How Long Does Guardianship Take in Colorado?

There is no single statewide duration for a Colorado guardianship case. The time from filing to appointment depends on the county, Court Visitor investigation, service and notice, court scheduling, and whether the petition is contested. Here's how the stages fit together.

The Timeline, Stage by Stage

Pre-Filing Preparation

Before you file anything, you need:

• CBI background check — order through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation; processing time varies, so order it early
• Credit report — available immediately from the major bureaus; redact all but the last four digits of account numbers before filing
• Capacity evaluation — scheduling with a physician or psychologist familiar with your child's disability can take the longest. Some providers have multi-week wait times for non-urgent evaluations.
• JDF form preparation — completing JDF 841 (Petition), JDF 805 (Acceptance of Office), and supporting documents

Filing to Hearing

After you file the petition and pay the $229 filing fee (or submit JDF 205 for a fee waiver), the court sets a hearing date. Colorado law requires that the respondent be served at least fourteen days before the hearing, and all interested persons must receive notice in the same timeframe.

The actual timeline depends on:

Court scheduling. The hearing date depends on the county's current docket. High-volume jurisdictions and rural courts can have different scheduling constraints.

Court visitor investigation. The court appoints a Court Visitor upon filing. The visitor must interview the respondent, interview the proposed guardian, inspect the residence, and file a written report for the court's consideration. Court Visitor availability and report timing can affect the hearing schedule.

Service of process. Personal service on the respondent must be completed by an independent third party (sheriff or process server). Mailed notice to interested persons is straightforward, but if an interested person's address is unknown, ask the court about the permitted service procedure and any additional requirements.

The Hearing

The hearing date and length depend on the court and the issues presented. The judge reviews the petition, the Court Visitor's report, any medical evidence, and whether notice requirements were met. If the court grants the petition, it issues an appointment order and Letters of Guardianship (JDF 849) through its process.

Post-Appointment: Immediate + 60 Days

After appointment, two clocks start:

• Within 30 days: File JDF 800 (Acknowledgment of Responsibilities) and JDF 812 (Notice of Appointment), and serve a copy on the ward and all interested persons
• Within 60 days: File JDF 850 (Initial Report/Care Plan) with the court

What Causes Delays

Incomplete filings. Missing a form, forgetting to include the CBI check, or submitting a credit report without proper redaction can lead to clerk follow-up, rejection, or refiling once the problem is corrected.

Court visitor timing. A delay in visitor assignment or in the report can delay the hearing; assignments depend on availability in your county.

Contested proceedings. If the respondent or another party opposes the petition, the case may require additional evidence, hearings, or other litigation steps and can take substantially longer than an uncontested matter.

Fee waiver processing. If you file JDF 205, the court must review the financial affidavit and issue an order. The effect on timing depends on the court's process.

How to Minimize the Timeline

Start background checks early. Order the CBI check and credit report as soon as you decide to pursue guardianship. These can be done before your child turns eighteen.

Schedule the capacity evaluation early. This is the document most likely to involve a waiting period. If possible, schedule it at age seventeen so the report is ready when you need it.

File a complete petition. Double-check every form, every supporting document, every signature before filing. A single missing element triggers a rejection.

Serve promptly. Don't wait to arrange service — schedule the process server or sheriff for the day after you receive the hearing date.

Communicate with the court visitor. Be responsive when the visitor contacts you. Delays in scheduling the home visit or interview push back the entire timeline.

Filing Pro Se vs. With an Attorney

Filing without an attorney (pro se) is common for uncontested guardianship cases. The standardized JDF forms are designed for self-represented filers, and most courthouse self-help centers offer guidance on completing them.

Pro se filing doesn't inherently determine the timeline. But errors on forms, missed service requirements, or incomplete filings can create additional steps. An attorney familiar with your county's procedures may help navigate the process, particularly when local procedures apply alongside standardized forms.

The Colorado Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide provides a form-by-form filing checklist and timeline tracker designed for families handling the process themselves — covering every step from pre-filing preparation through the initial sixty-day care plan.

See more Colorado guides →