Guardian's Report

There are all sorts of forms executors, beneficiaries, and probate court clerks have to fill out and correspond with during probate and estate settlement, including affidavits, letters, petitions, summons, orders, and notices.

Guardian's Report is a commonly used form within Colorado. Here’s an overview of what the form is and means, including a breakdown of the situations when (or why) you may need to use it:

Atticus Fast Facts About Guardian's Report

Sometimes it’s tough to find a quick summary— here’s the important details you should know about Guardian's Report:

• This form pertains to the State of Colorado

• The current version of this form was last revised on June 1, 2021

Government forms are not typically updated often, though when they are, it often happens rather quietly. While Atticus works hard to keep this information about Colorado’s Form JDF 850 SC - Guardian's Report up to date, certain details can change from time-to-time with little or no communication.

Step 1 - Download the correct Colorado form based on the name and ID if applicable

Double check that you have both the correct form name and the correct form ID. Some Colorado probate forms can look remarkably similar, so it’s best to double, even triple-check that you’re using the right one! Keep in mind that not all States have a standardized Form ID system for their probate forms.

Step 2 - Complete the Document

Fill out all relevant fields in Form JDF 850 SC, take a break, and then review. Probate and estate settlement processes in CO are long enough to begin with, and making a silly error can push your timeline even farther back. No thank you!

Note: If you don’t currently know all of the answers and are accessing Form JDF 850 SC online, be sure to avoid closing the browser tab and potentially losing all your progress (or use a platform like Atticus to help avoid making mistakes).

Step 3 - Have Form JDF 850 SC witnessed or notarized (if required)

Some States and situations require particular forms to be notarized. If you have been instructed to get the document notarized or see it in writing on the document, then make sure to hire a local notary. There are max notary fees in the United States that are defined and set by local law. Take a look at our full guide to notary fees to make sure you aren’t overpaying or getting ripped off.

Step 4 - Submit Guardian's Report to the relevant office

This is most often the local probate court where the decedent (person who passed away) is domiciled (permanently resides) or the institution involved with this particular form (e.g. a bank). Some offices allow you to submit forms online, other’s don’t, and we while we generally recommend going in-person to expedite the process, sometimes that simply isn’t an option.

It’s also a generally good idea to establish a positive working relationship with any probate clerk (unfortunately there’s enough people & process out there making things more difficult and unnecessarily confusing for them), so a best practice is to simply ask the probate clerk proactively exactly how and where they’d prefer you to submit all forms.

Need help getting in touch with a local probate court or identifying a domicile probate jurisdiction?

👉 Find and Contact your Local Probate Court

👉 What is a Domicile Jurisdiction?

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Different probate forms or processes can require different deadlines or response times for completing the appropriate form.

While some steps in the process are bound to specific deadlines (like petitioning for probate, having to submit an inventory of assets, or filing applicable notices to creditors and beneficiaries), many probate forms or processes are not tied to a specific deadline since the scope of work can vary based on situational factors or requirements involved.

Either way, there are a bunch of practical reasons why personal representatives should work to complete each step as thoroughly and quickly as possible when completing probate in Colorado.

5 reasons you should submit JDF 850 SC as quickly as possible:

1. The sooner you begin, the faster Colorado can allow heirs and beneficiaries to get their share of assets subject to probate. Acting promptly can also decrease the costs & overall mental fatigue through an otherwise burdensome process.
   
   Helpful Context: What’s the Difference Between Probate and Non-Probate Assets?

2. In general, creditors of an estate usually have around 3-6 months from the time you file notice to creditors to file any claims for debt against the deceased’s assets. If they don’t, then that debt is forfeited (and more importantly, the executor won’t be held personally responsible). So doing this sooner means you have a better idea of who is owed what and ensures you won’t get a surprise collector months later.

3. Not filing a will within 30 days (on average) could mean that the probate process proceeds according to intestate laws (laws that govern what happens to someone's stuff without a will) or is subject to unnecessary supervision by the probate court. And if you aren't directly related to the deceased (a.k.a. next of kin), this could also mean you lose your inheritance.

4. It’s important to file any necessary state tax returns on behalf of the deceased or estate by the following tax season in Colorado. If you don’t, you could owe penalties and interest. This also includes any necessary federal tax returns such as Forms 1040, 1041, or even a Form 706 estate tax return.

5. If a house in the State of Colorado is left empty (or abandoned) for a while, insurance can get dicey. For example, if the house burns down and no one has been there for a year, an insurance company may get out of paying your claim.

If you’re not using Atticus to get specific forms, deadlines, and timelines for Colorado probate, then try and stay as organized as possible, pay close attention to the dates mentioned in any correspondence you have with the State’s government officials, call the local Colorado probate clerk or court for exact answers regarding Form JDF 850 SC, and when in doubt— consult a qualified trust & estates lawyer for that area.

Guardian's Report is one of the many probate court forms available for download through Atticus.

