Denver Estate Planning Lawyer
Our Denver estate planning lawyers work with you to identify your unique goals and put a plan in place to reach them. At Brown Law Firm, we listen to our clients’ goals and objectives and tailor each Denver client’s estate plan to their specific needs, which may include avoiding probate, reducing taxes and protecting loved ones. We do not take a one size fits all approach, so your estate plan will not be a set of generic forms. The lawyers at Brown Law Firm believe the tax tail should not wag the dog, meaning an estate plan does not need to be driven solely by tax considerations.
Comprehensive Estate Planning for Denver Families
In most instances, our Denver attorneys recommend that clients utilize a comprehensive estate plan to not only determine what happens with their assets at death, but also who will make decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.
A comprehensive estate plan includes a will and/or a revocable trust. A will is a document that specifies who will receive your assets, such as family, friends or charities, how your beneficiaries will receive those assets, and who will handle your affairs after you pass away, known in Colorado as your personal representative. Depending on your circumstances, our Denver attorneys may recommend a revocable trust as a will substitute for reasons such as avoiding probate, privacy and management of assets during incapacity.
A comprehensive estate plan also includes the ancillary documents below to ensure your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated:
- General Durable Power of Attorney (financial power of attorney): names an agent who can make financial decisions on your behalf during incapacity
- Medical Power of Attorney (health care power of attorney): names an agent who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to make them yourself
- Living Will (advanced directive): reflects your wishes regarding life sustaining procedures at end of life
- Declaration of Disposition of Last Remains: states your wishes regarding burial, cremation and ceremonial arrangements
These documents address asset management and medical decision making in the event of incapacity and are a critical piece of a comprehensive plan.
Our Denver estate planning lawyers make sure your ancillary documents, will and revocable trust all work together seamlessly. The final, critical step is our review of your assets so we can advise on re-titling and updating beneficiary designations, ensuring your plan is fully integrated and works as intended.
If you’re a Denver resident looking for help getting your estate plan in place, contact our team at Brown Law Firm to start the conversation. Our office is located at 5690 DTC Blvd, Suite 230E, convenient to Denver, Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek and the surrounding metro area.
