Estate Planning in ColoradoAttorney-Reviewed. 100% Online. Flat-Fee.
Colorado has no state estate tax or inheritance tax, and has adopted the Uniform Probate Code — making it one of the more streamlined states for estate administration. Our CO-licensed attorneys create your estate plan online, ensuring every document meets Colorado's specific requirements.
Colorado Estate Planning Laws You Need to Know
Colorado's Uniform Probate Code provides more flexibility than most states — but you still need properly executed documents.
No Estate or Inheritance Tax
Colorado has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. Federal estate tax only applies to estates over $13.61 million (2024). This makes Colorado highly favorable for wealth transfer — your heirs keep more of what you leave them.
Uniform Probate Code
Colorado has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which streamlines probate compared to many states. Colorado offers both informal and formal probate, and a simplified process for small estates (under $80,000 in personal property, under $200,000 total with a surviving spouse).
Will Requirements
Colorado wills require 2 witnesses. Colorado also recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills without witnesses, though these are easily challenged. Notarization creates a self-proving will. Colorado allows electronic wills under certain conditions.
Medical Durable Power of Attorney
Colorado requires a specific Medical Durable Power of Attorney form for healthcare decisions. Your agent (proxy) can make medical decisions if you're incapacitated. Our attorneys use the correct CO-specific form.
Declaration as to Medical Treatment
Colorado's advance directive (living will) lets you specify medical treatments you do or don't want. Colorado also has a MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment) form for more immediate medical situations.
Community Property Considerations
Colorado is NOT a community property state — it's a common law property state. However, Colorado does recognize 'community property agreements' for married couples who want community property treatment. This affects your estate plan if you've lived in community property states.
Estate Planning Services Available in Colorado
CO-compliant documents reviewed by licensed Colorado attorneys
Last Will & Testament
A valid CO will with 2 witnesses and optional self-proving notarization. Compliant with Colorado Probate Code requirements.
Revocable Living Trust
Bypass Colorado's probate process entirely — even with the Uniform Probate Code, a trust is faster and keeps your estate private.
Financial Power of Attorney
Colorado-compliant financial POA naming a trusted agent. Ensures someone can manage your affairs if you're incapacitated.
Medical Power of Attorney & Advance Directive
Uses Colorado's specific forms for medical POA and declaration as to medical treatment. Ensures your wishes are legally enforceable in CO.
HIPAA Authorization
Grants your designated loved ones access to your medical records — critical for making informed decisions on your behalf.
Pour-Over Will
Captures any assets not yet transferred to your trust at death, ensuring your entire estate follows your trust plan.
Colorado Estate Planning FAQ
Does Colorado have an estate tax?
No. Colorado has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. The only estate tax your heirs may face is the federal estate tax, which applies to estates over $13.61 million in 2024. Colorado is one of the most tax-friendly states for estate planning.
What is the Uniform Probate Code and how does it affect me?
Colorado has adopted the Uniform Probate Code (UPC), which offers more flexibility and simplified procedures than traditional probate systems. Colorado allows 'informal' probate for straightforward estates, which is less expensive and time-consuming. However, a living trust still avoids probate entirely and offers privacy that court proceedings cannot.
What happens if I die without a will in Colorado?
Colorado intestacy laws distribute your estate based on family relationships. If you have a spouse and children who are also the children of your spouse, your spouse inherits everything. If you have children from another relationship, your spouse gets the first $225,000 plus 50% of the remainder; your children split the rest. This may not match your wishes — a will gives you control.
Can I have a handwritten will in Colorado?
Yes — Colorado recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills if the signature and material portions are in your handwriting. However, holographic wills are easily challenged and create uncertainty. A properly executed will with 2 witnesses and notarization is far more secure.
What is a small estate in Colorado?
Colorado has simplified procedures for small estates. If the estate has $80,000 or less in personal property (or $200,000 total if the surviving spouse is the only heir), heirs can use an affidavit to collect assets without formal probate — 30 days after death. Real property requires district court proceedings regardless of value.
How much does estate planning cost in Colorado?
Colorado estate planning attorneys typically charge $1,500–$4,500 for a complete plan. Estate Done Right provides the same attorney-reviewed quality at flat-fee pricing. View current packages at estatedoneright.ai/pricing.
Colorado Estate Planning Resources
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