CO estate risk

Complexity triggers in Colorado

Scenarios that increase estate risk, such as blended families or multi-state property.

Colorado uses an elective share based on the augmented estate and provides statutory allowances that can change how assets are divided.

Which situations create the most risk here?What types of families face higher default exposure?Where do disputes most often arise?

At a glance

Key takeaways

A surviving spouse may elect to take a share calculated from the augmented estate.
Exempt property and family allowance benefits can be awarded to a spouse or children and are treated separately from other distributions.

Questions to consider

State overview

Colorado uses an elective share based on the augmented estate and provides statutory allowances that can change how assets are divided.

A surviving spouse may elect to take a share calculated from the augmented estate.
Exempt property and family allowance benefits can be awarded to a spouse or children and are treated separately from other distributions.

Sources

Background sources

National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Colorado.

Optional next steps

Educational resources only. No forms and no legal advice.

Context links

Understand death-risk context for Colorado

LifeRiskIQ gives broader mortality context that can help frame when estate planning becomes more urgent.

Understand retirement-risk context for Colorado

RetirementRiskIQ explains how asset growth and longevity can increase estate complexity over time.

Review federal estate tax basics

IRS guidance on federal estate tax thresholds, filings, and definitions.