Colorado Estate Matters Blog: Your Estate Planning Guide

Agents under Powers of Attorney: Four Important Facts to Know

January 12, 2016 Posted In Powers of Attorney

Four Important Facts for Agents under Powers of Attorney Agents, also referred to as attorneys-in-fact, have some important responsibilities and powers. Although the specifics of these duties and the extent of their power will vary from situation to situation, in general, the following are among the most important facts to understand about this role. The…

Four Reasons to Resolve to Develop an Estate Plan

December 31, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning

Four Reasons to Resolve to Develop an Estate Plan The New Year is a time for resolutions. For many people, this can mean prioritizing certain personal and financial changes for the New Year. While those resolutions can be great goals, here is why it is also time to include estate planning as a focus for…

How Does Portability Affect Estate Taxes?

December 5, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning,Estate Taxes

A Denver estate planning lawyer discusses how portability for federal estate taxes can help reduce tax obligations. Since 2011 in the U.S., married couples have been able to take advantage of portability for federal estate tax purposes, allowing them to share certain unused exemptions and save on their overall estate tax obligations. Although portability is…

How Often Should I Update My Will?

November 15, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning,Wills

A Denver estate planning attorney explains when wills and estate plans should be updated. It depends on the nature of your estate, as well as your life circumstances. We will delve into this answer more below. When to Update a Will & Estate Plan? In general, it’s recommended that people review and update their wills,…

Four Estate Planning Mistakes that Can Cost Your Loved Ones Later

November 5, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning,Powers of Attorney,Wills

The right estate plan can preserve your wishes for the future while protecting your loved ones’ interests and possibly even minimizing the need for probate. Of course, the “right” estate plan can vary from situation to situation, depending on the details of an estate (among other things). That being stated the following are among the…

How to Select an Estate Planning Lawyer: Four Things to Look For

October 5, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning

When you want to choose the right and best Denver estate planning lawyer to help you put an effective estate plan in place, here is what to look for, our Denver estate attorney can explain. When you are ready to put an estate plan in place, one of the first steps to take can be…

4 Estate Planning Basics Everyone Needs to KnowFour Estate Planning Basics: What Everyone Should Know When Developing an Estate Plan

September 25, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning,Powers of Attorney,Trusts,Wills

Estate planning is not just about figuring out what will happen to your assets after you pass. It is also about setting up protections for you and your loved ones. In fact, a comprehensive, effective estate plan can save a significant amount of stress, grief and money in the future. As you start to develop…

Four Helpful Tips for Executors & Personal Representatives Who Are Settling an Estate

September 15, 2015 Posted In Breach of Fiduciary Duty,Estate Planning,Probate, Estate, & Trust Administration

The process of settling an estate can be long, complicated and at times, contentious. While there can be a lot to do to settle an estate in the months following the death of a loved one. It is important to keep the following tips in mind can help those in charge, namely executors and personal…

Pros & Cons of Living Trusts: What You Should Know?

August 27, 2015 Posted In Trust Administration,Trusts

Living trusts can be powerful estate planning tools that can offer a lot of benefits to trustmakers (or grantors), as well as their beneficiaries. However, living trusts are not for everyone. There may be some drawbacks to developing them in some cases. Below, we will explore the pros and cons of living trusts more closely.…

Living Trust FAQs

July 10, 2015 Posted In Trusts

Living trusts can be an important part of some estate plans, especially for people who have special needs children who want to help their families avoid probate and/or who have other special circumstances/wishes. To elucidate the benefits of living trusts and when people should consider setting them up, below, we’ll answer some of the most…

Your Essential Estate Planning Checklist

June 30, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning,Firm News

When you’re ready to put an estate plan in place, knowing where to start and what you need to do can be confusing. To help you initiate this process with a mind towards the various aspects you may need to consider. We have provided an essential estate planning checklist. Do not hesitate to contact us…

Four Things a Will Can NOT Do

June 15, 2015 Posted In Estate Planning,Wills

Wills can be very powerful estate planning documents that can set terms for powers of attorney, asset distribution and even the care for orphaned minor children. There are some things that wills are NOT able to do. Understanding the limitations of wills can be crucial to knowing when you may need to take further estate…