What should I bring to my first estate planning meeting?

July 2, 2025 Posted In Estate Planning

When preparing for your first estate planning meeting with an attorney in Colorado, being well-organized can help make the process efficient and effective. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you should bring and prepare.

Contact our Denver estate planning lawyers for assistance with all your estate planning needs.

what to bring to estate planning meeting

Essential documents and information

Personal information

Government-issued photo ID
Social Security numbers for you and your immediate family members
Contact information for any intended executors, trustees, guardians, or healthcare agents
Family information, including names, birth dates, and addresses of your spouse, children, and other beneficiaries

Financial assets

Recent statements from all financial accounts (checking, savings, investment accounts, retirement plans)
Information about real estate holdings, including deeds and property tax statements
Life insurance policies with beneficiary designations
Documentation for business interests, including operating agreements or corporate bylaws
Vehicle titles
Information about valuable personal property (art collections, jewelry, heirlooms)
Digital asset inventory (cryptocurrency, online accounts, digital property)

Existing estate documents

Any existing wills, trusts, or powers of attorney
Previous estate planning documents, even if outdated
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
Divorce decrees that may affect inheritance rights

Debt information

Mortgage statements
Outstanding loan documents
Credit card statements showing significant balances
Any other substantial debts

Colorado-specific considerations

Colorado has particular laws that affect estate planning. Under the Colorado Probate Code (Title 15 of the Colorado Revised Statutes), several provisions are worth noting, including the following.

Small estate procedures

Colorado allows for simplified probate procedures for estates valued under $70,000 (C.R.S. § 15-12-1201), which might influence your planning strategy.

Common law marriage

Colorado recognizes common law marriages (C.R.S. § 14-2-109.5), which can affect inheritance rights even without a formal marriage certificate.

Community property

Unlike some western states, Colorado is not a community property state but follows equitable distribution principles, which impacts how assets may be distributed.

Colorado Medical durable power of attorney

This important document is governed by C.R.S. § 15-14-506 and allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions if you’re unable to do so.

Colorado’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act

Found in C.R.S. § 15-14-701 through 15-14-745, this act governs financial powers of attorney in the state.

Questions to consider before your meeting

Prepare thoughtful responses to these questions:

Who would you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated?
Who would you want to make healthcare decisions on your behalf?
If you have minor children, who would you designate as their guardian?
Are there specific bequests you want to make to individuals or charities?
Do you have family circumstances that require special planning (blended families, children with special needs, family business succession)?
What are your goals for tax planning and asset protection?

Other helpful items

A list of questions you want to ask your attorney
Notes about your estate planning goals and concerns
Information about family dynamics that might affect your planning
Budget considerations for your estate plan

By arriving at your first estate planning meeting with this information prepared, you’ll help your attorney understand your situation thoroughly and develop a plan that truly meets your needs under Colorado law. Remember that estate planning is not a one-time event but a process that should be reviewed periodically as your life circumstances and the law change.

Secure your family’s future today

Don’t put off this crucial aspect of financial planning. Contact Colorado Estate Matters today to schedule your initial consultation. Our experienced attorneys specialize in Colorado estate law and will guide you through the process with compassion and expertise.

*The information provided in this guide is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. Laws change frequently, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.*