State requirements
Making a will in Colorado
Colorado requires 2 adult witnesses, recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills, and offers a self-proving affidavit that speeds up probate. Every rule below is drawn from the statute.
Witnesses
2 adults
Notarization
Optional (affidavit)
Holographic wills
Recognized
Self-proving affidavit
Available
Overview
Colorado adopted the Uniform Probate Code (UPC). Colorado recognizes holographic wills and was an early adopter of electronic wills (2021). Colorado is NOT a community property state but has elective share protections.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Testamentary Capacity | C.R.S. § 15-11-501 | 18+ and of sound mind |
| Execution Requirements | C.R.S. § 15-11-502 | Written, signed, 2 witnesses |
| Holographic Wills | C.R.S. § 15-11-502(2) | Material portions handwritten |
| Electronic Wills | C.R.S. § 15-11-502.5 | E-wills valid (2021) |
| Self-Proving | C.R.S. § 15-11-504 | Available with affidavit |
| Elective Share | C.R.S. § 15-11-201 | 50% of augmented estate |
Execution Requirements
Colorado Will Formalities
COLORADO WILL REQUIREMENTS:
✓ In writing
✓ Signed by testator
✓ Signed by 2 or more witnesses within reasonable time
UPC FLEXIBILITY:
- Witnesses need NOT sign in testator's presence
- "Reasonable time" is flexible
- Substantial compliance doctrine applies
HOLOGRAPHIC WILLS:
✓ Material portions in testator's handwriting
✓ Signed by testator
✓ NO witnesses required
ELECTRONIC WILLS (2021):
✓ Colorado was early adopter
✓ Remote witnessing permitted
✓ Electronic signatures valid
✓ Must be readable as text
Elective Share
Colorado's UPC-Based Elective Share
COLORADO ELECTIVE SHARE:
- Surviving spouse entitled to 50% of augmented estate
- Augmented estate includes probate + non-probate assets
- Must elect within 9 months of death
AUGMENTED ESTATE INCLUDES:
✓ Probate assets
✓ Revocable trusts
✓ Joint property
✓ POD/TOD accounts
✓ Certain lifetime transfers
Self-Proving Affidavit
Colorado allows self-proving wills under C.R.S. § 15-11-504.
Checklist for Colorado Wills
- •[ ] Testator is 18+ and of sound mind
- •[ ] Will is written
- •[ ] Testator signed
- •[ ] 2 witnesses signed within reasonable time
- •[ ] Self-proving affidavit (recommended)
- •[ ] OR: Holographic will with material portions handwritten
- •[ ] Elective share rights considered
Colorado will questions, answered
Can I make a will online in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado does not require a lawyer to draft a will. A will created online is valid in Colorado when it is properly executed — in writing, signed by a testator aged 18+ of sound mind, and witnessed by 2 adult witnesses.
How many witnesses does a will need in Colorado?
Colorado requires 2 adult witnesses. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries — an interested witness can jeopardize their gift or invite a contest.
Does Colorado require a will to be notarized?
No. Witnesses make a will valid in Colorado, not a notary. A notary is used for the optional self-proving affidavit, which lets the probate court accept the will without contacting your witnesses.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado recognizes holographic wills under specific conditions. They are riskier than witnessed wills — harder to probate and easier to contest — so a witnessed will remains the safer choice.
What makes a will legally valid in Colorado?
A valid Colorado will is in writing, made by a person aged 18+ of sound mind, signed by the testator, and attested by 2 adult witnesses. Note: Colorado was an early adopter of electronic wills (2021).
Keep reading
All guides →A Colorado will, witnessed-ready tonight.
The interview asks the right questions, five AI agents review the draft, and your document arrives with Colorado's exact signing steps.
Start my will — $29This page is general information about Colorado law, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current requirements or consult a licensed Colorado attorney for complex situations.