Due to ongoing dry conditions and prevailing high winds, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova of the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has elevated fire restrictions to Stage 2, effective May 28, 2026 within the boundaries of Los Alamos County to safeguard public health and safety, as well as protect lands, structures, natural and historical artifacts.
Probate Court Judge
Los Alamos County Councilor appointed Perry Klare as Los Alamos County's Probate in January 2024 to complete the term ending December 31, 2026.
Hon. Perry Klare, Los Alamos Probate Judge, is a Hilltopper and former LANL Critical Infrastructure protector. An attorney since 2014 (NM & US Fed Court), his 7 years as a Public Defender and private practice complex probate experience (TX pro hac vice) ensure he guides grieving families with empathetic, efficient legal rigor. He considers officiating weddings a distinct honor.
Los Alamos County Probate Court has jurisdiction over an informal probate if,
In addition to adjudicating informal probate cases, the Los Alamos Probate Court provides general information on the probate process and access to public records that have been filed with the Court.
Los Alamos County Probate Court cannot hear a formal probate case. Examples of formal probate hearings are determinations of
A formal probate case must be filed in District Court.
State law authorizes the Probate Courts to:
State law also allows Probate Judges to perform marriages within their county.
Probate is the judicial process for transferring the property of a person who has died (called decedent). The property is transferred according to either:
The Probate Court appoints legally qualified persons, called Personal Representatives(PDF, 1021KB), to manage and settle the decedent's business affairs. Personal Representatives pass the deceased person's estate property, real and personal, to the rightful recipients. Rightful recipients might include heirs, devisees named in a valid and current will, or creditors.