Colorado Probate Questions & Answers
Q: how Much time does an executor have to settle the estate?
My grandparents died 5 years ago and had a house out of state that hasn’t sold. It is listed online as “off market” and we still have not received the inheritance from the executor. Do they have a time limit on when this needs to be paid out? It’s been 5 years and it still is not settled.
There is no set time for an estate to be wound up and paid out; it depends on the size of the estate and other factors. The executor (or personal representative) of a last will has a fiduciary responsibility to protect the assets entrusted to them and to insure that everything is done legally so as... Read more »
Q: Does the money in my mother's trust belong to the beneficiaries as soon as she dies or does it remain in trust
until each beneficiary receives their yearly distribution until the money runs out? Is there something official that can help back me up on that?
This depends on the terms of the trust. The trust document controls. It may call for distribution or it may remain in the trust. You have to review the trust statement to see what it says.
Q: my friend's wife died and a young man that grew up with them hired an attorney and claimed to be adopted by his wife!
my friend's wife died and a young man that grew up with them hired an attorney and claimed to be adopted by his wife! It turned out later that he was NOT ADOPTED! Is the one claiming to be adopted committing fraud? And, is it provable in a court of law? (Colorado)?
It could be fraud, but it would depend on what, if anything, he did in the false capacity as the son of the deceased. It could also be Criminal Impersonation, again depending on the facts.
As to whether it is provable, it would depend on what evidence was uncovered during the investigation... Read more »
Q: if a wife leaves the home "joint tenancy" then husband passes is wifes new common law husband entitled to the property
my mom committed adultery and left the marital home owned in joint tenancy 6 years prior to my dads death, my mom passed away 6 years later, both names are still on house deed/mortgage, they have 3 adult children, (neither had a will) moms boy friend claiming common law husband is trying to take... Read more »
Since the house was owned in joint tenancy, your mother became the sole owner upon your father's death. Upon her death, it passes to her children if she did not have a will, and was not married. However, if she was married at the time of her death, it passes to her husband. Her "boyfriend" would... Read more »
Q: My mom passed in 2010. She has real estate that we have been paying taxes on. No written will. Died in AZ, land in CO.
My siblings and I want to share the land. It’s vacant land worth less than $20k. The land is in Colorado and she passed away in Arizona. There is no written will and the property is still and solely is in her name. What do we do and where do we begin?
To transfer real property (even vacant land) to heirs, you'll need to open probate in Colorado (or what's called "Ancillary Probate" if probate was already opened in AZ). The Colorado Courts website has some good information and instructions on how to do this:... Read more »
Q: Does my mom have to sell my dad's estate after probate? He had 3 kids prior to marrying my mom & they then had 4 kids.
My dad passed away June 2018. He had no will, only his name is on the house (which is paid off). My mom lives in the house as she was married to him for 39+ years. My dad had 3 kids prior to marrying my mom, then 4 kids with my mom. All 7 'kids' are over 21 years old. We all agree she will be... Read more »
It is not likely that a probate under these facts will result in a forced sale. But, if the estate is contentious, i.e. someone wants money, your Mother should hire an attorney to assist and defend her.
Q: Is joint tenancy the same as right of survivorship and do quitclaims within the group change the conveyance upon death?
My understanding of Colorado law is that only the last sole survivor of a joint tenancy can be the grantor of property to a beneficiary upon his/her passing. But if one or more original owners quitclaims their portion to others within the original group of joint tenants, does the right of... Read more »
The chain of title will need to be examined to definitively answer your question.
There is a likelihood based our the facts stated that the Right of Survivorship remains valid.
Q: Does a stepchild have a right to belongings or ashes.
This stepchild is now in their 40's. My brother passed away in Texas where I live because he was here going to MDAnderson Cancer Center. He lived in Colorado. My sister or myself was not able to go to Colorado and take care of his belongings. Stepchild was suppose to put everything in storage... Read more »
Assuming that no personal representative has yet been appointed by a court and no estate has been opened, you or your sister could petition a court in Colorado to appoint you as the personal representative of your brother's estate. The process thereafter may vary depending on whether your brother... Read more »
Q: Built a cabin w/ my mother, it was left to my husband and I. What do I do with items in cabin.
Some of the items in the cabin are our from our personal home and don't have receipt's as items are over 10 yrs old.
If by "left" to you and your husband you mean that the house was given to you (or transferred automatically based on how it was titled) upon her passing, then you may want to consult with the personal representative of your mother's estate. Even if the house passed to you outside of probate, it is... Read more »
Q: Conflict of Interests in handling an Estate.
