Boulder Probate Attorney

Next-Gen Legal Representation for Colorado Injuries.

Free consultations. Flat-fee pricing. Serving Boulder & the Front Range.

Next-Gen Legal Representation for Colorado Injuries.

Schedule a free consultation today.

Phone: (303)-409-2050
Email: Intake@francislawcolorado.com

Probate Services & Estate Administration Options

Probate can range from a simple asset transfer to a multi-step court process with deadlines, notices, and legal requirements. Choosing the right approach early—whether avoiding probate, handling a small estate, or opening a full administration—can make a significant difference in time, cost, and stress. We offer structured legal options so you can move forward with clarity and control.

Get a clear plan for handling the estate and the right level of support for your situation.

Every estate is different. Some can be handled without court involvement, while others require formal probate administration with specific filings, notices, and timelines. The right approach depends on the size of the estate, the types of assets involved, and whether there are disputes or complications. The options below are designed to give you the level of legal support that fits your situation—from early guidance to full-service probate administration.

Probate Roadmap & Eligibility Review

$350

A legally sound foundation: clear instructions, empowered decision-makers, and clean execution.

  • Families who need clarity on whether probate is required, whether a small-estate transfer is available, and what process fits the estate.
  • One 45–60 minute attorney call focused on whether probate is required and which Colorado path applies
  • Review of up to 25 uploaded items such as a will, death certificate, deeds, account statements, beneficiary designations, and creditor letters
  • A written Probate Roadmap Memo explaining probate vs. non-probate assets and likely next steps
  • Eligibility screening for Colorado’s small-estate affidavit process and other simplified transfer options
  • A recommended path: no-court transfer, guided probate, full-service probate, or formal/contested escalation


*A strong starting point when you want a clear legal plan before deciding how far to go.

Small-Estate Transfer Package

$950

A no-court transfer toolkit for qualifying Colorado estates that can be handled without opening a probate case.

  • Small estates that qualify for Colorado’s affidavit process and do not require a full probate administration.
  • Eligibility confirmation for Colorado’s small-estate affidavit path

  • Preparation of up to 3 customized small-estate affidavits for institutions or assets

  • A successor distribution worksheet to help divide assets properly

  • An institution packet with instructions for presenting the affidavit and follow-up guidance
  • Notes on special handling issues such as real-estate-related filings or Colorado DMV vehicle transfer procedures


*Designed for estates that can be transferred efficiently without opening a probate case in court.

Guided Uncontested Probate

$3250

Attorney guidance from start to finish while you handle the filings, communications, and hands-on administration tasks.

  • Families with an uncontested estate who want legal oversight and process control, but are willing to do the practical work themselves.
  • A step-by-step filing checklist tailored to the Colorado probate path that applies

  • Attorney review of one uncontested informal probate opening packet

  • A compliance roadmap covering notices, inventory timing, creditor deadlines, and closing requirements

  • Up to 2 attorney calls during the administration for key decision points
  • Up to 2 document review rounds for non-court submissions such as bank letters or distribution summaries


*This tier gives you meaningful attorney guidance while keeping your overall cost lower by having you handle the filing and communication work.

Full-Service Uncontested Probate

$6250

We draft, file, coordinate notices, manage administration tasks, and guide the estate through closing.

  • Uncontested estates where the family wants the firm to handle the burden and keep the process moving from opening to closing.
  • Preparation and filing of the opening probate package for an uncontested Colorado estate

  • Coordination of interested-person notices, service requirements, and compliance deadlines

  • Preparation of the estate inventory workbook and support for asset collection and transfer

  • Creditor notice coordination, including publication and known-creditor notice strategy where appropriate
  • Preparation of the closing package and informal closing statement when the estate is eligible to close


*This is the core premium flat-fee probate service for uncontested administrations where clients want the firm to run the process end-to-end.

Formal / Contested Probate Escalation

Custom / Hourly or Hybrid

For disputes, hearings, unknown heirs, contested claims, or estate issues that no longer fit a predictable flat-fee scope.

  • Probate matters involving objections, family conflict, unclear heirs, contested creditor issues, or more complex court involvement.
  • Formal probate petitions and hearing preparation

  • Contested probate strategy and court-driven administration issues

  • Negotiation or resolution efforts involving heirs, beneficiaries, or creditors

  • Expanded fiduciary guidance when the estate becomes more complex or adversarial
  • A transition from flat-fee probate into a more appropriate custom engagement


*When an estate is no longer realistically uncontested, a fixed flat-fee model usually stops making sense and the work needs to be re-scoped.

If an uncontested probate matter later escalates into formal or contested probate, any unearned portion of your flat fee may be credited toward the new engagement, consistent with Colorado fee rules.

Possible Add-Ons or Factors That May Affect Price

Some estates require additional work beyond the standard scope of a flat-fee tier. If that becomes necessary, any added work and pricing would be discussed clearly in advance.

  • Additional institutions or assets beyond the included cap

  • Additional beneficiaries or heirs requiring extra service or coordination

  • Creditor publication coordination and direct creditor notice packages

  • Personal representative deed preparation and recording support

  • Real-property sale coordination or title-related issues

  • Estate EIN and estate bank account setup guidance

  • Expanded accounting, closing support, or extended administration timelines
Probate Roadmap & Eligibility Review
$350

Attorney-led probate assessment with a written, actionable administration plan.

Best for

Families who need clarity on whether probate is required, whether a small-estate transfer is available, and what process fits the estate.

