Probate and Estate Administration ~ Glenwood Springs Law Offices : Strautman Estate Law, P.C.
Probate refers to the process of settling the affairs of a decedent. As part of the process, the deceased person’s financial affairs are settled, debts and taxes are paid, and heirs are established as a matter of law. After taxes and claims are paid, the decedent’s property is transferred to his or her heirs.
A decedent who left a will usually appoints an executor to administer his or her estate. In Colorado, an executor is known as a “personal representative.” If the decedent died without a will, a family member or close friend will typically administer the decedent’s estate.
Through probate, a lifetime of accumulated assets and liabilities are settled. It can be a complicated process. Pitfalls exist. We have extensive experience in assisting personal representatives and estate beneficiaries in the administration of both modest and large estates.
Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult. We hope this information will help you focus on what you need to do and what you may wish to delegate to friends and family.