Colorado Living Wills, made easy

A living will is essential for any adult, regardless of age or health status, who wants to ensure their medical care preferences are followed in case they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. It provides clear instructions to healthcare providers and family members, helping to avoid disagreements and confusion during critical situations.

The terms can be confusing, but the documents are very different. A living will focuses on medical preferences and end-of-life care, outlining your wishes for treatment if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate. On the other hand, a last will & testament deals with the distribution of your assets and property after your death, as well as appointing guardians for minor children if necessary.

In Colorado, a living will is known as a "Declaration as to Medical Treatment" or "Advance Directive."

In Colorado, your agent is called a "Medical Durable Power of Attorney" or "Health Care Agent."

In Colorado, any decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment does not apply to a pregnant individual if there is any reasonable possibility that the fetus will develop to the point of live birth with the continued application of life-sustaining treatment.

Pregnant women in Colorado should consider the possibility that their living will provisions may not apply during pregnancy and discuss their preferences with their healthcare agent, family, and healthcare providers.

There is no impact on the validity of a life insurance policy by a living will in Colorado. They serve separate purposes; a living will addresses medical decisions, and life insurance provides financial support to beneficiaries.