Colorado timeline
Colorado probate timeline: the 10-day wait and creditor deadlines
The simplified route starts 10 days after death.
Colorado creditor deadlines are set out below against the event each one runs from.
Sources reviewed August 9, 2026. Latest primary-source re-fetch October 3, 2026.
The one date this page can source
The collection of personal property by affidavit (c.r.s. 15-12-1201) route requires 10 days to elapse from the date of death. This is a precondition: the affidavit or petition cannot be presented before it runs, regardless of how straightforward the estate is.
less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed twice the amount set forth in section 15-11-403, as adjusted by section 15-10-112; (b) At least ten days have elapsed since the death of the decedent; (c) No application or petition for the appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted in any jurisdiction;C.R.S. 15-12-1201 — Colorado General Assembly (Office of Legislative Legal Services); Colorado Revised Statutes 2024.
Creditor deadlines
- From publication of notice to creditors
- Time set in the published notice, which may be no earlier than four months from date of first publication (C.R.S. 15-12-801; 15-12-803(1)(a)(I))
- From actual notice to a known creditor
- Time set in the written notice to a known creditor (C.R.S. 15-12-803(1)(a)(II))
- Outer limit, running from death
- One year after the decedent's death, as to all creditors (C.R.S. 15-12-803(1)(a)(III))
How these combine. Colorado runs multiple independent, separately-triggered deadlines that cannot be reduced to one honest day count. C.R.S. 15-12-801 requires published notice (at least once during each of three successive weeks) fixing a bar date not earlier than four months from first publication or one year from death, whichever occurs first. C.R.S. 15-12-803(1)(a) bars pre-death claims: (I) creditors barred by publication within the time set in the published notice; (II) creditors barred by written notice within the time set in the written notice; (III) as to all creditors within one year after the decedent's death (outer nonclaim limit). Post-death claims are barred four months after they arise / after PR performance is due (15-12-803(2)).
a date not earlier than four months from date of first publication or the date one year from date of death, whichever occurs firstC.R.S. 15-12-801 — Colorado General Assembly (Office of Legislative Legal Services); Colorado Revised Statutes 2024.
General sequence: first week, how long probate takes.
Colorado record: 8/8 verified, 32 matched checks, latest source re-fetch October 3, 2026. Source record · method · report a correction