Colorado Transfer on Death Deed Form – Downloadable Beneficiary Deed Template 

Avoid Probate in Colorado with a Simple Beneficiary Deed

Looking for a Colorado Transfer on Death Deed form? Our downloadable Colorado beneficiary deed template provides a straightforward way to transfer real estate to your beneficiaries without going through probate court.

Download Your Colorado Beneficiary Deed Template Now - $18

What is a Colorado Transfer on Death Deed?

A Colorado Transfer on Death Deed (also called a Colorado beneficiary deed) is a legal document that allows Colorado property owners to name beneficiaries who will automatically inherit their real estate upon death—without the time, expense, and complexity of probate.

Why Choose Our Colorado Beneficiary Deed Template?

✔ Instant Download – Get immediate access to your Colorado Transfer on Death Deed PDF
✔ Multiple Formats – Available as editable MS Word, fillable PDF, and Google Doc
✔ Easy to Use – Includes step-by-step instructions for completing your deed
✔ Legally Compliant – Formatted to meet Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-15-402 requirements
✔ Affordable – Just $18 for complete access to all formats

What's Included in Your Purchase:

• Colorado Transfer on Death Deed form (Word, PDF, and Google Doc formats)

• Editable Colorado beneficiary deed template you can customize

• Fillable Colorado TOD deed PDF for easy completion

• Step-by-step instructions for proper execution

• Recording guidelines for Colorado counties

• Access to our organized course platform with all templates

Benefits of a Colorado Transfer on Death Deed:

Avoid Probate – Your property transfers directly to your named beneficiaries without court involvement

Retain Full Control – You maintain complete ownership and can sell, mortgage, or revoke the deed at any time during your lifetime

No Gift Tax – Since the transfer doesn't occur until death, there are no gift tax consequences

Simple & Affordable – Much less expensive than setting up a trust or going through probate

Flexibility – Easy to revoke or modify if your circumstances change

Privacy – Unlike a will, beneficiary deeds don't become public record during probate

Cost Savings – Avoid thousands of dollars in probate attorney fees and court costs

Medicaid Planning – Can help protect assets while maintaining eligibility

How Does a Colorado Beneficiary Deed Work?

1. Complete the Form – Fill out our Colorado Transfer on Death Deed template with your property information and beneficiary details

2. Sign Before a Notary – The deed must be notarized (notary services not included)

3. Record the Deed – File with your County Clerk and Recorder's office before your death

4. Maintain Control – You retain all ownership rights during your lifetime

5. Automatic Transfer – Upon your death, property passes directly to your named beneficiaries

Colorado Beneficiary Deed Requirements:

• Must be recorded with the County Clerk and Recorder where the property is located

• Must be recorded before the owner's death (cannot be recorded after death)

• Must be notarized

• Must contain the legal description of the property

• Must include the property's schedule number or parcel identification number

• Must clearly identify the beneficiary(ies) with full names

• Must include the proper statutory language per Colorado C.R.S. § 15-15-402

• Must state "THIS DEED TRANSFERS PROPERTY AT MY DEATH" or similar statutory language

• Must comply with Colorado's formatting requirements

Who Should Use a Colorado Transfer on Death Deed?

Our Colorado beneficiary deed form is ideal for:

• Homeowners who want to avoid probate

• Property owners with straightforward estate plans

• Individuals looking for an affordable alternative to trusts

• Those who want to maintain control of their property during their lifetime

• Families seeking to simplify the inheritance process

• Mountain property and vacation home owners

• Retirees planning their estate distribution

• Those concerned about Medicaid estate recovery

Download Your Colorado Beneficiary Deed Template Today

Get instant access to your Colorado Transfer on Death Deed form download for just $18. Available in editable Word format, fillable PDF, and Google Docs for maximum convenience.

Get Instant Access - $18

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a Colorado Transfer on Death Deed valid?
A: Yes, Colorado officially recognizes beneficiary deeds (Transfer on Death Deeds) under C.R.S. § 15-15-401 et seq., effective since 1994. Colorado was one of the pioneering states for this probate-avoidance tool.

