Cost of Guardianship in Colorado: Complete Fee Breakdown for 2026
Cost of Guardianship in Colorado: 2026 Fee Breakdown
Adult guardianship in Colorado is not cheap, but understanding the exact costs helps you budget before filing. Whether you handle the petition yourself or hire an attorney, here's what every fee actually costs in 2026.
Court Filing and Background Check Fees
These are mandatory regardless of whether you use an attorney:
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee (JDF 841) | $229 | Per petition — guardianship and conservatorship are separate filings |
| CBI criminal history check | $6–$13 | Internet check ($6) vs. staff-certified ($13) |
| CAPS check | $9–$16.50 | Adult Protective Services database screening |
| Credit report | $0–$15 | Free via annualcreditreport.com; redact SSN and account numbers |
| Certified Letters of Guardianship | $20 each | You'll need multiple copies for banks, hospitals, and agencies |
| Additional page copies | $0.25–$0.75/page | For filing certificates of service and court records |
Minimum self-filed cost: approximately $285–$315 for a guardianship-only petition, assuming one CBI check, one CAPS check, and two certified letter copies.
If you're also filing for conservatorship, add another $229 filing fee plus a second set of background documents.
Court Visitor Fees
Colorado courts appoint a Court Visitor — a neutral investigator who interviews your parent, evaluates you as the proposed guardian, and files a written report. You pay for this.
- Denver Probate Court: Flat rate of $200
- Other counties: Up to $40/hour, with total costs varying based on case complexity
For straightforward, uncontested cases, Court Visitor fees typically run $200–$500. Complex cases with multiple family members or disputed living arrangements can push this to $1,000+.
Attorney Fees
You're not required to have an attorney for guardianship in Colorado. The court system provides self-help forms (the JDF series) and instructions specifically for pro se filers. But attorney representation may be worth the cost in contested situations.
Typical attorney fee ranges:
- Uncontested guardianship (flat fee): $3,500–$5,000
- Contested guardianship (hourly): $250–$500+/hour
- Contested cases total: $15,000–$30,000+
These fees escalate quickly when siblings disagree about who should serve as guardian, when the parent actively contests the petition, or when the court appoints separate counsel for your parent (which the estate typically pays for).
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Hidden and Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial filing, guardians face continuing expenses:
- Annual reporting: JDF 850 (Guardian's Report) must be filed every year — no fee, but takes time to prepare
- Bonding: Courts may require a surety bond for conservators (not typically required for guardians-only)
- Professional fees: If the court appoints a professional guardian instead of a family member, their fees come from your parent's estate
How to Reduce Guardianship Costs
File pro se if the case is uncontested. If no family member objects and your parent's situation is straightforward, the JDF form series walks you through the entire process. The court's self-help centers can answer procedural questions at no charge.
Request a fee waiver. If your parent cannot afford court costs, file JDF 205 (Motion to Waive Fees) along with JDF 206 (Order re Fee Waiver).
Avoid guardianship entirely. A durable power of attorney executed while your parent still has capacity costs a fraction of guardianship and avoids the court process altogether. Even with notarization and attorney drafting, a POA typically runs $200–$500 — compared to $3,500+ for guardianship.
The Colorado Power of Attorney & Guardianship Kit includes step-by-step filing instructions for both pathways, helping you navigate the process with or without an attorney.
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