It may also be available through some Colorado probate court sites, such as . In order to access the latest version, be updated with any revisions, and get full instructions on how to complete each form, check out the Atticus Probate & Estate Settlement software or consider hiring a qualified legal expert locally within Colorado.

While Atticus automatically provides the latest forms, be sure to choose the correct version of Form JDF 850 SC - Guardian's Report f using any other site or resource in order to avoid having to re-complete the form process and/or make another trip to the Colorado probate court office.

Guardian's Report is a .pdf, so opening it should be as simple as clicking “View Form” from within the Atticus app or by clicking the appropriate link found on any Colorado-provided government platform. Once you’ve opened the form, you should be able to directly edit the form before saving or printing.

Here’s the text, verbatim, that is found on Colorado Form JDF 850 SC - Guardian's Report. You can use this to get an idea of the context of the form and what type of information is needed.

JDF 850SC R6/21 GUARDIAN’S REPORT - ADULT Page 1 of 7 qDistrict Court qDenver Probate Court ________________________________ County, Colorado Court Address: In the Interest of: Ward COURT USE ONLY Attorney or Party Without Attorney (Name and Address): Phone Number: E-mail: FAX Number: Atty. Reg. #: Case Number: Division Courtroom GUARDIAN’S REPORT – ADULT q INITIAL REPORT/CARE PLAN q ANNUAL REPORT Current Reporting Period From ________________To __________________ (MM/DD/YYYY) (MM/DD/YYYY) (REPORTING DATES MUST BE FOR THE PAST YEAR AND MAY NOT REPORT INTO THE FUTURE.) Instructions to Guardian: Colorado law requires that every guardian of an adult complete a Guardian’s Report every year. When answering the questions in this report, you are required to provide details. Answers such as “same as last report/year” and “no change since last report” are not acceptable answers. Your report may be rejected with those answers. COLORADO LAW REQUIRES THAT ANY GUARDIAN WANTING TO REMOVE THE ADULT FROM THE STATE OF COLORADO MUST OBTAIN COURT PERMISSION. You must file the necessary forms to make this request and obtain Court permission. CONTACT INFORMATION Ward’s Information: q Check if Updated Information from last report (Annual Report ONLY) q Check if Residency is Temporary (Care Plan ONLY) Name: ____________________________________Age:___________ Sex:________________ Street Address: (Include Name of Living Center or Nursing Home) City: State: Zip Code: Mailing Address, if different: __________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State: _______________ Zip Code: _______________________ Primary Phone: _____________________________ Alternate Phone: ___________________________ Guardian’s Information: qCheck if Updated Information from last report Name: ____________________________________________________Age: ________________ Occupation: _____________________ Your Relationship to Ward: __________________________ Street Address: __________________________________________________________ JDF 850SC R6/21 GUARDIAN’S REPORT - ADULT Page 2 of 7 City: ___________________ State: ______ Zip Code: _________ Mailing Address, if different: __________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________ State: ___________ Zip Code: _____________________________ Primary Phone: _________ Alternate Phone: __ _________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________________ Have you had any criminal charges filed against you or convictions entered since the last report? qYes q No If Yes, explain: _____________________________________________________________________________ Co-Guardian’s Information (if applicable): qCheck if updated information from last report Name: ____________________________________________________Age: ________________ Occupation: _____________________ Your Relationship to Ward: _________________________ Street Address: ______________________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: ____ Zip Code: ________ Mailing Address, if different: ___________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________ State: __________________ Zip Code: ______________________ Primary Phone: _______Alternate Phone: ____________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________________ Have you had any criminal charges filed against you or convictions entered since the last report? qYes q No If Yes, explain: ______________________________________________________________________________ I. PLACEMENT AND CARE SUPERVISION A. Who currently supervises the ward’s care and treatment on a daily basis? Name: ___________________________________ Primary Phone: __________________________ Alternate Phone: ______________ B. If the ward has moved since the last reporting period, identify the date of the move, address of residence, type of residence, and reason for the change. Date of Move Name of Facility and Address Type of Residence Reason for Change II. STATUS INFORMATION Yes No A. Do you recommend that the guardianship continue? q q If No, explain: ______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ B. Do you recommend any changes to the guardianship? q q If Yes, explain: _____________________________________________________________________ JDF 850SC R6/21 GUARDIAN’S REPORT - ADULT Page 3 of 7 _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ C. Do you wish to remain guardian? q q If No, explain: ______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Note: If you wish to terminate this guardianship or modify by replacing the current guardian or adding a co-guardian, you must file a separate petition with the Court. III. CURRENT CONDITION OF THE WARD Please describe in detail the current mental condition of the ward: Please describe in detail the current physical condition of the ward: Please describe in detail the current social condition of the ward: IV. PERSONAL CARE AND OTHER ISSUES Yes No A. Has the ward’s physical and medical condition (illness/injuries) q q changed since the last report? If