Q: Can I change or revoke my Colorado beneficiary deed?
A: Absolutely. You can revoke or modify your beneficiary deed at any time during your lifetime by recording a revocation or new deed with the County Clerk and Recorder.

Q: Does a Colorado beneficiary deed affect Medicaid eligibility?
A: Generally, beneficiary deeds do not affect Medicaid eligibility since you retain ownership during your lifetime. However, Colorado has Medicaid estate recovery rules, so consult with an elder law attorney for your specific situation.

Q: Do I need an attorney to complete a Colorado Transfer on Death Deed?
A: While not required, you may wish to consult an attorney for complex situations. Our downloadable Colorado beneficiary deed template includes instructions for straightforward transfers.

Q: Can I name multiple beneficiaries on a Colorado beneficiary deed?
A: Yes, you can name multiple beneficiaries and specify whether they receive equal shares or different percentages. You can also name alternate beneficiaries.

Q: What happens if my beneficiary dies before me?
A: If a beneficiary dies before you, their share typically goes to the surviving beneficiaries unless you've named alternate beneficiaries. It's best to update your deed if circumstances change.

Q: How much does it cost to record a Colorado beneficiary deed?
A: Recording fees vary by county, typically ranging from $13-$25 for the first page plus fees for additional pages. Check with your local County Clerk and Recorder's office.

Q: Do beneficiaries need to do anything after my death?
A: Beneficiaries must record an affidavit and provide a certified copy of the death certificate to complete the transfer. Our instructions include guidance on this process.

Q: Will a Colorado beneficiary deed work if I have a mortgage?
A: Yes, the beneficiary deed doesn't affect your mortgage. However, beneficiaries will inherit the property subject to any existing liens or mortgages.

Q: Can joint owners create a beneficiary deed?
A: Yes, all joint owners must sign the beneficiary deed to designate beneficiaries for jointly owned property.

Multiple Format Options

Editable Word Document – Fully customizable Colorado beneficiary deed template in MS Word format

Fillable PDF – Complete your Colorado Transfer on Death Deed PDF digitally

Google Docs – Cloud-based access to edit your Colorado TOD deed form from anywhere

Colorado Beneficiary Deed vs. Living Trust

Beneficiary Deed:

• Simple, one-time recording

• Costs $18 + recording fee

• Easy to revoke or modify

• Only covers one property per deed

• Remains revocable until death

• Public record once recorded

Living Trust:

• More complex setup

• Attorney fees typically $1,500-$3,500+

• Can cover multiple assets

• Ongoing management required

• Provides more comprehensive planning

• Private document

For single-property owners, a Colorado beneficiary deed is often the most cost-effective probate-avoidance solution.

💡 Need Professional Help?

If you'd prefer expert assistance with your property transfer, you can upgrade to our complete deed preparation service at any time—and we'll credit back the full $18 cost of this template toward your service fee.

Serving All Colorado Counties

Our Colorado Transfer on Death Deed form is valid in all 64 Colorado counties, including:

• Denver County (Denver)

• El Paso County (Colorado Springs)

• Arapahoe County (Littleton)

• Jefferson County (Golden)

• Adams County (Brighton)

• Larimer County (Fort Collins)

• Douglas County (Castle Rock)

• Boulder County (Boulder)

• Weld County (Greeley)

• Pueblo County (Pueblo)

• Mesa County (Grand Junction)

• Broomfield County (Broomfield)

• Eagle County (Eagle)

• Summit County (Breckenridge)

• Garfield County (Glenwood Springs)

• La Plata County (Durango)

• Routt County (Steamboat Springs)

• Pitkin County (Aspen)

• Montrose County (Montrose)

• Delta County (Delta)

• And all other Colorado counties

Important Colorado-Specific Considerations

Joint Ownership – If property is owned by multiple people, all owners must sign the beneficiary deed.

