Scott Challinor is an attorney in Coan Payton Payne’s probate practice group. Scott brings more than a decade of experience as a probate attorney to his practice, which focuses on both probate litigation and uncontested fiduciary administration. Scott represents clients in a broad array of contested probate matters, including: will contests; contested conservatorships and guardianships; trust disputes; breach of fiduciary duty claims; fiduciary removal; surcharge claims; contested accountings; power of attorney disputes; creditor claims; elective share claims; and, common law spouse claims. Additionally, Scott also represents fiduciaries in uncontested fiduciary administration, including as: personal representative; trustee; conservator; guardian; and, agent under power of attorney. Scott also has experience representing clients in probate appeals and in this role was recently recognized as “Best Appellate Lawyer” by Law Week Colorado in 2024. Scott’s appellate opinions include: In re Diaz, 2024COA101 and In re Estate of Ashworth, 2024CO39.
Scott graduated with a B.A. in History from The Colorado College, a M.Phil in International Politics from the University of Glasgow, and his law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law.
Scott is active with the Colorado Bar Association, including the Elder Law Section, for which he currently serves as Chair for the 2024-2025 term, the Trust and Estate Section, for which he is a member of the Executive Council, and as the Chair of a subsection focused on appellate matters, including the dissemination and discussion of new appellate decisions regarding estates, trusts, and protective proceedings, and drafting of amicus briefs. Scott is also a frequent Continuing Legal Education presenter on issues related to estates and trusts and elder law, including: probate appellate case law updates; appealing probate court orders; and, power of attorney basics.
Outside of the office, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, hiking in the mountains, and losing balls on the golf course.
EDUCATION
The Colorado College, B.A.
The University of Glasgow. M.Phil.
The University of Colorado, J.D.
MEMBERSHIPS
Colorado Bar Association
Awards & Recognition
Law Week Colorado, Barrister’s Choice, Best Appellate Lawyer 2024
