Our Blog

“Undue Influence”: How to Prove a Will Was the Product of Coercion

February 10, 2026 Posted In Wills
by Justin Blow

When family members believe that a caregiver, new partner, or another relative pressured or manipulated someone into changing their will, the law in Colorado calls this “undue influence.” The issue isn’t just whether that person had influence—because influence by itself isn’t illegal. The real question is whether they pressured the person so much that it…

What is Trust Litigation? A Guide for Jefferson County Families

February 1, 2026 Posted In Trusts
by Justin Blow

Trust litigation is the statutory process used to interpret valid instructions, enforce fiduciary standards, and resolve ambiguity in estate planning documents. Colorado law governs these proceedings, specifically under the Colorado Uniform Trust Code (CUTC). While trusts are designed to bypass probate, they do not bypass the law. When a trustee fails to distribute assets, acts…

“They Weren’t Themselves”: Proving Lack of Capacity in a Lakewood Will Contest

January 12, 2026 Posted In Trust & Will Contests
by Justin Blow

When you read a loved one’s final will and the words on the page feel like they belong to a stranger, you likely feel suspicious. In Colorado, if the person who made the will (the testator) lacked the required mental ability, or testamentary capacity, at the moment they signed it, the document is not valid. …

The 4 Legal Grounds for Contesting a Will in Colorado

January 5, 2026 Posted In Trust & Will Contests
by Justin Blow

When a loved one passes, their Last Will and Testament is supposed to be a final expression of their wishes. But what happens when that document does not seem right? In Colorado, a will is presumed to be valid, and challenging it is a significant undertaking. Simply being left out or feeling the distribution is…

The Foundation of Your Plan: Do I Need a Will or a Living Trust in Colorado?

December 9, 2025 Posted In Trust & Will Contests
by Justin Blow

Choosing between a will and a trust in Colorado may feel confusing, especially when both documents seem to accomplish similar goals. Many Lakewood families find themselves unsure which option fits their situation or whether they need both. The right answer depends on your assets, family structure, and priorities. Understanding how each document works in Colorado…

For Lakewood Families: A Guide to Avoiding the Jefferson County Probate Court

December 9, 2025 Posted In Probate, Estate, & Trust Administration
by Justin Blow

Avoiding probate in Colorado ranks among the top priorities for families planning their estates. Many Lakewood residents want their loved ones to receive inheritances without having to navigate the court system in Golden during an already difficult time. The good news is that Colorado law provides several straightforward tools for keeping assets out of probate.…

My Parent Just Died in Lakewood: The First 5 Steps for Colorado Probate

November 17, 2025 Posted In Probate, Estate, & Trust Administration
by Justin Blow

Losing a parent brings a flood of emotions, and figuring out what to do when someone dies in Colorado often feels impossible during those first difficult days. Many Lakewood families find themselves suddenly facing unfamiliar legal territory while still processing grief. Colorado’s probate process follows a logical sequence. Understanding the first five steps gives you…

The “Personal Representative’s Handbook”: Your Duties in a Jefferson County Probate

November 15, 2025 Posted In Probate, Estate, & Trust Administration
by Justin Blow

Understanding your personal representative duties in Colorado becomes essential the moment a court appoints you to manage a loved one’s estate. Many Lakewood residents find themselves suddenly responsible for complex legal obligations they never anticipated handling. The role carries significant responsibility, but breaking it into manageable steps makes the process less overwhelming. Knowing what Colorado…

How Denver’s Real Estate Boom Affects Your Estate Plan

October 29, 2025 Posted In Estate Planning
by Justin Blow

Denver’s housing market has been hit with a dramatic increase in homes for sale this spring. This sudden influx of supply far exceeds the demand for single-family dwellings, both in Denver proper and its surrounding suburbs. As a home seller, seeing an increase in the number of homes for sale can be worrisome; as a…

IRS Gift and Estate Tax Limits for 2025

October 8, 2025 Posted In Estate Planning,Estate Taxes,Firm News
by Justin Blow

As we enter 2025, several key updates have been made to federal estate and gift tax limits, presenting valuable opportunities for individuals and families to optimize their estate planning strategies. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant updates: Estate and gift tax exemptions for individuals are set at $13.99 million. Estate and gift tax exemptions…

What is an Ethical Will and Do I Need One?

October 1, 2025 Posted In Estate Planning,Wills
by Justin Blow

An ethical will, sometimes called a legacy letter, is different from a traditional will. While a traditional will outlines how assets will be distributed, an ethical will is a deeply personal document that conveys values, life lessons, and heartfelt messages to loved ones. Though it is not legally binding, an ethical will can be a…

How to bring up conversations about estate planning

September 24, 2025 Posted In Estate Planning
by Justin Blow

Most of us are at least a little bit apprehensive talking about our deaths or situations that leave us incapacitated. Similarly, our loved ones may not want to have those conversations either. Suppose you have already begun the estate planning process with a Denver estate planning lawyer. In that case, they may provide you with…