What steps are needed to bring real property into the estate in order to pay claims of the estate in Colorado?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Colorado probate attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer Under Colorado law, you must formally admit a decedent’s real property into the probate estate before using it to satisfy creditor claims. The process involves six core […]
Read article →Can I Seek Reimbursement from the Estate for Paying the Funeral Bill in CO?
Detailed Answer Under Colorado law, funeral expenses qualify as priority claims against a decedent’s estate. If you paid for a loved one’s funeral, you may seek reimbursement up to the statutory limit. Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 15-11-1002(e) grants priority to “reasonable funeral and burial expenses” over all unsecured claims. See C.R.S. § 15-11-1002. Colorado […]
Read article →How Can an Administrator Verify That the Payment Fully Satisfied the Outstanding Vehicle Loan Under Colorado Law
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Colorado law, an administrator handling an estate must ensure that any vehicle loan has been fully paid before transferring or selling a vehicle. Follow these key steps to verify […]
Read article →How Does an Incomplete or Missing Marriage Certificate Affect a Surviving Spouse’s Allowance Claim in Colorado
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. It offers general information about Colorado law. For advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney. 1. Overview of Colorado Family Allowance (C.R.S. § 15-10-201) Under Colorado law, a surviving spouse may claim a family allowance to cover basic living expenses during probate. See C.R.S. § […]
Read article →How can a client obtain appointment as administrator in Colorado when a higher-priority heir exists?
Detailed Answer Under Colorado law, the probate court follows a strict priority list when appointing an administrator. The list starts with the surviving spouse, then children, parents, siblings, and so on. See C.R.S. § 15-12-201 (priority list). If a higher-priority heir exists but cannot serve, the court may appoint the next eligible person. The court […]
Read article →Colorado: What is the process and timeline for applying to become the personal representative of an estate?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer In Colorado, the personal representative (formerly called executor or administrator) manages an estate after someone passes away. You must follow Colorado’s probate code, primarily found in Title 15 of […]
Read article →How can a guardian or guardian ad litem be appointed to manage a minor’s interest in an estate in Colorado?
Guardian Appointment for Minor’s Estate Interest in Colorado Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Under Colorado law, the probate court can appoint a guardian to manage a minor’s financial interests in an estate or a guardian ad litem to represent the minor’s legal interests in […]
Read article →What steps protect a minor’s inheritance when the decedent did not leave a will in Colorado?
Disclaimer: This FAQ is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Understanding Intestate Succession in Colorado When someone dies without a will (intestate), Colorado law under C.R.S. 15-11-101 outlines how estate assets pass to heirs. If the decedent’s child is a minor, the court appoints a personal representative to administer the estate and […]
Read article →What mechanisms ensure the administrator complies with estate duties and bond requirements in Colorado?
Detailed Answer 1. Bond Requirement and Surety Under Colorado law, the court typically requires an administrator (also called a personal representative) to post a bond before handling any estate assets. Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 15-12-801 mandates the bond amount equal the total appraised value of the probate estate plus anticipated income. The bond protects […]
Read article →Can a Personal Representative Seek a Commission on Estate Assets and Sale Proceeds in Colorado?
Detailed Answer Under Colorado law, a personal representative (PR) may request reasonable compensation for managing an estate. Compensation typically comes in the form of commissions calculated on the gross value of estate assets collected, managed, distributed, or sold. These rules appear in the Colorado Probate Code: C.R.S. § 15-12-706 and the commission schedule in C.R.S. […]
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