MAKE YOUR FREE Colorado Advance Directive
What is a Colorado Advance Directive?
The individual making an Advance Directive is called the "principal," while the person or entity gaining authority to carry out the principal's wishes is known as the "agent." Suited for Colorado residents, this Advance Directive is made for use in Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, El Paso County, and in all other regions throughout the state. Each Colorado Advance Directive from Rocket Lawyer can be tailored for your unique circumstances. This essential legal document provides verification of your decisions to medical institutions, and it will confirm that your chosen agent has been authorized to make choices for you when you are not able.
When to use a Colorado Advance Directive:
- You're making sure your loved ones aren't put in the position of making important end-of-life healthcare decisions for you.
- You're about to draft a complete estate plan, and want to make sure life-sustaining treatments are covered.
Sample Colorado Advance Directive
The terms in your document will update based on the information you provide
Colorado Advance Directive FAQs
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How do I make an Advance Directive in Colorado?
It's fast and simple to document your medical wishes using a free Colorado Advance Directive template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make your Advance Directive - Answer a few general questions, and we will do the rest
- Send and share - Go over the document with your healthcare agent(s) or ask a legal question
- Sign it - Required or not, notarization and witnesses are encouraged
This method will often be notably more affordable and convenient than finding and hiring a conventional attorney. If necessary, you may start an Advance Directive on behalf of a relative, and then have that person sign it when ready. Keep in mind that for this document to be considered valid, the principal must be a mentally competent adult when they sign. In the event that the principal is already unable to make their own decisions, a court-appointed conservatorship generally will be necessary. When facing this situation, it is best for you to connect with an attorney .
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Who should write an Advance Directive?
Every person over 18 should have an Advance Healthcare Directive (both a Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will). Even though it is unpleasant to think about, a time might come when you can no longer make your own medical decisions. Here are some typical circumstances where you might consider it helpful to make or update your Advance Directive:
- You are getting older or dealing with ongoing health issues
- You are planning to live in a care facility
- You are facing the possibility of surgery or period of hospitalization
- You've been diagnosed with a terminal illness
Whether this Colorado Advance Directive has been made as a result of a recent change in your health or as part of a long-term plan, notarization and witnesses are highly recommended as a best practice for protecting your document if its lawfulness is challenged. In Colorado, please keep in mind that Advance Directives in the form of a Living Will are not valid during pregnancy.
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Do I need an attorney for my Advance Directive in Colorado?
Making an Advance Directive is usually straightforward, but you or your agent might need advice. It may depend on whom you reach out to, but often some lawyers will not even agree to review documents that they did not write. A more favorable approach might be through the Rocket Lawyer attorney network. As a Premium member, you will be able to ask for guidance from an experienced attorney or ask additional legal questions about your Advance Directive. We're here to support you.
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What would it usually cost for me to make an Advance Directive in Colorado?
The fees associated with finding and hiring a law firm to make an Advance Directive might be anywhere between $200 and $1,000, depending on where you are. Different from the other websites you might come across, Rocket Lawyer offers more than an Advance Directive template. If you ever need support from a lawyer, your Premium membership offers up to 40% in savings when you hire an attorney from our Rocket Lawyer attorney network.
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What should I do after drafting my Colorado Advance Directive?
With a Rocket Lawyer membership, you can make edits, download it as a PDF document or Word file, and/or print it. When you are ready to finish up your Advance Directive, it should be signed. Your agent(s) and care providers should receive copies of the fully executed document.
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Does an Advance Directive need to be notarized or witnessed in Colorado?
The requirements and restrictions are different by state; however, in Colorado, your Advance Directive must be signed by two witnesses. The witnesses to your Advance Directive form shouldn't be your healthcare providers, their employees, or any of your creditors. Heirs and beneficiaries are restricted, as well. As a general standard, your witnesses will need to be at least age 18, and none of them should also be named as your agent.