Estate administration — commonly referred to as probate — is the legal process of settling a deceased person's affairs. It involves gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries according to the deceased person's will or Colorado intestacy laws.
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating court procedures and legal requirements. At Schuler Law, LLC, we guide personal representatives (known as executors in other states) and families through every step with care and diligence.
Not all assets go through probate. Property held in a living trust, jointly owned accounts with rights of survivorship, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, and life insurance proceeds typically pass directly to the intended recipients without court involvement.
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries under court supervision.
In Colorado, a typical probate case takes between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the estate, whether income and/or estate tax returns need to be filed, and if any disputes arise among beneficiaries.
Yes. Assets held in a living trust, jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, and accounts with designated beneficiaries generally pass outside of probate. Proper estate planning can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for probate.