Free Colorado Affidavit of Heirship Form

1Who is Making

2Deceased Person

3Decedent and Relationship

4Property

5Personal Property items

6Address of the property

7Decedent Married

8Marital History

9Surviving Heirs

10Affidavit be signed

11Person making affidavit

• Who is making this Affidavit?

  Enter the name and contact information of the person making the declaration in this
  Affidavit. In legal terms, this person is called the "Affiant."

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code

• What is the deceased person's name, date, and place of death?

  Enter the decedent's full legal name and the date and place of death listed on his or her death certificate.

• Name
• Date of Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• City of Death
• State of Death
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

• How and for how long did you know the Decedent?

  Enter the start and end dates you knew the Decedent and your relationship to him or her.

• From
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Until
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• The Decedent was my:
  AuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife

• What type of property did the Decedent leave?

• Real estate and personal property should be covered in separate affidavits to ensure the original can be recorded with the proper authority.
  • Personal Property
  • Real Property (Land, Residence, Real Estate)

• List the personal property items left by the Decedent.

  List each item one at a time. You will be able to enter as many items as necessary. The location refers to the bank, business or individual who currently maintains the property.

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Second Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Third Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fourth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fifth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Sixth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Seventh Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Eighth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Ninth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Tenth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value

• What is the address of the property owned by the deceased party?

  You should also indicate the county where the property is located and the legal description. The legal description can be found on the deed to the property. This Affidavit should only cover property located in the same county.

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• rental add another
  • Add another

• Second Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Third Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fourth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fifth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Sixth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Seventh Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Eighth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Ninth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Tenth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description

• Did the Decedent ever marry?

• Select "Yes" if the Decedent was ever married in his or her life.
• Did the Decedent ever marry
  • Yes
  • No, never married

• Describe the marital history of the Decedent here.

  Leave blank any fields that do not apply.

• First Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Second Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Third Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fourth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fifth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Sixth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Seventh Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Eighth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Ninth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Tenth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Who are the remaining surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Who are the surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Second Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Third Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fourth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fifth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Sixth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Seventh Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Eighth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Ninth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Tenth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• When will this Affidavit be signed?

  You can leave this question blank if you are unsure of the signing date.

• Date
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Did the Decedent address the property in a Last Will and Testament?

  Select the option that applies to your situation. If the property was addressed in a Will, this document is not needed.

• Addressed in a Will, this document is not needed
  • No, the Will did not specifically refer to the property
  • No, decedent did not leave a Will

• Where will the person making the Affidavit sign the document?

• This document must be signed by a notary public. Choosing the state where the Affidavit is signed will determine the proper format for the notary section. Certain states may require witnesses to sign the affidavit as well.

• County (not country)
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

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Affidavit of Heirship in Colorado: A Simple Guide

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging experience. Navigating the legal processes that follow can add further stress. If you are dealing with the estate of someone who passed away in Colorado without a will, you may encounter the term "Affidavit of Heirship." This blog post aims to clarify what an Affidavit of Heirship is, how it's used in Colorado, and whether it's the right tool for your situation.

What is an Affidavit of Heirship?

An Affidavit of Heirship is a legal document used to establish the heirs of a deceased person when they die without a valid will, also known as dying "intestate." In Colorado, as in many other states, this affidavit serves as a sworn statement, officially recognizing the legal heirs who are entitled to inherit the deceased's property. It's a streamlined process intended for simpler estates, offering an alternative to formal probate in certain circumstances.

Think of it as a family tree on paper, signed under oath and notarized. It outlines the deceased's family history, including spouses, children, and other relatives, to determine the rightful heirs according to Colorado's intestacy laws.

Purpose and Use in Colorado

In Colorado, an Affidavit of Heirship is primarily used to transfer ownership of certain types of property, particularly personal property and, in some cases, real estate, when the estate qualifies for a simplified probate process. Here's a breakdown of its common uses:

• Small Estates : Colorado offers a simplified probate procedure for "small estates." While the specific definition of a small estate can change, it generally involves estates with a limited value of assets. An Affidavit of Heirship can be a valuable tool in these small estate situations, potentially avoiding the need for full probate court proceedings.