Medicaid Recovery – Colorado has a Medicaid estate recovery program. Consult with an elder law attorney if you've received long-term care assistance.

Property Tax – Generally no property tax reassessment upon inheritance, but beneficiaries should verify with their county assessor.

Recording Timing – The beneficiary deed must be recorded BEFORE death to be valid. It cannot be recorded after the owner passes away.

Statutory Language Required – Colorado requires specific language: "THIS DEED TRANSFERS PROPERTY AT MY DEATH" or the statutory equivalent.

Multiple Properties – Each property requires a separate beneficiary deed.

Step-by-Step Process Included

Our comprehensive instructions guide you through:

1. Determining if a beneficiary deed is right for your situation

2. Gathering required property information and schedule/parcel number

3. Completing the Colorado beneficiary deed form

4. Choosing and naming beneficiaries (primary and alternate)

5. Properly executing the document

6. Understanding notarization requirements

7. Filing with your County Clerk and Recorder

8. What beneficiaries need to do after your death

9. How to revoke or modify the deed if needed

10. Understanding joint ownership implications

Tax Considerations for Colorado Beneficiary Deeds

No State Transfer Tax – Colorado has no real estate transfer tax for most transfers

Federal Estate Tax – Federal exemption is over $13 million per person (2024), indexed for inflation

Property Tax – Generally no property tax reassessment upon inheritance in most Colorado counties

Capital Gains – Beneficiaries receive a "step-up" in basis to fair market value at date of death, minimizing capital gains tax

Gift Tax – No gift tax consequences since transfer occurs at death, not during lifetime

Colorado Estate Tax – Colorado has no state estate tax

Consult a tax professional or estate planning attorney for advice specific to your situation

What Makes Our Colorado Beneficiary Deed Template Different?

✓ Colorado-Specific – Complies with all C.R.S. § 15-15-402 requirements
✓ Statutory Language – Includes required "THIS DEED TRANSFERS PROPERTY AT MY DEATH" language
✓ Up-to-Date – Reflects current Colorado law
✓ Professionally Drafted – Created by legal document preparation experts
✓ Easy to Customize – Clear blanks for your specific information
✓ Detailed Instructions – Step-by-step guidance included
✓ Multiple Formats – Work in the format that suits you best
✓ Instant Access – Download immediately after purchase

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not recording before death – The deed must be recorded while you're alive
❌ Incomplete legal description – Must match your current deed exactly
❌ Missing schedule/parcel number – Required in Colorado
❌ Omitting statutory language – Must include "THIS DEED TRANSFERS PROPERTY AT MY DEATH"
❌ Missing notarization – Required for recording
❌ Not all joint owners signing – All owners must sign
❌ Forgetting about mortgages – Beneficiaries inherit subject to loans
❌ Not updating after life changes – Review and update as circumstances change
❌ Using for multiple properties – Each property needs its own deed

Our Colorado Transfer on Death Deed template includes detailed instructions to help you avoid these common pitfalls.

Understanding Colorado Beneficiary Deed Ownership Options

When naming beneficiaries on your Colorado beneficiary deed, you can specify:

Equal Shares – All beneficiaries receive equal portions

Unequal Shares – Specify different percentages for each beneficiary

Tenants in Common – Default option; beneficiaries own separate shares

Joint Tenants – Can specify with right of survivorship

Alternate Beneficiaries – Name backup beneficiaries in case primary beneficiaries predecease you

Successive Beneficiaries – Name who receives property if primary beneficiary disclaims

Our template allows you to customize these options based on your estate planning goals.

Revoking a Colorado Beneficiary Deed

You can revoke your Colorado beneficiary deed at any time by:

1. Recording a Revocation – File a formal revocation document with the County Clerk and Recorder

2. Recording a New Beneficiary Deed – A later beneficiary deed revokes an earlier one for that property

3. Selling or Transferring the Property – Automatically revokes the beneficiary deed

4. Recording a Deed Without Beneficiary Language – Transfers property and revokes beneficiary deed

All revocations must be recorded before your death to be effective. Our package includes guidance on revocation procedures.

