Document end-of-life preferences in Colorado: Colorado Living Will
What is a Colorado Living Will?
A Colorado Living Will is a legal document that lays out your wishes in relation to medical care, such as your acceptance or refusal of specific medical treatments, along with the (optional) naming of a trusted healthcare agent.
The person making a Living Will is known as the "principal," and the person or organization obtaining permission to carry out the principal's wishes is known as the "agent." Suited for residents of Colorado, this free Living Will can be used in Jefferson County, El Paso County, Arapahoe County, and in every other county or municipality throughout the state. Any Colorado Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be modified for your unique situation. This official document will provide verification of your preferences to healthcare facilities, and it will confirm that your selected agent has been given the authority to make choices for you.
When to use a Colorado Living Will:
- You want to legally and clearly communicate your healthcare wishes.
- You're assigning someone to make healthcare decisions for you in the event that you're unable to do so in the future.
How do I get my Colorado Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Colorado Living Will and want to have it reviewed, or if you have questions about creating or using one, there are a few ways to get help.
Use Rocket Copilot to ask questions or review your document; this helps you better understand what it says and identify anything that may need a closer look.
If you are looking for help from a Legal Pro, you can also ask a question and receive a response within one business day, or request a more in-depth document review.
Colorado Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Colorado?
It is quick and easy to outline your medical preferences using a free Colorado Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make your Living Will - Provide a few basic details,, and we will do the rest
- Send or share it - Go over the document with your healthcare agent or ask a legal question
- Sign it - Mandatory or not, witnesses and notarization are encouraged
This route will often end up being notably more affordable than working with a traditional lawyer. If needed, you can fill out this Living Will on behalf of your spouse, an elderly parent, or another relative and then have that person sign after you've drafted it. Keep in mind that for a Living Will to be considered legally valid, the principal must be mentally competent at the time of signing. If the principal has already been declared incompetent, a court-appointed conservatorship might be necessary. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Who should have a Living Will?
If you are over 18 years old, you ought to have a Living Will in place. Though it is challenging to think about, a day could come when you are not able to make your own healthcare decisions. Here are some typical circumstances in which it might be helpful to make or update your Living Will:
- You are planning for an upcoming medical procedure or hospitalization
- You are getting older or have declining health
- You have been given a terminal diagnosis
- You currently live in or intend to move into an adult care facility
Regardless of whether this Colorado Living Will has been generated as part of a long-term plan or created as a result of a change in your health, notarization and/or witnesses can help to protect your document if its lawfulness is questioned by a third party. Please note that Living Wills are not legally valid during pregnancy in Colorado.
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Do I need a lawyer for my Living Will in Colorado?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Colorado Living Will reviewed before signing, so you fully understand your choices and help avoid unintended outcomes. The problem is that some attorneys may not review documents they didn’t prepare, while others may require a retainer or high hourly fees. This can make getting a legal review of your Colorado Living Willdifficult and time-consuming.
Rocket Lawyer makes the process easier. With Rocket Lawyer, you can request a review from a Legal Pro or ask questions about your document. You can also use Rocket Copilot to review your document, identify potential issues, and check that everything is complete before signing.
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How much would it traditionally cost for a lawyer to help me make a Living Will in Colorado?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Colorado Living Will can vary widely. Many lawyers charge hourly rates that may range from around $100 for less experienced attorneys to $350 or more per hour for highly experienced attorneys in major metropolitan areas. For more routine documents, some attorneys may offer flat-fee pricing.
The total cost will depend on several factors, including your location, the attorney’s experience, and the complexity of your agreement. More documents or situations involving negotiation will typically require more time and increase the overall cost.
With Rocket Lawyer, you can create a personalized Colorado Living Will tailored to your specific needs—without the high cost typically associated with hiring a lawyer. If you have questions or want additional peace of mind, you can also get your document reviewed or ask a Legal Pro for guidance.
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Does a Living Will need to be notarized or witnessed in Colorado?
The laws for Living Wills will vary by state; however, in Colorado, your Living Will must be signed by two witnesses. The witnesses to your Living Will form shouldn't be your healthcare providers, their employees, or any of your creditors. Heirs and beneficiaries are restricted, as well. As a general principle, witnesses must be 18 years old or older, and none of them should simultaneously be named as your healthcare agent.
