Advance Directive Form

Colorado’s Advanced Directive forms can be found here and here. These forms authorize a healthcare proxy and specify instructions regarding an individual’s living and last will. The forms must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

The following people are authorized to request a death certificate in Colorado:

• Deceased’s close family members – parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews
• Deceased’s spouse
• Deceased’s ex-spouse
• Deceased’s physician
• A legal representative of the deceased, their family members, or an estate
• Deceased’s employer
• Probate researchers
• Creditors
• Funeral directors
• Genealogists representing deceased’s family members
• The informant stated in the death certificate request

Proof of the applicant’s relationship to the decedent is required along with their government-issued ID.

The required information includes:

• The deceased’s legal name
• Date and place of death
• Purpose of request
• Date of application
• Applicant’s name and signature
• Applicant’s address, phone number, and e-mail

The price of a certificate and one certified copy is $20. An additional copy costs $13. Mailing charges apply if the certificate is sent via FedEx or UPS.

The application can be made via mail:

Vital Records Section

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

4300 Cherry Creek Drive South

HSVRD-VS-A1

Denver, CO 80246-1530

Or in-person in the local health department.

Digital Estate Planning Law

Colorado’s SB 16-088 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill was signed by the Governor on April 7, 2016.

Death With Dignity Legislation or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Colorado residents can choose to end their life in case of terminal illness following the End of Life Options Act adopted on November 8, 2016. All information on updates can be accessed here.

Organ Donation Registry

Colorado’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Colorado’s POLST form can be accessed here. This form must be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Colorado’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in the following acts:

• Title 15: Probate, Trusts, and Fiduciaries
• Title 15, Articles 10-16: Colorado Probate Code

Estate and Inheritance Tax

There is no estate and inheritance tax in Colorado in most cases. The full information can be accessed here.