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Free Colorado Power of Attorney Template

A Colorado power of attorney (POA) gives someone you trust the legal right to act on your behalf for financial, legal, or health-related matters. It’s a useful way to prepare for unexpected situations or future planning, and it ensures your instructions are followed under Colorado law.

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  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Answer a Few Questions

Add details like your name, your agent’s name, and what powers you want to give.

2

Customize Your Form

Our guided builder helps ensure your Colorado POA meets state requirements.

3

Download and Sign

Print your completed form and sign before a notary to make it official.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Colorado Power of Attorney?
  2. Types of Powers of Attorney in Colorado
  3. How to Write a Power of Attorney for Colorado
  4. Legal Requirements and Considerations for Colorado POAs

What Is a Colorado Power of Attorney?

A Colorado power of attorney (POA) authorizes a chosen agent to act on your behalf in financial, medical, or legal matters. The person granting powers is called the principal.

Under CO Rev Stat § 15-14-704, all POAs in Colorado are presumed durable unless stated otherwise. The principal must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent — meaning they understand the terms and effects of the agreement.

Types of Powers of Attorney in Colorado

Colorado recognizes several power of attorney types, depending on your needs and how long you want the agent’s authority to last. The table below summarizes each form and its signing/notarization requirements.

TypeWhat it doesSigning/notarization requirements
Durable (Financial)Remains effective even after the principal becomes incapacitated. Commonly used to manage financial and property affairs.Notary public (CO Rev Stat § 15-14-705)
Non-Durable (General)Authorizes the agent to act on your behalf but terminates upon incapacity. Suitable for temporary or short-term transactions.Notary public (CO Rev Stat § 15-14-705)
Medical (Health Care)Lets your agent make healthcare and treatment decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.Principal signature only – no witness or notary required (CO Rev Stat § 15-14-506)
Limited (Special)Restricts the agent’s authority to a specific task or time period, such as managing a single transaction.Notary public (§ 15-14-705)
SpringingTakes effect only after a specific event occurs (commonly incapacity).Notary public (§ 15-14-705)
Motor Vehicle (Form DR 2175)Allows a representative to manage vehicle-related tasks such as titling, registration, or sale.Notary public (Colorado DMV requirements)
Real EstateGrants your agent authority to buy, sell, or manage property on your behalf.Notary public (required for recording under state property laws)
Tax (Form DR 0145)Authorizes an agent to represent you in tax matters before the Colorado Department of Revenue.Taxpayer signature (form-specific)
Minor (Child)Temporarily delegates parental responsibility for a child’s care, education, or health.Notary public (§ 15-14-705)
RevocationTerminates a previously granted power of attorney.Notary public (§ 15-14-705)

How to Write a Power of Attorney for Colorado

Creating a valid POA in Colorado involves following state requirements and clearly defining the agent’s role. Follow these steps:

  1. Name the principal and agent: Provide each party’s full legal name and contact information. CO Rev Stat § 15-14-711 allows you to appoint co-agents or successor agents.
  2. Grant general authority: Choose which areas (finances, real property, medical care, etc.) the agent can manage.
  3. Define specific authority: State whether the agent may handle trusts, gifts, or beneficiaries.
  4. Add special instructions: Limit or clarify how long the POA lasts, or specify circumstances under which the powers apply. Unless otherwise stated, a Colorado POA will remain valid following the principal’s incpacity.
  5. State effectiveness: By default, a Colorado POA is effective upon signing unless you specify another date or condition (see CO Rev Stat § 15-14-709).
  6. Sign and notarize: Sign in front of a notary public per CO Rev Stat § 15-14-705.

Legal Requirements and Considerations for Colorado POAs

Notarization

Colorado law requires notarization of most POAs to verify authenticity. Under CO Rev Stat § 15-14-705, the principal must sign before a notary public. Medical POAs are an exception — they only require the principal’s signature (see § 15-14-506).

Filing

If your POA authorizes the agent to handle real estate, file it with the county’s Clerk and Recorder where the property is located. While other POAs don’t need to be filed, financial institutions or healthcare providers may request copies for verification.

Revocation

You can revoke a POA anytime by delivering a written revocation notice to your agent, as provided in CO Rev Stat § 15-14-710. Until your agent receives notice, any action taken in good faith under the POA will remain in place.

If your spouse is the agent, divorce or legal separation automatically ends their authority. Agents may also resign by written notice under CO Rev Stat § 15-14-718.