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How do I create a power of attorney in Colorado?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

Colorado was an early UPOAA adopter, putting the law in effect January 1, 2010.

1. Governing Law

Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 15-14-701 to 15-14-745 (Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Part 7 of Article 14). Healthcare at Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 15-14-503 to 15-14-509.

2. Types

  • General vs limited.
  • Durable vs non-durable.
  • Springing — permitted under § 15-14-709.
  • Healthcare — separate Medical Durable Power of Attorney under § 15-14-506, plus Declaration as to Medical or Surgical Treatment (Living Will) under § 15-18-104.

    • 3. Statutory Form

    Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-741 provides the Statutory Form Power of Attorney. Use is optional; substantial conformity protects third parties.

    4. Execution Formalities

    Under § 15-14-705, the POA must be signed by the principal (or by another in the principal's conscious presence and at the principal's direction) and acknowledged before a notary public. No witnesses required for the financial POA. Medical Durable POA under § 15-14-506 has no formal execution requirements beyond signing and dating, but most are notarized.

    5. Durability

    Under § 15-14-704, a POA is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the principal's incapacity. Colorado follows UPOAA's default-durable rule.

    6. Acceptance by Third Parties

    Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 15-14-719 and 15-14-720 mirror UPOAA § 120. Person may request agent certification, English translation, or counsel opinion within 7 business days, then must accept or reject within 5 business days. Wrongful refusal allows court-ordered acceptance plus attorney fees.

    7. Revocation

    Principal may revoke in writing (§ 15-14-710). Recording in the County Clerk and Recorder's Office if real-estate POA was recorded. Notice to agent and third parties. Death, divorce of spouse-agent, or court-appointed conservator terminates.

    8. Special Authorities

    Section 15-14-740 requires express grant for hot powers: create/amend/revoke a trust, make a gift, create or change survivorship rights, change beneficiary designations, delegate authority, exercise fiduciary powers, waive principal's right to be beneficiary of joint-and-survivor annuity, disclaim property.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Bank refuses POA past 7-day certification window
    • Health First Colorado (Medicaid) planning requires gifting authority
    • Suspected exploitation of an at-risk adult (mandatory reporting)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-701
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-704
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-705
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-710
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-719
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-740
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-741
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-14-506
    • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-18-104

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.