Estate Planning Attorneys in Denver, Colorado

A will is a legal document that states how an individual wishes to distribute their assets after death. In order for a will to be valid in the state of Colorado, it must be in writing, signed by the creator of the will (testator), and it must be witnessed by at least two individuals who are not beneficiaries of the will. The main function of a will is to handle the distribution of assets and name an executor who will manage the estate. 

A trust differs from a will in that it typically does not require probate and allows an individual to manage and distribute their assets while they are still alive. Trusts are designed to allow a third party trustee to manage the assets on the beneficiaries’ behalf. There are a number of different reasons why trusts can prove beneficial

 

Unlike wills, which become public records, trusts allow for a much more private distribution of assets. They offer several advantages that may be useful depending on the circumstances of your estate. There are multiple different types of trusts, and an estate planning attorney will be able to offer assistance in choosing the one that is best for you. An attorney will also be able to help you draft legally sound documents and assist in properly transferring assets into the trust. Living Wills and Health Care Directives

A living will is a document that states an individual's preferences for healthcare and medical treatment if they are unable to make a decision themselves. If they are unable to clearly communicate their wishes, a living will ensures that their wishes are respected. Living wills are especially useful in situations where an individual is unable to advocate for themselves, as they provide a clear outline for their preferred medical treatments. It also relieves family and loved ones of having to make any difficult decisions on their behalf.

 

For more information about how the estate planning attorneys at Evans Case can assist in creating a living will that meets your needs, contact us today. 

Our attorneys are also available to provide support when disputes arise of the administration of your estate. Careful estate planning can help prevent conflicts, though conflicts still occur. When significant assets are at stake and the terms of a will are unclear, family members and beneficiaries may have disagreements that end in litigation. Estate litigation includes a number of different issues like contested wills, disputes about trusts, executor duties, and beneficiary disputes. 

Litigation can be a challenging and stressful process, especially after dealing with the loss of a family member or loved one. However, it might be necessary to protect your rights and your family and ensure a fair distribution of the decedent’s assets. When the language in a will or trust is unclear, it can often lead to litigation, and an experienced estate planning attorney may be required to provide clarity and act in the best interest of the beneficiaries. 

 

Our Denver attorneys are proud to offer representation to families and individuals facing disputes. Our goal is to reach a fair outcome for everyone involved and provide an amicable and stress-free experience for executors, trustees, beneficiaries, and all interested parties. 

Estate planning is a complex legal process that aims to ensure that your best wishes are met after your death. It is an essential step to making sure that your assets are properly distributed and ensures that your financial and health-related decisions are respected if you are unable to make them yourself. An estate planning attorney will be able to help you manage your estate and make sure that your best wishes are met. If you are beginning the estate planning process and are seeking legal support, do not hesitate to contact our team of attorneys at Evans Case today. Come see why we are trusted to offer our estate planning expertise to clients all throughout the Denver area.