Estate Planning & Probate Insights Blog | Colorado Estate Matters

How Does Estate Planning Work?

August 9, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Powers of Attorney,Trusts,Wills

How does estate planning work? Estate planning is essentially the process of detailing your future wishes for yourself, your estate and your family. By taking the time now to put an effective, valid estate plan in place, you can be assured that you and your loved ones will be financially protected regardless of what tomorrow…

When Should I Start Estate Planning?

July 24, 2016 Posted In Asset Protection,Estate Planning

Why it is important for all adults to start estate planning sooner, rather than later? The sooner you start the estate planning process, the better. This is because a comprehensive, current estate plan can go a long way to protecting you and your family, as well as preserving your legacy and estate. Clarifying this answer,…

Trusts & Taxes: FAQs about Tax Obligations for Trusts & Trustees

July 15, 2016 Posted In Estate Taxes,Trust Administration,Trusts

Trusts & Taxes: FAQs Taxation for trusts can be complicated, as there are special rules in place for filing and paying for trust-related taxes (as opposed to personal or business taxes). Understanding the obligations and requirements for the taxes related to trusts is important to properly managing and administering trusts and to avoiding future complications,…

Can I Include My Pet(s) in My Estate Plan?

July 6, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Trusts

Pets can be wonderful companions and may even be considered to be members of the family for some people. Although pets are technically considered to be ‘property’ in the realm of estate planning, there are a number of ways that you can protect and ensure future care of your pets in your estate plan. How…

Colorado Probate 101: What are “Small” Estates?

April 30, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Probate, Estate, & Trust Administration,Trust Administration,Trusts

How Colorado laws define small estates? Small estates, according to Colorado law, are estates that are not exclusive to real estate assets and that are valued at less than $64,000. Contact us to get details on what can be included in the $64,000 worth of assets. When estates qualify as being “small” in the eyes…

How Do Colorado Laws Limit My Choice for Executors?

April 18, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Firm News

How Does Colorado Laws Limit the Choice for Executors? Part of developing an estate plan will involve naming an executor (or personal representative) to administer the plans in the future. Understanding the specific requirements for executors, as set forth by Colorado laws, will be important to naming appropriate choices and to minimize your loved one’s…

4 Essential Tips to Maintain, Organize, and Store Your Estate PlanEstate Planning 101: Four Tips for Maintaining, Organizing & Storing Your Estate Plan

April 6, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning

Four Tips for Maintaining, Organizing & Storing Your Estate Plan Having a comprehensive estate plan is important to protecting your family and legacy. Once you have developed an estate plan keeping certain documents and staying organized can be essential to preserving your wishes for the future and to preventing your loved ones from experiencing unnecessary…

Essential Checklist for Estate Executors

March 21, 2016 Posted In Probate, Estate, & Trust Administration,Wills

Essential Checklist for Estate Executors The death of a loved one can be a great loss. For those who are named as executors of the estate however, the death can mean that it’s time to get to work carrying out the loved one’s final wishes and getting the estate settled. Because there can be a…

Four Essential Estate Planning Tips for Those Under 35

February 29, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Powers of Attorney

Four Important estate planning tips for people under 35 Getting your finances in order can be essential to being prepared for life’s changes. While building savings and retirement accounts can be part of this process, so too is estate planning. For those who are under 35 and who may just be starting to focus on…

How to Start Estate Planning: Seven Steps

February 18, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Powers of Attorney

How to Start Estate Planning? Estate planning can be the key to preserving your legacy and protecting your loved ones in the future. Although there can be a lot to think about when it is time to put a formal estate plan in place, the following are the main considerations and steps to take when…

Three Reasons to Be Weary of Online DIY Trusts

February 6, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Trusts

The risks of doing online DIY trusts could make it difficult once you pass if it is not done by an experienced attorney. If you want it done right, it should be done right the first time by an experienced lawyer. The internet puts a world of information and opportunities for action at our fingertips.…

How to Choose an Executor or Personal Representative for an Estate?

January 24, 2016 Posted In Estate Planning,Estate Taxes

How to Choose an Executor or Personal Representative for an Estate? A central part of estate planning can be selecting the right executor and/or personal representative to carry out your wishes in the future. While you may have some ideas of who to appoint to these positions, below are some specific tips to keep in…