The Colorado Will Creation Guide That Won’t Overwhelm You

Nobody likes thinking about death, but here’s the truth: if you don’t create a will, the state of Colorado will decide what happens to everything you own. And trust me—the state doesn’t know your family like you do.

Creating a will gives you control over who gets what when you’re gone. It’s about making sure your wishes are followed and your loved ones aren’t left fighting over your stuff.

Colorado Will Laws (The Stuff That Actually Matters)

Colorado has specific rules about wills that you must follow, or your will could be invalid. These rules come from Colorado statutes 15-11-501 through 15-11-505, but the below covers most of what they mean in plain English.

Good news: Colorado recognizes both traditional paper wills and digital wills, so you’ve got options.

How Much Will This Cost You?

Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for a will in Colorado. The price depends on:

How you make it – Online platforms are cheaper than attorneys
How complicated your estate is – Simple situations cost less
Attorney fees – Estate planning lawyers charge more

Most people have straightforward needs. Online platforms often work great and save hundreds or thousands in legal fees.

Create your Colorado Online Will Now!

Digital Wills Are Now Legal in Colorado (This Changed Everything)

As of January 21, 2021, Colorado law allows electronic wills. You can now:

Create your will online
Sign electronically
Have witnesses sign remotely
Get notarized over video call
Store everything digitally

Before this law, everything had to be printed and signed physically. Now you can go completely paperless.

The Must-Follow Rules for Colorado Wills

Your will must meet these requirements or it’s legally invalid:

✅ You must be at least 18 years old
✅ You must be mentally competent
✅ Will must be in readable text format
✅ You must sign the will in front of two witnesses OR one notary
✅ Witnesses must sign shortly after you do

Bonus: Everything—including signatures and notarization—can be done electronically in Colorado.

Can You Make Your Own Will? (Yes, But Be Careful)

Colorado law allows DIY wills. But here’s the catch: one mistake in legal wording could make your wishes unenforceable.

If you’re going the DIY route, use a trusted online service that understands Colorado law. Don’t try to write it yourself unless you’re well-versed in estate law.

The Colorado Will Requirements Checklist

Basic Requirements

✅ Must be in readable text
✅ You must be 18+ and of sound mind
✅ You must sign it in front of witnesses or a notary

Witness Requirements

✅ Two competent adults
✅ Must witness your signing
✅ Must sign shortly after you

Note: Beneficiaries can be witnesses, but it’s not recommended.

Unique Colorado Rule

You can sign in front of just one notary instead of two witnesses—rare among states.

Do You Need a Lawyer? (Maybe)

Colorado does not require a lawyer to make a will. But you might need one if:

Your estate is worth millions
You own complicated businesses
You plan to disinherit someone
You have unique tax or trust needs

For most families, online will platforms are affordable and legally sufficient.

How to Sign Your Colorado Will (Step by Step)

Here’s the process:

Finalize your will
Sign it in front of two witnesses OR one notary (electronic OK)
Have witnesses or notary sign while present (can be remote)
Optional: Get it notarized to make it self-proving

Special Colorado Situations to Know

Divorce automatically removes an ex-spouse from the will
You cannot disinherit a current spouse without special legal action
To disinherit adult children, you must use very specific language
Common-law marriages are legally recognized in Colorado

Notarization: Required or Optional?

Notarization is optional, but highly recommended:

❌ Without notarization: Court may need to find your witnesses
✅ With notarization: Will becomes self-proving and goes through probate faster

Bonus: Colorado lets you use a notary instead of witnesses—so you simplify everything.

Who Can Witness Your Will?

Any competent adult can serve as a witness.

Best practice: Avoid using beneficiaries as witnesses. While allowed, it could lead to contested wills.

Ideal witnesses: Friends, coworkers, or neighbors who are neutral.

Creating Your Will Online (The Modern Way)

With Colorado’s updated laws, you can now create a fully digital will:

Choose a reliable online platform
Draft your will with guided prompts
Review for accuracy
Sign electronically
Get witness signatures (can be remote)
Add notarization to make it self-proving
Store securely in a digital vault
Update regularly when life changes

What Goes in Your Colorado Will?

Your will should include:

✅ Inventory of what you own
✅ List of beneficiaries
✅ Specific gifts (people, pets, or charities)
✅ Executor to manage your estate
✅ Guardians for children or pets
✅ Property manager for minor dependents
✅ Final wishes (cremation, burial, etc.)
✅ Optional personal messages

Online vs. Traditional Wills (Your Choice)

Colorado allows both types of wills:

Traditional Wills – Create online, then print and sign
Electronic Wills (eWills) – 100% digital, including signing and storage

Both are legally valid. Choose the option that fits your preferences and tech comfort.

The Bottom Line

Creating a will in Colorado has never been easier. Whether you go digital or stick with paper, the most important thing is to follow the state’s legal requirements exactly.

Don’t let the state decide your family’s future. Take 20 minutes and protect the people you love.

Take Action Today

The best time to create your will was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.

Your family will thank you for handling this now—so they won’t have to deal with uncertainty later.