How to Avoid Probate in Colorado

Non-probate options in Colorado include: beneficiary deeds for real estate, recorded before death (C.R.S. § 15-15-402 and following); payable-on-death and joint survivorship accounts (C.R.S. §§ 15-15-212, 15-15-223); transfer-on-death registration of securities (C.R.S. § 15-15-301 and following); a Transfer of Title Upon Death Designated Beneficiary Form (DR 2009) for vehicles, completed by the owner before death; joint tenancy with right of survivorship; property in a funded revocable trust (C.R.S. § 15-5-602); and the small estate affidavit for personal property up to $88,000 for 2026 deaths (C.R.S. § 15-12-1201).

A successor can collect the decedent's personal property (bank accounts, safe deposit box contents, vehicles, stocks, money owed) by presenting an affidavit (form JDF 999) to whoever holds it, if at least 10 days have passed since death, no personal representative has been appointed or applied for anywhere, and the estate's value less liens is no more than the inflation-adjusted limit for the year of death: $88,000 for 2026 deaths, $86,000 for 2025, $82,000 for 2024. The affidavit is not filed with the court and cannot be used to transfer real estate.

Yes, called a beneficiary deed. The owner signs a deed naming a grantee-beneficiary that says it 'conveys on death' or 'transfers on death' (or otherwise shows it takes effect at death) and records it with the county clerk and recorder before the owner dies. The beneficiary has no rights during the owner's life, and the owner can revoke or change it by recording a new instrument (not by will). The statute provides a form.