As a business and estate-planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Colorado residents over the past twelve years, I know how important it is to have a valid, state-specific Colorado living will template that actually complies with current law. In this article, I’m giving you a completely free, attorney-reviewed free Colorado living will form that meets all Colorado statutory requirements under C.R.S. § 15-18-101 et seq. (Colorado Patient Autonomy Act) and the most recent 2024–2025 updates.
Important Disclaimer: This living will Colorado form is provided for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is not legal advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may require customization. Always consult a licensed Colorado attorney or qualified professional before executing any advance directive.
A Colorado living will (officially called a “Declaration as to Medical or Surgical Treatment” in Colorado statute) is a legal document that tells your doctors and family whether you want life-sustaining treatment—withdrawn or withheld—if you are in a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state and cannot speak for yourself.
Unlike many states, Colorado combines the living will and medical durable power of attorney into separate forms, but both are governed by the same chapter of law. Having a properly executed Colorado living will template prevents family arguments and ensures your end-of-life wishes are honored.
Click here to download your free Colorado living will template (PDF) – Updated November 2025, compliant with C.R.S. § 15-18-104 and § 15-18-106.
The downloadable free Colorado living will form includes:
According to the Colorado Revised Statutes and the official guidance on Colorado Secretary of State and Colorado Department of Public Health:
| Requirement | Details (C.R.S. § 15-18-106) |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 or older |
| Sound Mind | Must be of sound mind and not under duress |
| Writing | Must be in writing |
| Witnesses | Two adult witnesses who are not related, not beneficiaries, and not your doctor/healthcare provider |
| Notarization | Optional (but recommended if you travel out of state) |
| Artificial Nutrition/Hydration | Must be specifically addressed – Colorado law does NOT presume you want it withheld |
In my practice, I review dozens of homemade forms every year. Here are the top errors:
Yes—almost always. A living will only covers terminal conditions and persistent vegetative state. A Medical Durable Power of Attorney (healthcare proxy) lets your chosen agent make all other medical decisions. I provide a free combined packet with both forms to my clients, and I recommend you execute both at the same time.
No. A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment) are physician orders on colored forms. Your living will is your personal declaration.
Generally yes if they meet Colorado’s witnessing requirements, but using a Colorado-specific form removes doubt.
Absolutely—anytime by destroying it, signing a written revocation, or telling your doctor orally (witnessed).
No. Colorado does not have a statewide advance directive registry (as of 2025).
Over the last decade, I’ve seen too many families torn apart because Mom or Dad never put their wishes in writing. Taking 15 minutes to complete this free Colorado living will template can save your loved ones months of grief and thousands in legal fees.
Download your attorney-reviewed free Colorado living will form today, execute it properly, and sleep better knowing your voice will be heard—even when you can’t speak.
Download Free 2025 Colorado Living Will Template (PDF)
Sources: Colorado Revised Statutes Title 15, Article 18; Colorado Bar Association Advance Directives Guide; IRS.gov (for gift/estate tax implications of certain medical decisions).
Again—this is not legal advice. For complex situations (blended families, out-of-state property, etc.), please schedule a consultation with a licensed Colorado attorney.