Colorado Probate Form JDF 820

Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing

Everything you need to know about Colorado Form JDF 820, including helpful tips, fast facts & deadlines, how to fill it out, where to submit it and other related CO probate forms.

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About Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing

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.

Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing 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 Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing

Sometimes it’s tough to find a quick summary— here’s the important details you should know about Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing:

  • This form pertains to the State of Colorado

  • The current version of this form was last revised on September 1, 2019

  • The official Colorado source for this form is here.

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 820 - Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing up to date, certain details can change from time-to-time with little or no communication.

How to file Form JDF 820

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 820, 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 820 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 820 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 Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing 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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When Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing is due

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 820 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 820, and when in doubt— consult a qualified trust & estates lawyer for that area.

How to Download, Open, and Edit Form JDF 820 Online

Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing 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 820 - Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing 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.

Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing 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.

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Did you know?

  • Form JDF 820 - Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing is a probate form in Colorado.

  • Colorado has multiple types of probate and the necessary forms depend on the unique aspects of each estate, such as type and value of assets, whether there was a valid will, who is serving as the personal representative or executor, and even whether or not they also live in Colorado.

  • During probate, all personal representatives and executives in are required to submit a detailed inventory of assets that must separate non-probate assets from probate assets.

  • Probate in Colorado, especially without guidance, can take years to finish and cost upwards of $14,000.

Frequently Asked Questions about Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing

Probate is the government’s way of making sure that when a person dies, the right stuff goes to the right people (including the taxes the government wants).

All of that stuff is collectively known as someone’s “estate”, and it’s the job of the executor or personal representative to fill out all the forms and complete all the required steps to formally dissolve the estate. 

To get instant clarity on the entire probate process and get an idea of the steps, timeline, and best practices, read the Atticus Beginner’s Guide to Probate

The best place? Create an account in Atticus to start getting estate-specific advice. 

You may need a lawyer, you may not, and paying for one when you didn’t need it really hurts. Atticus makes sure you make  the best decisions (plus you can write it off as an executor expense).

We’ve also created a list of other probate services. Be sure to check it out!

An executor is named in someone’s will, and if the deceased didn’t have a will, then the spouse or other close family relative usually steps up to fulfill the role. If no one wants to do it, then a judge will appoint someone. 

The executor is responsible for the complete management of the probate process, including major responsibilities such as:

  • Creating an inventory of all probate assets.

  • Filling out all necessary forms

  • Paying off all estate debts and taxes

  • Submitting reports to the court and beneficiaries as requested

And much more. This process often stretches longer than a year. 

For an idea of what separates executors who succeed from those who make this way harder than it should be, visit our article, Executors of an Estate:
What they do & secrets to succeeding
.

The Exact Text on Form JDF 820

Here’s the text, verbatim, that is found on Colorado Form JDF 820 - Instructions For Appointment Of Guardian For Minor By Will Or Other Signed Writing. You can use this to get an idea of the context of the form and what type of information is needed.

