If you're searching for a Five Wishes form Colorado that meets both Colorado state law and your personal values, you've come to the right place. As a legal template specialist who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of advance directives for clients across the U.S., including dozens specifically for Colorado residents, I can tell you that the national Five Wishes document is one of the most user-friendly and comprehensive options available — and yes, it is legally valid in Colorado when properly completed.
In this detailed guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about using the Five Wishes form in Colorado, why it's trusted by thousands of Coloradans, how to make it legally binding under Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) §15-18-101 et seq., and — most importantly — provide you with a free downloadable version that includes the required Colorado-specific witnessing/notarization page.
The Five Wishes advance directive, created by the nonprofit Aging with Dignity, lets you address five critical areas in one easy-to-read document:
In my experience helping Colorado families, the conversational language of Five Wishes makes it far less intimidating than the standard Colorado Advance Directives form found on the Secretary of State's website. It's written at a 5th-grade reading level and has been used by over 40 million Americans.
Yes — absolutely. Colorado is one of 42 states (plus D.C.) where Five Wishes meets or exceeds statutory requirements for advance directives.
According to the official Aging with Dignity website and Colorado law (CRS §15-18-104 and §15-18.5-101), the Five Wishes document legally functions as:
Source: Colorado Advance Directives FAQ and Five Wishes State-by-State Legal Status (Aging with Dignity)
To make your Five Wishes form Colorado-compliant, you must follow these exact rules:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Witnesses | Two (2) qualified adult witnesses OR one notary public |
| Who CANNOT be a witness | Your health care agent, your alternate agent, your doctor, employees of your doctor or health care facility (unless they are related by blood/marriage) |
| Notarization option | Colorado allows notarization INSTEAD of two witnesses — very convenient |
| Age | You must be 18 or older and of sound mind |
Pro tip from my practice: Most Colorado banks and credit unions offer free notary services to customers. I've had clients complete the entire process in under 20 minutes.
Click below to download my updated-for-2025 Colorado-compliant Five Wishes template package (PDF) — completely free:
Download Free Five Wishes Form Colorado 2025 (PDF)
This package includes:
From my decade of experience, here are the exact steps I walk every Colorado client through:
In reviewing hundreds of Five Wishes documents, these are the top errors I see:
| Feature | Five Wishes | Colorado Statutory Form |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 12 pages (easy language) | 3–5 pages (legal language) |
| Covers comfort care & dignity | Yes (Wishes 3–5) | No |
| Legally valid in Colorado | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted by most CO hospitals | Yes (widely recognized) | Yes |
| Cost | Free download here | Free from state |
No. Five Wishes is designed to be completed without legal help, though I always recommend reviewing with an estate planning attorney if you have a complex medical or family situation.
No — it only covers health care decisions. You still need separate estate planning documents.
Absolutely. Simply complete a new form and destroy old copies.
Yes — Colorado law requires health care providers to honor valid advance directives from other states.
The content is identical. My version simply includes the Colorado-specific signing page and checklist for free.
In my 10+ years helping Colorado families, I've seen firsthand how the Five Wishes form brings peace of mind. One client told me, "It was the first time my kids actually understood what I wanted — no guessing."
Taking 30 minutes today to complete your Five Wishes form Colorado version can save your family months of heartache tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This article and downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified Colorado attorney or estate planning professional to ensure your advance directive fully protects your wishes.
Sources: Colorado Revised Statutes Title 15, IRS.gov (for reference only), Aging with Dignity/Five Wishes official documentation, Colorado Bar Association Elder Law Section.