Colorado Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Colorado, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Colorado guide.
- Will
- Colorado will requirements explained: the two-witness or notarized signing rule, holographic wills, self-proving affidavits, and the 10-day lodging duty. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Colorado revocable living trust under the Colorado Uniform Trust Code (C.R.S. 15-5-101): how it avoids probate, funding, the pour-over will, and TOD deeds. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Colorado power of attorney rules: durable by default, notary/signing requirements, springing POAs, hot powers, the statutory form, and why a POA ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How Colorado advance directives work: the living will, medical durable power of attorney, CPR directive, and MOST form, plus proxy rules if no document exists. Read the guide
Colorado estate planning guides
Colorado Estate Planning Basics: Documents Every Adult Should Have
Colorado estate planning basics under the Colorado Probate Code (C.R.S. Title 15): the will, durable power of attorney, and health care directives you need.
Colorado Will Requirements
Colorado will requirements explained: the two-witness or notarized signing rule, holographic wills, self-proving affidavits, and the 10-day lodging duty.
Colorado Power of Attorney
Colorado power of attorney rules: durable by default, notary/signing requirements, springing POAs, hot powers, the statutory form, and why a POA ends at death.
Colorado Advance Directives and Medical Power of Attorney
How Colorado advance directives work: the living will, medical durable power of attorney, CPR directive, and MOST form, plus proxy rules if no document exists.
Colorado Guardianship Planning
How guardianship in Colorado works for adults and minors, the guardian vs conservator split, and the planning documents that keep your family out of court.
Colorado Revocable Living Trust Guide
Colorado revocable living trust under the Colorado Uniform Trust Code (C.R.S. 15-5-101): how it avoids probate, funding, the pour-over will, and TOD deeds.
Colorado Trust Administration: Successor Trustee Guide
Colorado successor trustee duties after settlor's death under the Colorado Uniform Trust Code (C.R.S. 15-5-101): the 60-day notice, debts, taxes, distribution.
Colorado Transfer on Death Deed (Beneficiary Deed) Guide
Colorado's beneficiary deed under C.R.S. 15-15-401 names who gets your real property at death, skips probate, must be recorded before death, stays revocable.
Not sure what you need in Colorado?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.