Inherited a House With No Will in Colorado?
When there is no will, Colorado's intestate succession laws determine who inherits. We help families navigate this situation and sell inherited property, even without a will. Get your fair cash offer today.
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Understanding Intestate Succession in Colorado
When someone passes away without a valid will, they die "intestate." This does not mean the property is lost or goes to the government. Instead, Colorado law provides a clear framework for who inherits based on family relationships.
The process requires probate court involvement to officially determine heirs and appoint an administrator. This administrator serves the same role as an executor would if there was a will, gaining legal authority to manage the estate and sell property.
While the process has additional steps compared to estates with a will, property can still be sold efficiently. Once heirs are determined and an administrator appointed, selling to a cash buyer like us can expedite closing and help families move forward.
Colorado Intestate Succession Order
Under Colorado law, property passes to heirs in this order of priority:
- 1
Surviving Spouse
May receive entire estate or share with children depending on circumstances
- 2
Children and Descendants
If no spouse, or share with spouse if children are from another relationship
- 3
Parents
If no spouse or children survive
- 4
Siblings
If no closer relatives survive
- 5
More Distant Relatives
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins in order of relationship
How to Sell Inherited Property Without a Will
Step 1: Open Intestate Probate
File a petition with the Colorado probate court in the county where the deceased lived. You will need a death certificate and information about potential heirs.
Step 2: Appointment of Administrator
The court will appoint an administrator, usually a close family member, to manage the estate. This typically takes 2-4 weeks. The administrator receives Letters of Administration granting legal authority.
Step 3: Determine Heirs
The court confirms who inherits under intestate succession. All heirs with ownership interest must agree to the sale. This process identifies who will share in the proceeds.
Step 4: Sell the Property
With administrator authority and heir agreement, the property can be sold. We work with administrators to purchase properties quickly for cash, often closing before probate is fully complete.
Step 5: Distribute Proceeds
Sale proceeds are distributed to heirs according to intestate succession laws, after paying any estate debts.
Why Sell to Us When There is No Will
Experience with Intestate Sales
We understand the unique requirements of selling property without a will.
Work with Administrators
We coordinate directly with court-appointed administrators.
Simplify Multi-Heir Situations
Cash sales make dividing proceeds among heirs straightforward.
Close During Probate
No need to wait for full probate completion to receive your funds.
Questions About Intestate Inherited Property
When someone dies without a will (intestate), Colorado law determines who inherits their property through intestate succession. The property does not go to the state unless there are no living relatives. Typically, a surviving spouse and children are first in line, followed by parents, siblings, and more distant relatives if needed.
Colorado intestate succession law prioritizes heirs in this order: surviving spouse (may get all or share with children depending on circumstances), children, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and then more distant relatives. The exact distribution depends on which relatives survive.
Yes, probate is typically required for intestate estates with real property. The court will appoint an administrator (similar to an executor) to manage the estate. This person then has authority to pay debts, manage property, and distribute assets according to Colorado intestate succession laws.
Intestate probate generally takes the same amount of time as probate with a will, roughly 6-12 months for straightforward estates. Informal probate can be used in many intestate cases, which is faster than formal probate. You can often sell property during probate once the administrator is appointed.
Yes. Once the probate court appoints an administrator and determines the rightful heirs under intestate succession, the property can be sold. All heirs with ownership interest must agree to the sale. Proceeds are divided according to intestate succession laws.
Have Questions About Your No-Will Situation?
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