Colorado Power of Attorney Forms | 10 Types – PDF, Word

A Colorado Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person the authority to make decisions on behalf of another.

These decisions can be financial, medical, family-based, or legal. There are much different POA forms and can vary in circumstances and duration.

The principal may choose to complete a POA for a short, temporary situation. For example, if they need a financial task to be taken care of, they can appoint another individual (the agent). However, the duration of the Colorado POA can also be long-term. Suppose if they foresee a medical necessity, they can appoint an agent to make medical decisions if they are incapacitated.

In short, this document is used to ensure that an agent can carry out thoughtful actions on behalf of someone (principal) who is unable to do so. This article will discuss all the different kinds of POA available and relevant laws and proceedings in the State of Colorado.

Free POA Forms

Great Downloadable Colorado Power of Attorney Template 01 as Word File

Great Downloadable Colorado Power of Attorney Template 02 as Word File

    Types of Power of Attorney

    A Colorado POA is a generalized term. Many different kinds are specific to the named agent’s decisions. This is for the protection of all parties involved. This way, the agent cannot assume responsibility for all important life decisions but rather only those explicitly mentioned in the specific POA.

    This article will discuss 10 of the most common POA in Colorado. Here are the different POA form types and their respective supporting laws:


    Free Comprehensive Advance Directive Power of Attorney Sample for Word Document

    Advance Directive Power of Attorney Sample

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Free Comprehensive Colorado Durable Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Durable Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Free Comprehensive Colorado General Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    General Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Free Comprehensive Colorado Limited Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Limited Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Free Comprehensive Colorado Medical Durable Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Medical Durable Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Great Customizable Colorado Minor Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Minor Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Great Customizable Colorado Revocation of Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Revocation of Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Great Customizable Colorado Tax Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Tax Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Great Customizable Colorado Vehicle Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Vehicle Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Great Customizable Colorado Springing Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Springing Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)


    Great Customizable Colorado Real Estate Power of Attorney Form for Word Document

    Real Estate Power of Attorney Form

    Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)

      Governing Laws

      In Colorado, the primary law that outlines the capacity and procedures of a POA is Title 15, Article 14, Part 7 (Uniform Power of Attorney Act). It involves four subparts.

      The first subpart is the general provisions section which includes the definition, applicability, and procedures involved for a Colorado POA. For example, the first subpart will define several important terms used throughout, such as “agent”, “durable”, “good faith”, and “incapacity”. This section also mentions that all powers of attorney are implicitly durable unless expressly stated otherwise.

      Subpart two is the authority section and outlines all of the powers granted under a POA form. In this section, all of the information regarding the effects relevant to significant institutions can be found. For example, all of the governing statutes referring to banks, real estate, trusts, taxes, and retirement plans are outlined in this section.

      Subpart three is a shorter section of the statutory form that gives examples of the power of an attorney and a certification form. The agent certification form is fundamental because it describes all of the signing requirements. Here, it states that the presence of a notary public is necessary for a POA to be legally binding. This section is handy for anyone looking to draft up their POA in the State of Colorado.

      Finally, subpart four is the miscellaneous provisions section that includes statutes relevant to other matters that may affect POA. For example, § 15-14-744. In addition, the “Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act” specifies that electronic signatures are valid for a POA, but only if they meet specific requirements.

      There are statutory forms available at § 15-14-741, including a standardized version and a Colorado BAR version.

      Colorado POA Requirements

      While a Colorado POA is a valuable document, several requirements must be upheld to be legally binding. If these requirements are not met, a conservatorship court proceeding must take place, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.

      The State of Colorado requires that all POA be in writing and signed by an individual who is at least 18 years old. This legal document should be highly specific, mentioning all parties involved and the actual powers granted.  Finally, a notary public should validate the document after signing.

      Every POA should be personalised to grant specific powers to the agent. For example, even though a financial POA is signed, that does not automatically grant authority over every type of financial transaction. If an individual wants the agent to have the authority to make changes to beneficiaries or any trusts, then those must be specified within the form.

      Additionally, the names and signatures of all parties should be included along with the date. The date should refer to the date of the agreement being signed and the date acknowledging the time in which the powers are in effect.

      Factors to Consider While Drafting a POA

      When drafting the POA, it’s essential to think carefully about who you appoint and what powers you will be granting them. For instance, the principal may not want their agent to have universal authority over all financial decisions but instead only want them to have limited powers regarding a specific decision.

      Likewise, it’s essential to choose the agent very carefully. The power of authority is an immense responsibility, so the agent must be able to act dutifully. A professional often should be chosen for specific types of POAs, such as a real estate POA. But in other cases, a close friend or family member would be more appropriate.

      It’s also possible to choose subsequent successors to act on behalf of the agent in case of death or incapacitation. This may be important in cases of medical POAs, but the people chosen should be those who would serve in a way that aligns with your values. 

      How to Get Power of Attorney in Colorado?

      To obtain this, both the individual and the agent must be present and sign the relevant form before a notary public. In many cases, it is wise to have a lawyer or legal professional handle the specifics of the form to make sure that the document is sufficiently completed.

      If an individual is incapacitated, a court proceeding must take place to decide over a conservatorship regarding their finances. A court will then decide who receives a Colorado POA during these situations. 

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How do I know the agent is not misusing the power of attorney?

      In Colorado, an agent is defined as a fiduciary (CO Rev Stat § 15-14-702 (2016)). This means that the agent must act in good faith, based on what they believe to benefit the individual and align with their values.
      Additionally, the agent should keep measurable records of all of their actions while acting under the POA if any of their actions need to be reviewed.

      Does a power of attorney need to be notarized or witnessed?

      According to Colorado law, a general POA does not need to be notarized, according to their revised statute § 15-14-705. However, in some circumstances, it is required.
      Likewise, most professionals agree that it is more appropriate to notarize a POA and have it witnessed by two people. This guarantees that the POA will be considered genuine and prevents any possible future disruptions.

      About This Article

      Maria Latimer
      Authored by:
      U.S. Licensed Attorney - Commercial Civil Litigation, Employment and Labor Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property Protection and Counseling
      Maria Latimer stands as a meticulously detail-oriented attorney, deeply entrenched in the multifaceted realms of the U.S. legal framework. With expertise spanning business formation and structures, she is adept at commercial civil litigation, navigating the intricacies of employment and labor law, and addressing delicate family matters, particularly in divorce and prenuptial contexts. Additionally, Maria's proficiency in intellectual property ensures robust protection and insightful counseling. Her portfolio is a testament to her versatility and depth, comprising a plethora of contracts she has crafted, ranging from Consulting and Operating Agreements to more nuanced documents like Non-solicitation and Confidentiality Agreements. From Website Privacy Policies to intricate Licensing and Financing Agreements, Maria's comprehensive expertise ensures that she remains a leading figure in the legal landscape, offering unparalleled expertise across her practice areas.

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