Colorado § 15-12-1202 - Effect of affidavit.

Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-12-1202 — Effect of affidavit., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15-12-1202. Effect of affidavit.

(1) The person paying, delivering, transferring, or issuing personal property or the evidence thereof pursuant to affidavit is discharged and released to the same extent as if he or she dealt with a personal representative of the decedent. He or she is not required to see to the application of the personal property or evidence thereof or to inquire into the truth of any statement in the affidavit.

(2) If any person to whom an affidavit is delivered refuses to pay, deliver, transfer, or issue any personal property or evidence thereof, it may be recovered or its payment, delivery, transfer, or issuance compelled upon proof of the right of persons entitled thereto in a proceeding brought for the purpose by or on behalf of such persons.

(3) If a proof of right has been established in a proceeding under subsection (2) of this section, any person to whom an affidavit was delivered and who refused, without reasonable cause, to pay, deliver, transfer, or issue any personal property or evidence thereof belonging to the decedent, as provided in section 15-12-1201, shall be liable for all costs, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, incurred by or on behalf of the persons entitled thereto. The person to whom an affidavit was delivered bears the burden of proving reasonable cause by a preponderance of the evidence.

(4) Any person to whom payment, delivery, transfer, or issuance is made is answerable and accountable therefor to any personal representative of the estate or to any other person having a superior right.

Source: L. 73: R&RE, p. 1608, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 153-3-1202. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1322), ch. 296, p. 1235, § 7, effective August 6.

ANNOTATION

Law reviews. For article, "JDF 999 Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit Pursuant to CRS §§ 15-12-1201 and -1202", see 42 Colo. Law. 49 (June 2013). For article, "The Affidavit for Small Estates: How, When, and Why to Use It", see 46 Colo. Law. 43 (June 2017).

Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 15-12-1202

What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-12-1202 cover?

Section 15-12-1202 ("Effect of affidavit.") 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 § 15-12-1202?

A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-12-1202" (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 § 15-12-1202 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.