What Happens After the Owner's Death?

When the owner passes away, beneficiaries must:

1. Obtain Certified Death Certificate – Get multiple copies from vital records

2. Prepare Beneficiary's Affidavit – Document that confirms the owner has died

3. Record Documents – File affidavit and death certificate with County Clerk and Recorder

4. Complete Transfer – Property title transfers to beneficiaries

5. Pay Any Liens – Address existing mortgages or property taxes

6. Update Property Tax Records – Notify county assessor of ownership change

The transfer is typically completed within a few weeks, compared to 6-18 months for probate.

Our instructions include detailed post-death procedures for beneficiaries.

Colorado Mountain Property Considerations

Colorado's beneficiary deeds are especially popular for mountain properties:

Vacation Homes – Keep your Breckenridge, Vail, or Aspen property in the family without probate

Investment Properties – Ensure rental properties transfer smoothly to heirs

Ski Condos – Avoid probate for timeshares and condominiums

Remote Properties – Perfect for properties in rural mountain counties

Multi-County Properties – Each county requires separate recording

Joint Tenancy and Colorado Beneficiary Deeds

Important: If you own property as joint tenants with right of survivorship:

• The property automatically passes to surviving joint tenant(s) at your death

• Your beneficiary deed only takes effect if you're the last surviving owner

• All joint tenants should sign the beneficiary deed to designate beneficiaries

• Alternatively, convert to tenancy in common first, then use beneficiary deeds

Our instructions explain these nuances in detail.

Colorado Beneficiary Deeds and Life Estates

You cannot use a beneficiary deed if you've only retained a life estate in the property. Beneficiary deeds require full ownership interest. If you have:

• Fee simple ownership – You can use a beneficiary deed

• Life estate only – You cannot use a beneficiary deed

• Remainder interest – You cannot use a beneficiary deed

Our materials help you identify your ownership type.

Additional Colorado Real Estate Forms Available

Need other Colorado property forms? We also offer:

• Colorado Quitclaim Deeds – Quick transfers between trusted parties

• Colorado Warranty Deeds – For sales with title guarantees

• Colorado Special Warranty Deeds – Limited warranty protection

• Colorado Deed of Trust Forms – Secure property financing

Why Colorado's Beneficiary Deed Law Is Excellent

Colorado's beneficiary deed statute is well-established and user-friendly:

✓ In effect since 1994 – over 30 years of successful use 

✓ Simple execution – just notarization required 

✓ Clear statutory language requirements 

✓ Well-tested in Colorado courts 

✓ Widely accepted by title companies 

✓ Simple for beneficiaries to complete transfer 

✓ Extensive case law supporting validity 

✓ Works with all types of real property

Ready to Avoid Probate in Colorado?

Download your Colorado Transfer on Death Deed form today and take control of your estate planning. For just $18, you'll have everything you need to transfer your Colorado property to your loved ones without the hassle and expense of probate.

Get Instant Access - $18

Perfect for Colorado Property Owners

Whether you own property in:

• The Denver metro area

• Colorado Springs

• Mountain resort communities

• Fort Collins or Boulder

• Rural Colorado counties

• Western Slope communities

Our Colorado beneficiary deed template provides an affordable, effective way to avoid probate and ensure your property passes smoothly to your chosen beneficiaries.

Download Your Colorado Beneficiary Deed Template Now - $18

Legal Disclaimer

These templates are provided by Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers for general informational use only. We are not attorneys, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your purchase. The forms are not a substitute for legal advice and may not be appropriate for every situation. You are solely responsible for ensuring the forms are lawful and appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Forms are provided "as-is," without warranties of any kind. By purchasing, you agree that Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers is not liable for any outcomes resulting from your use of these materials.

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