Colorado § 15-11-505 - Who may witness.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-11-505 — Who may witness., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-11-505. Who may witness.
(1) An individual generally competent to be a witness may act as a witness to a will.
(2) The signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it.
Source: L. 94: Entire part R&RE, p. 1000, § 3, effective July 1, 1995.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 15-11-505 as it existed prior to 1995.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For note, "Some Problems Relating to Testamentary Witnesses", see 23 Rocky Mt. L. Rev. 458 (1951). For article, "Evidence in Estate Proceedings", see 24 Rocky Mt. L. Rev. 437 (1952). For article, "Age Requirements in Colorado: A Guide for Estate Planners", see 34 Colo. Law. 87 (Aug. 2005).
Annotator's note. Since § 15-11-505 is similar to repealed laws antecedent to CSA, C. 176, § 42, relevant cases construing those provisions have been included in the annotations to this section.
Under this section a legatee is competent as an attesting witness; but unless sufficiently attested by other competent witnesses, the will is void as to his legacy. White v. Bower, 56 Colo. 575, 136 P. 1053 (1913).
Competency of attesting witnesses to wills must be tested by the general law relating to competency of witnesses as provided by statute, and not by the common law. The test is whether she would have been a competent witness in court, at the time of attesting the will, to testify to the facts of its execution. White v. Bower, 56 Colo. 575, 136 P. 1053 (1913).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 15-11-505
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-11-505 cover?
Section 15-11-505 ("Who may witness.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 15-11-505?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-11-505" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 15-11-505 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.