What this can include
  • One 45–60 minute attorney call focused on whether probate is required and which Colorado path applies
  • Review of up to 25 uploaded items such as a will, death certificate, deeds, account statements, beneficiary designations, and creditor letters
  • A written Probate Roadmap Memo explaining probate vs. non-probate assets and likely next steps
  • Eligibility screening for Colorado’s small-estate affidavit process and other simplified transfer options
  • A recommended path: no-court transfer, guided probate, full-service probate, or formal/contested escalation

A strong starting point when you want a clear legal plan before deciding how far to go.

Small-Estate Transfer Package
$950

A no-court transfer toolkit for qualifying Colorado estates that can be handled without opening a probate case.

Best for

Small estates that qualify for Colorado’s affidavit process and do not require a full probate administration.

What this can include
  • Eligibility confirmation for Colorado’s small-estate affidavit path
  • Preparation of up to 3 customized small-estate affidavits for institutions or assets
  • A successor distribution worksheet to help divide assets properly
  • An institution packet with instructions for presenting the affidavit and follow-up guidance
  • Notes on special handling issues such as real-estate-related filings or Colorado DMV vehicle transfer procedures

Designed for estates that can be transferred efficiently without opening a probate case in court.

Guided Uncontested Probate
$3,250

Attorney guidance from start to finish while you handle the filings, communications, and hands-on administration tasks.

Best for

Families with an uncontested estate who want legal oversight and process control, but are willing to do the practical work themselves.

What this can include
  • A step-by-step filing checklist tailored to the Colorado probate path that applies
  • Attorney review of one uncontested informal probate opening packet
  • A compliance roadmap covering notices, inventory timing, creditor deadlines, and closing requirements
  • Up to 2 attorney calls during the administration for key decision points
  • Up to 2 document review rounds for non-court submissions such as bank letters or distribution summaries

This tier gives you meaningful attorney guidance while keeping your overall cost lower by having you handle the filing and communication work.

Full-Service Uncontested Probate
$6,250

We draft, file, coordinate notices, manage administration tasks, and guide the estate through closing.

Best for

Uncontested estates where the family wants the firm to handle the burden and keep the process moving from opening to closing.

What this can include
  • Preparation and filing of the opening probate package for an uncontested Colorado estate
  • Coordination of interested-person notices, service requirements, and compliance deadlines
  • Preparation of the estate inventory workbook and support for asset collection and transfer
  • Creditor notice coordination, including publication and known-creditor notice strategy where appropriate
  • Preparation of the closing package and informal closing statement when the estate is eligible to close

This is the core premium flat-fee probate service for uncontested administrations where clients want the firm to run the process end-to-end.

Formal / Contested Probate Escalation
Custom / Hourly or Hybrid

For disputes, hearings, unknown heirs, contested claims, or estate issues that no longer fit a predictable flat-fee scope.

Best for

Probate matters involving objections, family conflict, unclear heirs, contested creditor issues, or more complex court involvement.

What this can include
  • Formal probate petitions and hearing preparation
  • Contested probate strategy and court-driven administration issues
  • Negotiation or resolution efforts involving heirs, beneficiaries, or creditors
  • Expanded fiduciary guidance when the estate becomes more complex or adversarial
  • A transition from flat-fee probate into a more appropriate custom engagement

When an estate is no longer realistically uncontested, a fixed flat-fee model usually stops making sense and the work needs to be re-scoped.

If an uncontested probate matter later escalates into formal or contested probate, any unearned portion of your flat fee may be credited toward the new engagement, consistent with Colorado fee rules.

Possible Add-Ons or Factors That May Affect Price

Some estates require additional work beyond the standard scope of a flat-fee tier. If that becomes necessary, any added work and pricing would be discussed clearly in advance.

  • Additional institutions or assets beyond the included cap
  • Additional beneficiaries or heirs requiring extra service or coordination
  • Creditor publication coordination and direct creditor notice packages
  • Personal representative deed preparation and recording support
  • Real-property sale coordination or title-related issues
  • Estate EIN and estate bank account setup guidance
  • Expanded accounting, closing support, or extended administration timelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all estates have to go through probate?

Not always. Some assets pass outside of probate, such as accounts with beneficiary designations or jointly owned property. In Colorado, certain smaller estates may also qualify for simplified transfer procedures. A proper evaluation helps determine whether probate is required and which process applies.

How long does probate take in Colorado?

Even straightforward probate cases typically take several months due to required notice periods and creditor deadlines. More complex estates or those involving disputes can take significantly longer. The timeline depends on the type of probate and how efficiently the estate is administered.

What does a personal representative actually have to do?

The personal representative (executor) is responsible for gathering assets, notifying heirs and creditors, managing estate property, and distributing assets. This role involves legal responsibilities and deadlines, which is why many people choose structured legal guidance or full-service support.

What if there is a will—does that avoid probate?

A will does not avoid probate. It provides instructions for how assets should be distributed, but the estate may still need to go through probate to carry out those instructions unless all assets transfer outside of the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Some assets pass outside of probate, such as accounts with beneficiary designations or jointly owned property. In Colorado, certain smaller estates may also qualify for simplified transfer procedures. A proper evaluation helps determine whether probate is required and which process applies.

Even straightforward probate cases typically take several months due to required notice periods and creditor deadlines. More complex estates or those involving disputes can take significantly longer. The timeline depends on the type of probate and how efficiently the estate is administered.

The personal representative (executor) is responsible for gathering assets, notifying heirs and creditors, managing estate property, and distributing assets. This role involves legal responsibilities and deadlines, which is why many people choose structured legal guidance or full-service support.

A will does not avoid probate. It provides instructions for how assets should be distributed, but the estate may still need to go through probate to carry out those instructions unless all assets transfer outside of the estate.

Speak With Francis Law, P.C.

If you are handling an estate or have questions about probate in Colorado, Francis Law, P.C. can help you understand your options and choose the right approach for your situation.

Call 303-409-2050
Request a consultation online