Executor Duties in Colorado: A Complete Guide

Colorado calls the executor the "personal representative." Because Colorado has adopted the Uniform Probate Code and uses informal probate as the default, the role is more streamlined than in most states. This guide walks through every duty.

How to Get Appointed Personal Representative in Colorado

1. File the application: File an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative in the District Court (or Denver Probate Court) of the county where the deceased was domiciled.
2. Probate Registrar review: The Probate Registrar (an administrative official, not a judge) reviews the application — usually within a few weeks.
3. Receive Letters Testamentary: If approved, the Registrar issues Letters Testamentary — your official authority over the estate. No court hearing is required for informal probate.

Informal vs. Formal Probate

Most Colorado estates use informal probate, which proceeds without court hearings. Formal probate is required when there is a will contest, when the will is unclear or invalid on its face, when notice issues arise, or when other complications need a judge.

Colorado Personal Representative Compensation

Colorado allows "reasonable compensation" for the personal representative (C.R.S. § 15-12-719). There is no statutory percentage. Courts evaluate based on:

• Estate size (typically 1–4% of value)
• Complexity (real estate, business, disputes)
• Time and skill required
• Quality of work

Examples: A $200,000 estate generates approximately $2,000–$5,000 in typical compensation. A $500,000 estate generates approximately $5,000–$12,000.

Does Colorado Require a Bond?

Colorado generally does not require a bond in informal probate unless requested by an interested party. The will may waive bond explicitly. If a bond is required, premiums typically run $5–$10 per $1,000 of coverage per year.

Core Duties as Personal Representative in Colorado

1. File the Application for Informal Probate and obtain Letters Testamentary
2. Send a Notice of Appointment to all interested parties within 30 days
3. Open an estate bank account using the estate's EIN
4. Inventory all estate assets and obtain valuations
5. Send the inventory to all interested parties within 3 months (Colorado does not require court filing of the inventory in informal probate)
6. Publish the Notice to Creditors as soon as possible to start the 4-month creditor clock
7. Send direct notice to known creditors
8. Pay valid creditor claims, final income taxes, and any taxes owed
9. Manage estate assets prudently throughout administration
10. Distribute remaining assets per the will (or intestacy law)
11. File a Closing Statement (informal) or Final Account (formal/supervised) with the court

Out-of-State Personal Representatives

Colorado allows non-resident personal representatives. The court typically requires designation of a Colorado resident as agent for service of process — a minor formality often handled by the estate's attorney or a corporate fiduciary. This is not a significant barrier for non-resident family members.

How to Close the Estate in Colorado

In informal probate, you close the estate by filing a Verified Statement of Personal Representative Closing Administration (often called the Closing Statement). It attests that all debts and taxes have been paid and all assets have been distributed. If no interested party objects within 1 year, the personal representative is automatically discharged.