Probate Records

About These Records

Probate cases generally refer to the legal process in which the estate of a decedent is administered. The process involves collecting a decedent's assets, liquidating liabilities, paying necessary taxes, and distributing property to heirs. These activities are carried out by the executor or administrator of the estate, usually under the supervision of the probate court.

The Colorado State Archives holds the probate records from courts of various counties. 
List of probate record holdings.

The information contained in a probate record generally shows: 

• Name of the estate
• Date of filing
• Case number
• Name of the deceased
• Date of death
• Description of real and personal property
• Value of the estate and tax liability due
• Names of next of kin
• A will

How to Find Information in the Collection

FOR CASES OLDER THAN 1985

All of these probate cases held by the State Archives are searchable using the Archives Search database. Enter the name of the person you are searching.

If you find a probate record for the individual you are researching, you will need to provide Archives staff with the COUNTY and CASE NUMBER for the file you would like to access.

If the name you search is not found, their probate case is not held by the State Archives. You will need to contact the District Court where the case was filed to obtain this probate case.

FOR CASES MORE RECENT THAN 1985

Some of these probate cases held by the State Archives are searchable using the Archives Search database. Enter the name of the person you are searching.

If you find a probate record for the individual you are researching, you will need to provide Archives staff with the COUNTY and CASE NUMBER for the file you would like to access.

If the name you search is not found, contact the District Court where the case was filed. The Court either holds the case file, or is the only place to find the case number.