In general, there are two primary documents used to transfer your assets at your death, Wills and Trusts. Colorado estate planners differ in opinion as to which document is preferable. I believe there are advantages and disadvantages to both documents so I discuss how each would affect the client during an estate planning consultation. […]
Legal
Colorado voters approved the End-of-Life Options Act which is also referred to as the medical aid-in-dying law in 2016. This law enables your doctor to prescribe medication for you to bring about your own death. To exercise this option, you must submit a written request to your doctor and you must: 1) be terminally ill […]
By Jeremy Laufer ~ The coronavirus pandemic has certainly caused havoc and concern for many people, particularly in regard to their health and their finances – and these two areas intersect in estate planning. So, if you haven’t drawn up your estate plans yet, or you think they may need to be revised, now may […]
It would be nice to have an instruction booklet to list all of the things we need to do when a loved one dies. I could not possibly relate everything you may need to know or everything you may need to do in the first few days following a death, but let this list serve […]
By Sarah L. Golombek, Esq. ~ These are unprecedented times we are living in with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Not surprisingly, many are worried about their health and are concerned about whether their financial and legal affairs are in order in the event of serious illness or death. Pandemic or not, it is always recommended that […]
By Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C. ~ When a married person dies, his or her spouse has many rights pursuant to Colorado law, even if the spouse left no will. These rights include the right to be named as personal representative of the estate, certain monetary allowances, the right to certain property and a share of […]
Today, 76,000 Coloradans are among nearly 6 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, if no cure is found, that total will approach 14 million. Caring for those loved ones day-to-day is one challenge. Preparing for the potentially astronomical costs is yet another.
Many couples choose not to be legally married, even if they have been together a long time. There are both personal and financial reasons for not getting married. Some of my older clients choose not to marry because they do not want to hurt their children’s feelings. Some of my younger clients would rather not […]
By Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C. ~ The purpose for appointing a conservator is to protect a person’s property from mismanagement or dissipation. The Court may appoint a conservator, upon petition and after notice and hearing, when it finds that someone has money or property that they cannot manage. A conservator is appointed by the […]
Changes in behavior or personality may be the first signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Memory loss is not the only sign of dementia; losing interest in your favorite activities or getting unusually anxious, aggressive or suspicious may also be symptoms.
Everyone needs these documents in order to make their wishes known to family and friends and to give them the authority to make decisions for you in an emergency or if you become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself. In addition, these documents assist to avoid the cost and stress of probate litigation. BEWARE […]
By Tamra K Waltemath ~ Many of us love our pets and want to ensure that they are taken care of after we die. There are several options for pet owners in Colorado. The most elaborate option is to establish a pet trust. To create a pet trust you must set aside a certain amount […]
By Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C. ~ I have had clients bring in letters from companies that offer to sell them a copy of the deed for their home for $89.00. These letters look very official. Multiple businesses send these letters, including Property Transfer Services, Record Transfer Services, Conveyance Transfer Services, Record Retrieval Department, and National […]
Adults in Colorado have the legal right to consent to or refuse medical treatment under the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990. You may make your wishes regarding medical treatment known by utilizing advance medical directives. Advance medical directives include a Declaration as to Medical or Surgical Treatment (often referred to as a Living Will), Medical […]
Many people believe that if they have a Last Will and Testament (“Will”) they do not have to go through probate; this is not true. In Colorado, if a person owns personal property exceeding $66,000.00 or they own an interest in real estate (your home) they must go through probate whether or not they have […]
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