Adult Guardianship in Colorado

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team - Colorado - Last updated October 9, 2026

In Colorado a guardian is appointed by the court for an "incapacitated person" (the ward), and the guardianship may be limited or unlimited; a conservator, also limited or unlimited, handles the estate of a "protected person" (C.R.S. Title 15, Article 14). The petition is JDF 841, Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Adult, filed under the JDF 840 instructions, which say venue is generally the county where the respondent resides. The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is an incapacitated person and that the respondent's identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means (C.R.S. 15-14-311(1)(a)). The court appoints a visitor in every guardianship case, and the petition and notice of hearing must be served personally on the respondent.

Colorado's mandatory court visitor, jurisdictional personal service, and demand-triggered evaluation

Colorado uses its own vocabulary. The adult is the "respondent" until appointment and then the "ward" of a guardian, who may be limited or unlimited, and a conservator (limited or unlimited) handles the estate of a "protected person"; Colorado uses the word guardian for adults and minors alike, and it uses conservator for property. The governing law is the Colorado Uniform Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Act, C.R.S. Title 15, Article 14. The petition is JDF 841, with the JDF 840 instructions, which list a $229.00 filing fee and say venue is generally the county where the respondent resides (the Denver Probate Court in Denver); the court's own requirements control. Incapacity means being unable to effectively receive or evaluate information, or make or communicate decisions, to such an extent that the individual lacks the ability to satisfy essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care, even with appropriate and reasonably available technological assistance (C.R.S. 15-14-102(5)). A guardian may be appointed only on clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapacitated and that the respondent's identified needs cannot be met by less restrictive means. The step that is mandatory by statute is the court visitor, appointed when the petition is received, who interviews the respondent and reports in writing. A professional evaluation by a physician, psychologist or other qualified individual is ordered at the court's discretion and must be ordered if the respondent demands it, although the JDF 840 instructions separately ask petitioners to attach a physician's letter or evaluation. The petition and notice of hearing must be served personally on the respondent, and a failure to substantially comply is jurisdictional. The court appoints a lawyer if the respondent requests it, the visitor recommends it, or the court determines the respondent needs representation; costs, including attorney fees, are paid from the respondent's estate unless the court directs otherwise. Supported decision-making agreements under Part 8 can coexist with a guardianship.

Relevant Laws

Regional Variances

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Other Colorado guides