720-730-7274
This question seems like an easy one to answer. To transfer your house into a Living Trust, you want to prepare a deed to transfer ownership of the house from you into the trust. In Colorado, you can use a Quitclaim Deed, Warranty Deed, General Warranty Deed, or a Special Warranty Deed to transfer ownership into the trust. Once you have properly … [Read more...]
Supporting Worthy Causes in Your Will or Trust…on Colorado Gives Day
For the past few years, my church has set up “Giving Machines” along the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The “Giving Machines” are like vending machines that allow people to purchase items or services for those in need. A person can purchase food for a poor family, or socks, shoes, or other items to be … [Read more...]
Why Your Estate Plan Will Work (in Colorado) Even If Someone Doesn’t Like It
My wife likes to talk about love languages, and how everybody’s love language can be different. Some people want physical affection, while others prefer gifts, and still others want you to spend time with them. I am not nearly as into the differences in love languages as she is, or as some people are, but I did get an interesting, almost … [Read more...]
How Do I Leave My Car to My Family After I Die?
I have several clients who restore old cars, usually classic cars, and then either keep them, or sell them to other collectors. They often want to leave the car to their family and ask me, “How do I leave my car to my family after I die?” These really are some neat cars, so I understand wanting to keep the cars in the family. I have seen some … [Read more...]
Colorado Residents: Benefits Of Working With A Local Estate Planning Attorney
As I drive around the Denver Metro Area, I see the bumper stickers that say “Native” on them. I have also seen variations that say “Not Native, But I Got Here As Quick As I Can,” or “Almost Native.” I fall into the “Not a Native, But I Got Here As Quick As I Can” category. I was born in Portland, Oregon, and I lived there with my family for … [Read more...]
Didn’t You Get The Memo? Leaving Specific Gifts for Specific People in Your Estate Plan
It’s December, and many of us are thinking about giving gifts. I have started asking my children what they want as gifts for Christmas presents, and they are thinking about it. Even harder than that, I am trying to figure out what to ask for as a Christmas present for myself. I tend to purchase what I need or want as the need comes up, so when … [Read more...]
What is the difference between doing your Estate Plan Online and using an Estate Planning Attorney?
In the time that I have been working as an estate planning attorney, I have seen a lot of online options to set up an estate plan appear. Some of these websites are free, some are services you pay for, but all of them seem to have the same thing in common: Online services are mostly self-help services that help you create your own will or other … [Read more...]
Do I Need An Estate Plan, Will, Or Trust?
I refer to myself as an estate planning attorney, and I prepare estate plans. Oftentimes I will be asked what that means, and I explain that I help people prepare their will, trust, financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, living will, or other documents related to the end of life. People either understand my further explanation, … [Read more...]
Wills vs. Trusts Compared Side by Side (My 100th Blog)
The most common question that I get in my law practice is what is the difference between a will and a trust? I really do wish the question is simple and easy, and perhaps someday I will be able to come up with a satisfying answer that only takes a minute or two. In my experience, the answer to this question can be quite complex, as you can see … [Read more...]
Can You Have Both A Will And A Trust? In Colorado, Yes You Can!
Whenever someone asks me if they need a will or a trust, I tell them that the answer depends on their circumstances. I then offer to discuss their life circumstances during my free hour long consultation to determine what options would fit their needs. Many clients are surprised to learn that even if they set up a trust, they also need a … [Read more...]