• Transferring Personal Property: Affidavits of Heirship are often used to transfer personal property like bank accounts, vehicles, and stocks or bonds, especially when these assets are held solely in the deceased's name and are part of a small estate. Financial institutions and the Department of Motor Vehicles may accept an Affidavit of Heirship to release or transfer these assets to the rightful heirs.

• Limited Real Estate Transfer: In Colorado, Affidavits of Heirship can sometimes be used to transfer real property, but this is generally limited to situations where the real estate is of modest value and free of liens or encumbrances. Title companies and county clerks may have specific requirements and limitations on using Affidavits of Heirship for real estate transfers. It's crucial to verify local county requirements.

When is an Affidavit of Heirship NOT Appropriate?

While useful in specific scenarios, an Affidavit of Heirship is not a substitute for formal probate in all cases. Here are situations where it's generally not appropriate:

• Large Estates: If the estate's value exceeds Colorado's small estate limits, a formal probate process is typically required. An Affidavit of Heirship will not suffice for larger estates.

• Complex Family Situations: If there are disputes about who the rightful heirs are, or if the family structure is complex (e.g., multiple marriages, stepchildren, adopted children), an Affidavit of Heirship may not be adequate. Probate court involvement might be necessary to resolve these complexities.

• Real Estate with Complications: If the real estate involved has significant value, mortgages, liens, or other encumbrances, or if there are multiple parties involved in the real estate, an Affidavit of Heirship is usually not sufficient for a clear title transfer. Formal probate and potentially a deed might be required.

• Creditor Claims: An Affidavit of Heirship does not go through the formal creditor claim process that probate does. If the deceased had significant debts, probate is usually necessary to properly address and settle those claims.

Creating an Affidavit of Heirship in Colorado

If an Affidavit of Heirship seems appropriate for your situation in Colorado, here are the general steps involved:

1. Gather Information: Collect detailed information about the deceased, including their date of death, place of residence, marital history, names of children (biological and adopted), and other relevant family details.

2. Identify Heirs: Determine the legal heirs according to Colorado's intestacy laws. This typically involves spouses and children, and if none, then parents, siblings, and so on, as defined by state law.

3. Draft the Affidavit: Prepare the Affidavit of Heirship document. The affidavit must contain specific information, including:

   • The deceased's name and date of death
   • Their residence at the time of death
   • Marital history (spouses, dates of marriage/divorce/death)
   • Names and information of all heirs
   • A statement that the deceased died intestate (without a will)
   • A description of the property to be transferred

4. Swear and Notarize: The affidavit must be signed under oath by one or more "disinterested witnesses" who are familiar with the deceased's family history but are not heirs themselves. The signatures must be notarized by a Colorado Notary Public.

5. Record (If Real Estate is Involved): If the Affidavit of Heirship is used to transfer real property, it must be recorded in the real property records of the county where the property is located.

Important Considerations

• Legal Advice: While Affidavits of Heirship can simplify estate administration, it's always advisable to consult with a Colorado probate attorney. An attorney can assess your specific situation, advise you on whether an Affidavit of Heirship is appropriate, and help you prepare the document correctly.

• Accuracy is Key: The information in the Affidavit of Heirship must be accurate and truthful. False statements can have legal consequences.

• Institutional Acceptance: While Colorado law recognizes Affidavits of Heirship, individual institutions (banks, title companies, etc.) have their own policies regarding their acceptance. Always check with the specific institution involved to ensure they will accept an Affidavit of Heirship for property transfer.

Conclusion

In Colorado, an Affidavit of Heirship can be a useful tool for streamlining the transfer of assets in small, simple estates when someone dies without a will. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding its limitations and seeking legal guidance are crucial to ensure proper estate administration and avoid potential legal issues down the road.