Colorado § 15-12-1009 - Estates not closed after three years or more.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-12-1009 — Estates not closed after three years or more., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-12-1009. Estates not closed after three years or more.
(1) When records of the court indicate no action has been taken in an estate for a period of three years or more, the court may, on its own motion, and after notice to the attorney of record, if available, or if there is no attorney of record, then to the personal representative, enter an order closing the estate without further accounting. Such closure may likewise be ordered upon the motion of any interested person, as defined in section 15-10-201 (27), or upon motion of the attorney of record. Any order in such case shall provide for the closing of the estate without further accounting, and such order shall not discharge the personal representative or any other person from any liability to the estate, the court, or any other person; except that sureties upon any bond posted in such proceedings shall be released as to any claim arising after closure of the estate under such circumstances.
(2) Unless the court has reason to believe the personal representative's conduct in the administration of the estate has been improper, closure of the estate as provided in this section shall be without further accounting, report, or hearing.
(3) Upon motion of any interested person, an estate closed pursuant to this section shall be reopened by the court.
(4) This section shall be applicable to all decedents' estates, whether instituted before or after the effective date of this code.
Source: L. 73: R&RE, p. 1606, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 153-3-1009. L. 79: Entire section R&RE, p. 659, § 1, effective February 22; entire section R&RE, p. 657, § 2, effective May 25. L. 87: (1) amended, p. 602, § 3, effective July 1. L. 94: (1) amended, p. 1038, § 13, effective July 1, 1995.
Cross references: For effective date of this code, see § 15-17-101.
ANNOTATION
Claim against surety "arising after" closure, within the meaning of subsection (1), is a claim based on facts which occurred after order of closure was issued. The surety is not released from a claim based on facts occurring before order of closure merely because the claim was not filed before issuance of order. In re Estate of DeAndrea, 847 P.2d 249 (Colo. App. 1993).
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Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 15-12-1009
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-12-1009 cover?
Section 15-12-1009 ("Estates not closed after three years or more.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 15-12-1009?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-12-1009" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 15-12-1009 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.