Colorado Will Requirements
A will only protects your family if it is executed correctly under Colorado law. This 2026 guide covers Colorado's witness, notary, and holographic-will requirements, explains the self-proving affidavit, and shows how VoiceWill™ can draft your Colorado will from a guided voice conversation in less than an hour.
How a will is executed in Colorado
Colorado requires two adult witnesses to validly execute a will. Witnesses must be of legal age, mentally competent, and — in most cases — disinterested (not named as beneficiaries). Colorado also requires notarization for a will to be valid.
Two witnesses OR notarization accepted. Uniform Probate Code state.
Witnesses and notarization in Colorado
Choosing the right witnesses is one of the most common mistakes Colorado residents make. A beneficiary witness can invalidate a bequest in many states. Colorado attorneys generally recommend two clearly disinterested adults sign at the same time, in the testator's presence, and in each other's presence.
A self-proving affidavit is a short notarized statement attached to the will. It is not the will itself — it allows Colorado probate courts to admit the will without calling the witnesses back to testify, which saves time and cost during probate.
- two adult witnesses required at signing
- Colorado also requires notarization for a will to be valid
- Colorado accepts holographic (handwritten, unwitnessed) wills meeting state criteria
- Witnesses should be disinterested adults
- Self-proving affidavit recommended for faster probate
What Colorado probate looks like
When a Colorado resident dies with a will, the executor files it in the probate court of the county where the decedent lived. The court validates the will, supervises the executor, and oversees distribution. Small estates may qualify for a simplified or affidavit-based process; larger or contested estates can take 6–18 months.
A living trust is the most common way Colorado families bypass probate for major assets. VoiceWill™ can draft a coordinated will and revocable trust together so nothing is missed.
Healthcare directive and power of attorney in Colorado
A will only takes effect at death. Two other documents protect you while alive: a Colorado advance healthcare directive (also called a living will or healthcare proxy) names who makes medical decisions if you cannot, and a Colorado durable power of attorney names who manages your finances during incapacity. Most Colorado estate plans need all three.
Choosing executors and guardians in Colorado
Your executor must be an adult Colorado resident or, for non-residents, generally a close relative — confirm your county's rules. Name at least one alternate. If you have minor children, your will is the place to nominate a guardian; Colorado courts give strong weight to a parent's nomination but make the final call based on the child's best interests.
Frequently asked questions about Colorado will requirements
How many witnesses does a will need in Colorado?
Colorado requires two adult witnesses who are of legal age, mentally competent, and generally not beneficiaries of the will.
Is notarization required for a Colorado will?
Yes — Colorado requires notarization in addition to witnesses for a will to be valid.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills accepted in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado accepts holographic wills written and signed entirely in the testator's handwriting, but they are far easier to challenge than a properly witnessed will.
Can I make my Colorado will online?
Yes. VoiceWill™ guides you through a voice conversation, prepares a Colorado-compliant draft, and explains exactly how to sign and witness it under Colorado law.
Does a Colorado will avoid probate?
No. A will still goes through Colorado probate. To avoid probate, Colorado residents typically pair the will with a revocable living trust.
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