Colorado probate law allows a spouse to claim up to half of the estate. The permissible share is 5 percent per year of marriage, up to 50 percent after 10 or more years of marriage. After 10 or more years, the 50 percent share applies. A second exception prohibits a parent from disinheriting a minor child for whom the parent has an ongoing support obligation. A person is not obligated to leave property to family members, other than the two exceptions above.
Some people leave assets to friends and distant relations.
Others make charitable gifts to organizations they wish to support. Who May Write a Will In Colorado, every person over 18 who is of sound mind and under no constraint or undue influence may write a will. Through a will, a person can consider the special needs of heirs. In addition to distributing property, a will also nominates a personal representative for the estate, a guardian and conservator for minor children, and a trustee for any trusts created in the will. These individuals, who take on financial responsibility for someone else's affairs, are called fiduciaries.