Flat Fee: $6,500

Formal probate involves a judge and is required when a minor procedural hurdle prevents an informal filing. Even though it uses the formal track, all family members must still be in full agreement.

Who it's for: Situations involving a missing original Will (working from a photocopy), minor errors in the text of a Will, or when an out-of-state executor requires a specific judge's order.

What we do:

• Petition the court for a non-appearance formal hearing.

• Secure a binding judicial order validating the Will or photocopy.

• Establish unsupervised administration so you bypass ongoing court oversight.

• Manage all standard creditor publications and heir notifications.

• Draft comprehensive liability releases to protect you during final asset distribution.

Timeline: Typically 6 to 12 months in Colorado, depending entirely on local court scheduling.

Probate takes more than a single court filing.
In Colorado, the probate process usually stays open for a period of time while notices are given, assets are identified, creditor issues are addressed, and the estate is prepared for closing.

For qualifying matters, we help guide the Personal Representative through that process from opening through closing, including:

Phase 1: Opening the Estate

• Preparing and filing the opening probate documents

• Helping move the matter toward appointment of the Personal Representative

• Assisting with the steps needed to obtain Letters of Authority

Phase 2: Creditor Notice and Administration

• Arranging publication of the required notice to creditors

• Guiding the Personal Representative through the creditor process and related deadlines

• Helping the Personal Representative understand the basic rules for handling estate expenses and claims

Phase 3: Inventory and Financial Organization

• Helping organize the information needed to identify estate assets and balances

• Assisting with preparation of the required probate inventory and related filings within the scope of the representation

Phase 4: Distribution and Closing

• Guiding the Personal Representative through the steps that should be addressed before final distribution

• Identifying when additional tax, accounting, or other outside professional support may be needed

• Preparing and filing the routine documents needed to close the estate

Can the estate pay for these legal fees?

Yes. Under the Colorado Probate Code (C.R.S. § 15-12-715), legal fees and court expenses are classified as first-priority administrative costs of the estate. Because your loved one's bank accounts are legally frozen when they pass away, you will advance the flat-fee retainer out of pocket (or on a credit card) to securely launch your case. However, as soon as the court issues your official Letters of Authority and unlocks the estate's bank or brokerage accounts, your very first official act as Personal Representative will be writing a check from the estate back to yourself to fully reimburse your personal savings. Ultimately, you are simply advancing the funds to get the court process started.

Are court costs included in the flat fee?

Flat fees cover only the legal services described above. Mandatory Colorado court filing fees, statutory newspaper publication rates, certified copy charges, courier fees, and other out-of-pocket case expenses are separate administrative costs and are billed separately.

What happens if a family member disagrees later?

Our flat-fee structures strictly apply to cooperative, unsupervised, and uncontested matters. If an heir or creditor files an official dispute or objection, the flat-fee structure terminates. Any further work will transition to an hourly rate or require a referral to a probate litigation attorney.