Designated Beneficiaries

Through designated beneficiaries, LGBT couples are able to take care of and be responsible for one another.Effective as of July 1, 2009, the Designated Beneficiaries Agreement allows two unmarried adults including same-sex couples to sign a document that allows certain rights and financial protections. This new, low-cost tool allows LGBT Coloradans to plan for end-of-life decision-making, inheritance, hospital visitation, and emergency situations.

This document allows two unmarried adults to name one another as the designated person to make decisions in financial and medical emergency situations. Other protections include: inheritance protection, life insurance benefits, health benefits, wrongful death, worker’s compensation, hospital and nursing home visitation, and medical decision-making.

Under Colorado law, LGBT couples are not allowed to legally marry. This new document filed with the county clerk provides legal recognition in the event of an emergency.

For more information, visit http://www.designatedbeneficiaries.org