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Lady bird deeds in Colorado

Short answer: no. Colorado does not recognize lady bird deeds, and recording one wouldn't do what you're hoping. Here is what works here instead.

Reviewed July 28, 2026

Colorado does not recognize lady bird deeds

Recording one here doesn't accomplish what you want. The property would still go through probate. We would rather tell you that than sell you a document that does nothing.

Why Colorado does not have them

Lady bird deeds, enhanced life estate deeds, are recognized in 5 states: Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. Outside those, title companies and courts generally will not treat the retained power to sell as valid, so the deed does not do what people expect.

What Colorado homeowners use instead

There are working alternatives in Colorado:

Other ways to avoid probate in Colorado

  • A revocable living trust. The most flexible option and the standard answer in states without a TOD deed. It costs more up front (typically $1,000–$3,000) but it covers everything you own, not just one property.
  • Survivorship titling. Holding title as joint tenants with right of survivorship passes the property to the surviving owner automatically, outside probate.
  • Small estate procedures. Colorado has simplified processes for smaller estates that can be far cheaper than full probate. Your local probate court publishes the thresholds.
See what Colorado does allow

Every deed type this state recognizes, with its requirements and costs.

Common questions

A county office might physically accept and index the document, but recording is not the same as validity. Without a statute authorising the instrument, Colorado courts wouldn't give it the effect you intended, and the property would still go through probate. Use one of the alternatives above instead.

Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia.

For a single property, survivorship titling is the cheapest. It costs one deed and one recording fee. For everything else, a revocable living trust is the standard route: more expensive up front, but it covers your whole estate and stays private. A probate attorney in Colorado can tell you which fits your situation in a single consultation.

Keep reading

Deedly is not a law firm

We provide self-help software and state-specific statutory forms; you make your own decisions about your property. Using Deedly does not create an attorney-client relationship, and nothing here is legal advice. If your situation is complex or contested, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.