JDF 820 R9-19 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR MINOR BY WILL OR OTHER SIGNED WRITING Page 1 of 3 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR MINOR BY WILL OR OTHER SIGNED WRITING These standard instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice about your case. If you choose to represent yourself, you are bound by the same rules and procedures as an attorney. GENERAL INFORMATION ◆ A Guardian may be appointed by will or other signed writing by a parent for any minor child the parent has or may have in the future. ◆ A Guardian may also be appointed by will or other signed writing by a Guardian of a minor child. ◆ The other signed writing shall be signed by the parent or Guardian. ◆ Pursuant to §15-14-203, C.R.S. the appointment of a Guardian becomes effective upon the death of the appointing parent or Guardian, an adjudication that the parent or Guardian is an incapacitated person, or a written determination by a physician that the parent or Guardian is no longer able to care for the child. ◆ The action shall be filed in the county where the will appointing the nominated Guardian was or could be probated or in the case of another appointing instrument, file the Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment in the county in which the minor resides or is present. ◆ A surviving parent with no parental rights may not be appointed as a successor Guardian. ◆ The appointment may be revoked or amended before confirmation by the Court by the appointing parent or Guardian. ◆ The Guardian becomes eligible to act upon the filing of an Acceptance of Appointment that must be filed within 30 days after the Guardian’s appointment becomes and written notice of the Acceptance of Appointment to the appointing parent or Guardian, if living, the minor if the minor has attained 12 years of age, and a person other than the parent or Guardian having care and custody of the minor. ◆ A minor who is the subject of the appointing and who has attained 12 years of age has the right to consent or refuse to consent to the appointment of a Guardian. ◆ For additional information, please review §15-14-201, et.seq, C.R.S. ◆ If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to access the courts, please contact your local ADA Coordinator. Contact information can be obtained from the following website: http://www.courts.state.co.us/Administration/HR/ADA/Coordinator_List.cfm COMMON TERMS  Guardian: A person at least 21 years of age, resident or non-resident, who has qualified as a guardian of a minor based on an appointment by a parent(s) or by the Court.  Letters: Formal notice identifying the authority of the Guardian.  Minor: An unemancipated person who is under the age of 18.  Order: Official document identifying the authority of the Guardian and his/her responsibilities during the Guardianship. If you do not understand this information, please contact an attorney. FEES A filing fee of $199.00 is required. If you have a family situation that requires you to file a guardianship for more than one child, only one filing fee is required, if the Petitions are filed on the same day. If you are unable to pay, you must complete the Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205) and submit it to the Court. Once you submit the completed JDF 205 form and a blank Order (JDF 206), the Court will decide whether you need to pay the filing fee. Other fees that a party to the case may encounter are as follows: ❑ Certification of Orders or Letters $20.00 ❑ Copy of Documents $ .75 per page JDF 820 R9-19 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR MINOR BY WILL OR OTHER SIGNED WRITING Page 2 of 3 FORMS To access a form online go to www.courts.state.co.us and click on the “Forms” tab. The packet/forms are available in PDF or WORD by selecting Probate - Protective Proceedings - New Case – Appointment of Guardian for Minor by Will. You may complete a form online or you may print it and type or print legibly in black ink. Read these instructions carefully to determine what forms you may need, as you may need all or some of the listed forms. Check with the Court where you plan to file your case to determine if they have any special requirements. ❑ JDF 821 Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment by Written Instrument as Guardian ❑ JDF 822 Petition for Confirmation of Appointment of Guardian ❑ JDF 826 Consent or Nomination of Minor ❑ JDF 830 Letters of Guardianship - Minor STEPS TO FILING YOUR CASE Step 1: Complete Forms. Selecting these instructions indicates that you are planning on filing for a Guardianship for a Minor with an existing will or written instrument to support the Affidavit. If you have a family situation that requires you to file a guardianship for more than one child you will be required to prepare the appropriate forms for each child. Each child will have his or her own case for confidentiality purposes. The $199.00 filing fee is per Petitioner(s) seeking the guardianship(s) and not per case. The Petitions must be filed on the same day. The caption below needs to be completed on all forms filed. Make sure that you make a copy for your own records of all of the forms you file with the Court. District Court Denver Probate Court __________________________________ County, Colorado Court Address: ▲ COURT USE ONLY ▲ In the Interest of: Minor Attorney or Party Without Attorney (Name and Address): Phone Number: Email: FAX Number: Atty. Reg. #: Case Number: Division: Courtroom: NAME OF FORM ❑ Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment by Written Instrument as Guardian for Minor (JDF 821). ❑ The appointed Guardian must complete all applicable sections. ❑ Attach copies of the will or other signed writing. ❑ All signatures shall be notarized. ❑ This form must be signed. ❑ Consent or Nomination of Minor (JDF 826) ❑ The minor who is the subject of the appointment and is 12 years of age or older has the right to consent or refuse to consent to an appointment of a Guardian. JDF 826 can be completed by the minor to identify his/her consent or refusal to the appointment. ❑ This form must be signed. ❑ Petition for Confirmation of Appointment of Guardian (JDF 822) JDF 820 R9-19 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR MINOR BY WILL OR OTHER SIGNED WRITING Page 3 of 3 ❑ This form must be filed within 30 days after filing the Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment. ❑ The appointed Guardian must complete all applicable sections. ❑ Letters of Guardianship - Minor (JDF 830). ❑ Complete only the caption on the form. ❑ The Court will complete the remainder of the form once the Petition for Confirmation of Appointment is filed with the Court. Step 2: You are Ready to File your Papers with the Court. Provide the Court with the documents completed as described in Step 1 above and pay the filing fee. ❑ Once a case number is assigned, you must send the Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment to the appropriate interested persons, for example the appointing parent or Guardian, if living, the Minor, if 12 years of age or older, and a person other than a parent or Guardian having custody of the Minor. ❑ Mail the Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment filed with the Court to the interested persons identified in the Certificate of Service. ❑ Unless the appointment was previously confirmed by the Court, within 30 days after filing the Affidavit of Acceptance of Appointment, a Petition for Confirmation of Appointment (JDF 822) shall be filed with the Court. Step 3: Court Issues Letters Step 4: Court Review of Documents – 30 Days After Filing If no objections are filed and upon the filing of the Petition for Confirmation of Appointment, the Court will issue an Order Appointing Guardian for Minor, as appropriate. The responsibilities of the Guardian terminate upon the death, resignation, or removal of the guardian or upon the Minor’s death, adoption, marriage, or attainment of majority. Resignation of a Guardian does not terminate the guardianship until approved by the Court.

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