Last Will and Testament in Colorado
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Colorado law says
| Requirements for a valid will | Anyone 18 or older and of sound mind may make a will. The will must be in writing and signed by the will-maker (or by someone else in the will-maker's name, in their conscious presence and at their direction). It must then either be signed by at least two witnesses who saw the signing or the will-maker's acknowledgment of the signature or will (witnesses may sign within a reasonable time, even after death), or be acknowledged by the will-maker before a notary. A court can also accept a document that does not meet these rules if there is clear and convincing evidence the person intended it as their will. Statute text from the Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 edition published by the Colorado General Assembly. |
|---|---|
| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. A witnessed will can be made self-proved at signing (or later) when the will-maker and witnesses sign sworn statements before an officer authorized to give oaths, such as a notary, whose certificate is attached under official seal. The statute gives the wording. Source: C.R.S. § 15-11-504 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Yes. A will is valid as a holographic will, whether or not it is witnessed, if the signature and the material portions are in the will-maker's own handwriting. Source: C.R.S. § 15-11-502(2) |
Fill it in
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Colorado tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.