washington Probate Search Methods
Successful searches need preparation. Collect information first. This makes everything faster.
Use the full legal name. Include middle names. Match spelling exactly. Court records are formal. Nicknames will not work.
Dates help focus searches. Know the death year. The court organizes by year. More precision helps more. Approximate dates are acceptable.
The statewide docket search covers Washington. Access it free online. Search by name or number. Basic info appears quickly. Full documents need requests.
Case numbers are very helpful. Include them in requests. Staff find files fast. This reduces research time. Numbers follow standard format.
Historical records may be archived. The State Archives holds old files. Search their database first. Then request copies. Fees are separate.
Washington County Probate Law Framework
Washington follows state law. The Colorado Probate Code applies. Title 15 governs everything. Local courts interpret it fairly.
The waiting period is five days. You must wait 120 hours. Then you can file. Families need this time. Funerals come first.
Creditors wait 45 days. They cannot file earlier. This protects the estate. Family needs are priority. Notice comes later.
Three years is the deadline. File probate within this time. After that, formal probate ends. Talk to an attorney. They know other options.
Guardianships need care. Courts review them yearly. Reports track the protected person. Safety is paramount. The court monitors closely.
Nearby Counties Probate Records
Washington County shares the 13th Judicial District with neighboring counties. Nearby counties include: