The probate process in Colorado can be relatively straightforward and brief, or long, drawn-out, and complex. It can also fall between those two extremes, of course. The length and complexity of the Colorado probate process depends on a number of factors, including the number and type of assets in the probate estate; whether or not there is a valid will (or “last will and testament”); and whether any will contests are expected. Continue reading →

The death of a loved one is never easy. The need to manage practical and legal matters in the wake of a loved one’s death is made more difficult by grief. It’s helpful to have an understanding about what needs to happen following the death of a loved one. If you have a Colorado probate attorney, he or she can offer you additional guidance and answer any questions you may have. Continue reading →

Whether you are looking to do research, self-diagnose yourself with an illness, or prepare legal documents, the Internet makes it seemingly easy to take on a do-it-yourself approach to multiple tasks. Continue reading →

Firearms are special tools.  We use them for sport, protection, to collect, to display, and even for investment purposes.  A purpose-built GUNLOCKER TRUST™ helps safeguard you from the risks associated with owning and transferring firearms to others such as your beneficiaries.  GUNLOCKER TRUST™ protects your privacy, property, family and friends. Continue reading →

As August approaches, thousands of new high school graduates will make the pilgrimage to college, dorm life, new friends and experiences and decision making. As the song says, how fast they go from “crayons to perfume.” Continue reading →

By Keith L. Davis, Esq.

Occasionally, clients ask about placing assets in joint tenancy with the right of survivorship (JTWROS) as means to allow loved ones to assist in managing assets during disability or as an estate planning device – more particularly to avoid the probate process.  Often using JTWROS is a mistake. Continue reading →

A common goal when planning for parents is “I want my kids to get along.”  Yet as estate and trust attorneys we know that one of the biggest challenges involves “special stuff.’  By this I mean tangible personal property such as family photos, heirlooms, jewelry, antiques and gun collections.
Transmission of these items is often hindered by communication – or lack thereof.  Parents and children often don’t realize what others value.  Too often we hear parents say “I don’t have anything that my kids want.”  Wow! If they only knew! Continue reading →

According to the Bureau of Justice, approximately 8.6 million households fell prey to identity theft in 2010, at a cost of more than $13 billion. You probably believe identity theft will never happen to you.  Most people believe identity theft is hacking into your computer or a stolen wallet and using your passwords and credit card information.  In reality, identity theft takes many forms that expose you every day, not just a computer hacker or thief. Continue reading →

Do you, or loved ones, have unclaimed property in the State of Colorado?  
Any Colorado resident that has lost track of a bank account, stocks, bonds, abandoned safety deposit boxes or a retirement account; misplaced a rebate check, paycheck from a business; or even your Colorado State tax rebate; the bank, business or State agency is required by law to file a report and forward those assets to the Unclaimed Property office of the Colorado State Treasurer. Continue reading →

They call it the “boomer boomerang” – adult children of retiring baby boomers who continue to rely on their parents for their financial needs.  Unfortunately, continuing to support grown children can have a significant detrimental effect on boomers’ savings and retirement plans, according to a Wall Street Journal article yesterday. Continue reading →