Probate in Denver is a legal process that ensures a deceased person’s assets are properly distributed and debts are settled. It’s something many people don’t think about until they’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, but understanding how probate works can make the situation less overwhelming. Whether there’s a will or not, the court oversees the administration of the estate to make sure everything is handled according to Colorado law.

In Denver, probate generally starts when someone—usually a spouse, child, or other close relative—files a petition with the probate court in the county where the deceased person lived. If the person left a will, the court verifies its authenticity and appoints the executor named in the document. If there is no will, the court names a personal representative (sometimes called an administrator) to manage the estate. This person takes on a lot of responsibility: notifying heirs and creditors, gathering the deceased’s assets, paying off debts, and eventually distributing what’s left to the rightful beneficiaries…