Will Litigation Attorney in Denver

Contesting or Defending a Will in Denver & Aurora

Will disputes surface at the worst possible time, when a family is already grieving and now divided over whether a loved one’s final wishes were genuine. At Frost & Beck, PC, we represent both sides of these disputes: those who believe a will doesn’t reflect the decedent’s true intent, and those who need to defend a valid will against a challenge. We handle will litigation alongside estate planning and family law, so when a contest intersects with guardianship questions or other family matters, clients don’t get referred elsewhere.

If you’re facing a will dispute in Denver or Aurora, call us to schedule a confidential case evaluation: (720) 330-4623

Grounds for Contesting a Will in Colorado

A will contest isn’t simply disagreeing with how an estate is distributed. Colorado law recognizes specific grounds, and a challenge must be built on one of them.

Testamentary Capacity & Undue Influence

Under C.R.S. § 15-11-501, a testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind when signing a will. Sound mind means understanding what a will does, the general extent of their property, and who their natural heirs are. Capacity is measured at the moment the will was signed, not by a later diagnosis. A person with dementia may still have had capacity during a lucid interval.

Undue influence occurs when someone in a position of trust overrides the testator’s own wishes, substituting their own. Common indicators include isolating the testator from family or taking a controlling role in drafting the will. The influence must be strong enough to overcome the testator’s free will, not merely persuasive.

Fraud, Forgery, & Improper Execution

Fraud grounds apply when a testator was deceived into signing a document, didn’t know they were signing a will, or when the document itself is forged. Colorado also requires that a valid will be in writing, signed by the testator, and either witnessed by two individuals or acknowledged before a notary public under C.R.S. § 15-11-502. A will that fails these formalities may be challenged on improper execution grounds, though Colorado’s harmless error rule under C.R.S. § 15-11-503 allows a court to validate a technically defective will if clear and convincing evidence shows testamentary intent. A later valid will can also revoke an earlier one, which can itself form the basis of a contest.

How We Approach Will Disputes

Not every will dispute needs to be resolved in a courtroom. Colorado’s Dispute Resolution Act authorizes courts to refer civil disputes to mediation, and we pursue that path when it genuinely serves our clients. Founding attorney Christelle Beck was recognized in 2024 by Best Lawyers in America® in Family Law–Mediation and is trained in mediation, collaborative law, and other alternative dispute resolution methods. When a negotiated resolution isn’t possible or isn’t appropriate, we litigate assertively in Denver Probate Court.

Working with Frost & Beck, PC on a Will Contest

When you retain our firm, you work directly with your attorney from the first consultation through resolution. No middlemen, no handoffs to junior staff mid-case. Our paralegals are a genuine part of your support team: responsive, attentive, and keeping your case moving forward.

Every strategy is built around your family’s specific situation. A will contest that also involves a guardianship dispute or unresolved custody matter can be handled within the same firm rather than split across multiple practices. We’ve been named to Super Lawyers® annually from 2017 through 2025, reflecting consistent standing in Colorado estate and family law.

Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation

If you believe a will doesn’t reflect your loved one’s true wishes, or if you need to defend one against a challenge, the first step is understanding your position. Call us at (720) 330-4623 to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a will litigation attorney serving Denver and Aurora.