Per Colorado Revised Statutes, the legal next-of-kin is designated to the following person(s) and progresses in the following order:

1. Personal representative or special administrator of the deceased individual’s estate.
2. The surviving spouse of the deceased, if not legally separated.
3. A person with the right to direct the disposition of the deceased’s last remains pursuant to a designated beneficiary agreement.
4. A majority of the deceased’s surviving adult children (biological or legally adopted).
5. A majority of the deceased’s parents or legal guardians.
6. A majority of the deceased’s surviving adult siblings.