How to Revoke Power of Attorney in Colorado

A power of attorney isn't permanent. If you've lost trust in your agent, want to name someone else, or simply no longer need the document, you can revoke it at any time — as long as you still have mental capacity. Here's the exact process under Colorado law.

Who Can Revoke a POA

Only the principal (the person who granted authority) can revoke a power of attorney. The principal must still have mental capacity at the time of revocation. If the principal has already become incapacitated, changing the arrangement generally requires a court proceeding, such as a guardianship or conservatorship case.

An agent cannot revoke their own authority, but they can resign by notifying the principal in writing.

Step 1: Create a Written Revocation

Under C.R.S. § 15-14-710, a principal can revoke a POA by executing a written revocation that clearly identifies:

• The principal's full legal name
• The date of the original POA being revoked
• The agent(s) whose authority is being terminated
• A clear statement that the POA is revoked in its entirety (or that specific powers are revoked)
• The principal's signature and the date

Use a formal written revocation for proof — especially when dealing with banks and institutions that have the POA on file.

Step 2: Notarize the Revocation

The formal revocation must be signed and notarized. A bank that accepted a notarized POA will expect a notarized revocation before removing the agent's access.

Step 3: Notify All Relevant Parties

Notify third parties promptly. Until an institution receives notice, it may continue processing the former agent's requests under the POA.

Notify in writing:

• The agent and any successor agents
• Every bank and financial institution that has the POA on file
• The principal's primary care physician and any healthcare facilities
• Any title companies or real estate agents involved in ongoing transactions
• The County Clerk and Recorder (if the original was recorded for real property)

Keep copies of all notification letters and delivery confirmations. Certified mail with return receipt provides the strongest proof of delivery.

Step 4: Record the Revocation (If the Original Was Recorded)

If the original POA was recorded with a County Clerk and Recorder for real property authority, the revocation must also be recorded in the same county. The recording fee is $43. Without recording the revocation, title companies may continue to accept the former agent's signatures on real property transactions.

Step 5: Retrieve or Destroy Original Documents

Request the return of all original POA documents and copies from the former agent. While this doesn't itself affect the legal revocation, it prevents the agent from presenting the document to institutions that haven't yet received revocation notice.

When a POA or Agent's Authority Terminates Automatically

A POA or an agent's authority may terminate without a separate revocation document when:

• The principal dies
• A court appoints a guardian or conservator (unless the court specifically allows the POA to continue)
• The principal executes a new POA that explicitly revokes all prior POAs
• The POA's own terms specify an expiration date or terminating event

If the principal and agent were married and a dissolution or legal-separation proceeding is filed, the spouse-agent's authority is automatically terminated under C.R.S. § 15-14-710 — unless the POA specifically states otherwise.

Common Mistakes in Revocation

• Revoking verbally without written documentation (difficult to prove to banks)
• Failing to notify the bank — the agent retains de facto access until the bank processes the revocation
• Not recording the revocation when the original POA was recorded for real property
• Assuming a new POA automatically revokes the old one (it doesn't unless it expressly states so)

The Colorado Power of Attorney Kit includes revocation templates and notification letter samples, plus a checklist of parties to notify when revoking authority.

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