Guardianship and conservatorship in Colorado: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Colorado, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian (limited or unlimited) for personal decisions; conservator (limited or unlimited) for the estate; emergency guardian; temporary substitute guardian.
- Court
- District court in the county (in Denver, the Denver Probate Court).
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian (limited or unlimited) for personal decisions; conservator (limited or unlimited) for the estate; emergency guardian; temporary substitute guardian
- When a court may appoint one
An 'incapacitated person' is an adult who cannot effectively receive or evaluate information, or make or communicate decisions, to the extent they cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with appropriate technological help. The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is incapacitated and their needs cannot be met by less restrictive means, and should grant only the powers needed. A conservator may be appointed if, by clear and convincing evidence, the person cannot manage property and business affairs, and property will be wasted or money is needed for support.
Law: C.R.S. 15-14-102(5), 15-14-311; C.R.S. 15-14-401
- Kinds
- Unlimited guardian
- Limited guardian
- Emergency guardian (up to 60 days)
- Temporary substitute guardian
- Unlimited or limited conservator, or another protective order
Law: C.R.S. §§ 15-14-102, 15-14-304, 15-14-310, 15-14-311, 15-14-312, 15-14-401
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
The person themselves or any person interested in their welfare.
Law: C.R.S. 15-14-304(1)
- Court
District court in the county (in Denver, the Denver Probate Court).
- Choosing your own
You can nominate a conservator or guardian in your power of attorney; the court must follow your most recent nomination except for good cause or disqualification. Your nominee, your medical agent and your financial agent also have priority for appointment as guardian.
Law: C.R.S. 15-14-708(1); C.R.S. 15-14-310
- Effect on a power of attorney
If a conservator is appointed, the agent is accountable to the conservator as well as to you, and the power of attorney continues unless the court limits, suspends or ends it.
Law: C.R.S. 15-14-708(2)
Other options and where to report abuse
- Supported decision-making
Supported Decision-Making Agreements for Adults with a Disability
Effective September 7, 2021 (SB 21-075)
An adult with a disability can choose members of their 'supportive community' to help them understand choices, get information and communicate decisions. The adult keeps the final decision. Supporters cannot be paid for this help. Anyone can end the agreement at any time by written or verbal notice, and it ends automatically if APS finds the supporter mistreated the adult. An agreement cannot be used as evidence of incapacity.
The agreement can be in any form but must contain the items listed in the law, and must be signed voluntarily by the adult and each supporter in front of two or more disinterested adult witnesses, or a notary public.
Source: Official text
- Less restrictive options
- Supported decision-making agreement: Trusted supporters help an adult with a disability make their own decisions; no court is involved.
- Medical and financial powers of attorney, limited guardianship or conservatorship, release-of-information forms, representative payees: The legislature lists these as other ways for adults with disabilities to make decisions and express preferences.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Law: C.R.S. §§ 15-14-803, 15-14-805
Free help in Colorado
- Colorado Legal Services (free civil legal help for eligible low-income Coloradans and people 60+)
- Colorado Department of Human Services: Adult Protective Services
- Find free legal aid at LawHelp.org
Report abuse or exploitation
Questions about powers of attorney in Colorado
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Colorado?
An 'incapacitated person' is an adult who cannot effectively receive or evaluate information, or make or communicate decisions, to the extent they cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with appropriate technological help.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Colorado?
Supported decision-making agreement; Medical and financial powers of attorney, limited guardianship or conservatorship, release-of-information forms, representative payees.