Yes, explain: ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ B. Has the ward been hospitalized since the last report? q q If Yes, explain: C. Have there been any medical, social or psychological evaluations of the ward performed? q q Please explain: ______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ D. Is there a need for further medical, social or psychological evaluations of the ward? q q Please explain: ______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ E. Describe the medical, educational, vocational and other services provided to the ward. JDF 850SC R6/21 GUARDIAN’S REPORT - ADULT Page 4 of 7 Please describe in detail any medical services provided to the ward: Please list any medications provided to the ward: Please describe in detail any educational services provided to the ward: Please describe in detail any vocational services provided to ward: Please describe in detail any other services provided to ward: F. How often do you contact the ward’s medical provider? qDaily qWeekly qMonthly qOther: How do you contact the ward’s medical provider (phone, email, etc.)? G. Do you believe the current plan for care, treatment and/or rehabilitation is in the ward’s best interest? qYes qNo If No, describe what changes would be appropriate. H. The ward’s care and living situation is qVery Good qGood qAdequate qPoor I. Describe your plans for the ward’s future care, including any recommended changes. JDF 850SC R6/21 GUARDIAN’S REPORT - ADULT Page 5 of 7 V. VISITATION OF WARD Colorado law requires that a guardian maintain sufficient contact with the ward. A. How often do you visit the ward? qDaily qWeekly qMonthly qOther:______________________ B. How often do you contact the ward or the ward’s care provider? qDaily qWeekly qMonthly qOther: C. When was the last time you saw the ward in person? (date) D. Indicate how long your visits are and summarize your activities with and on behalf of the ward. E. Does the ward participate in decision-making? qYes qNo Briefly describe. VI. FINANCIAL MATTERS A. Are there sufficient financial resources to take care of the ward? qYes qNo If No, what do you believe is the best way to handle this problem? B. Do you have control of the ward’s income? qYes qNo If Yes, describe: C. If applicable, identify the representative payee for Social Security and other income benefits. Name:______________________________________ Phone Number:__________________________ D. Have any fees been paid to you in your role as guardian? qYes qNo If Yes, describe: Complete this section only if the guardian has custody of funds. JDF 850SC R6/21 GUARDIAN’S REPORT - ADULT Page 6 of 7 E. Have any fees been paid to others for the care of the ward or his/her property? qYes qNo If Yes, describe and identify name of person: Please indicate whether you have possession or control of the following: q Bank Account(s): Name of financial institution(s) and last four numbers of account(s): Estimated Value: q Investment Account(s): Name of financial institution(s) and last four numbers of account(s): Estimated Value: q Real Estate: Address: Estimated Value: q Personal Property (i.e. jewelry, collectibles, vehicles...) Description: Estimated Value: q Liabilities/Debts: Creditor(s): Estimated Amount: SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY DURING REPORTING PERIOD Beginning balance of bank accounts (savings, checking, etc.) $ Plus money received (Social Security, SSI, pension, disability, interest, etc.) from any source on behalf of the Ward +$ Less total fees to care providers -$ Less total monies paid to the Ward, e.g. personal needs -$ Less total fees paid to guardian -$ Less any other expenses, e.g. housing, insurance, maintenance -$ Ending balance of bank accounts $ You are required to maintain supporting documentation for all receipts and all disbursements under your control during the duration of this appointment. The court or any interested persons as identified in the Order Appointing Guardian may request copies at any time. q By checking this box, I am acknowledging I am filling in the blanks and not changing anything else on the form. q By checking this box, I am acknowledging that I have made a change to the original content of this form. VERIFICATION I declare under penalty of perjury under the law of Colorado that the foregoing is true and correct. JDF 850SC R6/21 GUARDIAN’S REPORT - ADULT Page 7 of 7 Executed on the ______ day of Executed on the ______ day of (date) (date) _______________________, _________, _______________________, _________, (month) (year) (month) (year) at _____________________________________ at ______________________________________ (city or other location, and state OR country) (city or other location, and state OR country) _______________________________ _______________________________ (printed name) (printed name) _______________________________ _______________________________ (Signature of Guardian) (Signature of Co-Guardian, if any) ______________________________________ __________________ Attorney Signature, (if any) Date IMPORTANT THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED CORRECTLY AND SIGNED OR THE REPORT MAY BE REJECTED. Colorado Law REQUIRES that the Guardian’s Report be served on the WARD AND INTERESTED PERSONS pursuant to Order Appointing Guardian and § 15-14-309(4), C.R.S. In the space below under the Certificate of Service, list the names, addresses, and method of delivery for each party listed on the Order Appointing Guardian and provide each party with a copy of this report. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that on ___________________ (date), a copy of this _______________ (name of document) was served as follows on each of the following: Name and Address Relationship to Decedent, Ward, or Protected Person Manner of Service* *Insert one of the following: hand delivery, first-class mail, certified mail, e-service, or fax. _______________________________________________ Signature NOTE: If you wish to change the persons entitled to receive copies of reports or other documents filed, you must file a separate motion with the court.