My Grandmother passed, and in her Will, she only assigned a "Power of Attorney ", my Uncle, one of three living children. Real Estate is estimated over $400k plus other Assets. The Will directs equal distribution between her children. First, is "Power of Attorney" appropriate to automatically... Read more »
I can't answer all of your questions. The power of attorney from your grandmother to your uncle would no longer be effective after she dies. After death, your uncle would need to be named (appointed by a court) the personal representative of your grandmother's estate in order to act on behalf of... Read more »
Q: Is money in a deceased parent's estate required by law to be split evenly among the living children (heirs)of the parent
My deceased mother's estate, which is represented by my younger sister, might be awarded a settlement by a car insurance company for pain and suffering she incurred from a car accident 7 months before her death. I don't trust that my younger sister will split the award evenly among us four... Read more »
Your question above may not have all the facts necessary to accurately answer your question.
Assuming that your mom did not have a will, trust, or other instrument to dispose of her assets (she died "intestate"). Assuming that the settlement was not directed by your mom to a very specific... Read more »
Q: if my grandparents had legal custody of me when I was kid do I have say over the living will if they have passed
My grandparents had legal custody and guardianship of me and my brother when we were kids up until I turned 18 they're passed away and my uncles are trying to evict me from the home I live in which is my grandparents do they have the right evict me from her home even though she said I could stay... Read more »
The short answer: you probably have an uphill battle.
One very fundamental value of estate planning is the opportunity to express your wishes in writing (through a will or trust instrument, for example) so that there will not be disputes after your death (or, at least, there may be less... Read more »
Q: My estranged legal husband just died, he did leave a will but I don't know if he left me anything. Do I need a lawyer?
We never legally separated and we lived together for 9 years and he has been living with his partner for 11 years. I am his only legal wife. No underaged children. We have been married for 16 years.
No matter what his will says, you are entitled to at least 1/2 of the estate as a surviving spouse. You should get a lawyer to make sure you get your fair share.
Q: Hello, my father passed intestate. My sister and I are only heirs. Colorado probate. Question about asset division.
Probate will need to be open for a couple of years. I would like to get a written agreement in place with my sister to ensure we have a clean division of assets. Is there a particular legal form we should use in Colorado for that purpose? For various reasons, it is important to have a clear... Read more »
There is not a particular form that I am aware of to outline an agreement of a division of assets. What you need is a brief agreement with your sister about the property division. It would say how it was distributed, that you are both OK with that, and a release of claims against both of you.
Q: What happens if a person does before they sign they're WILL?
WELL THE SITUATION IS THAT MY SIGNIFICANT OTHERS FATHER IS IN THE HOSPITAL. HE IS NOT EXPECTED TO MAKE IT MUCH LONGER. NOW THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE ARE CAREGIVERS TRYING TO TAKE EVERYTHING HE HAS AND NOT LEAVE HER WITH ANYTHING. I HAVE A WILL BUT IT WAS NOT SIGNED BEFORE HE WENT INTO THE HOSPITAL.... Read more »
If he dies without signing the will, his estate will be distributed according to the law of intestate succession. Generally: to his spouse; if no spouse, then to his children.
Q: Hi, we are at the tale end of probate, all creditors have been paid my husband is the executor and the beneficia
When does he write a check to himself? before closing probate or? we have to leave the esate open because we are still waiting on VA money possibly
He can write a check to himself now if he is sure all creditors have been paid. You may want to retain an attorney to make sure everything is done correctly.
Q: How does the Seller clear title so they can sell me their vacant land in Colorado?
The situation is as follows:
1) Husband and Wife (A & B) are owners on a Colorado vacant land property (joint tenants)
2) A dies
3) B dies 6 months later
4) B's estate is currently going through probate in Wyoming. B did not remove A's name from the property while... Read more »
B's son will have to open an ancillary probate in Colorado. Then he can record A's death certificate, a certified copy of the Colorado Letters and a Personal Representative deed to you. A's interest evaporates upon death and B's estate has the right to convey the estate property.
Q: My son's father passed away unexpectedly and didn't have a will. What is he entitled to? He's still a minor.
We were married for ten years but divorced. He was remarried for less than one year. She's refusing to give my son anything of his Father's.
Your son probably is not entitled to anything, unless the estate is very large. In that case, he may be entitled to a percentage. Also, the estate may be charged with lump sum child support obligation if appropriate. You should retain an attorney for these matters.
Q: My mother just died on the 15th the mortuary guy said I only have 10 days to file for probate.Is this true?
she changed the will with a codicil in July of 2013 in my favor of getting the whole house. Do I have to do anything like file for probate. The elder law attorney had me sign the house over to me with my POW which she changed me to POW in july of 2013. What do I need to do now that she is passed... Read more »
Since there is a lot here, you are advised to schedule an appointment with the attorney you mentioned. The attorney should be familiar with your mother's estate and can advise you.
As far probate, it is possible based on the size (or lack of size) of the estate that probate is not... Read more »
Q: If my father creates a life estate deed, would that allow his heirs to avoid probate when he passes away?
Possibly. But if there are other assets that would require probate, it may still be necessary.
Trying to do any of this on a 'piece by piece' basis is a dangerous game and usually ends badly. I would strongly urge you to consult with a local estate planning attorney to review the WHOLE... Read more »
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