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 […]

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.   […]

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 affect their children’s inheritance. Some of my younger clients would rather not […]

Do I need a Will?  If you do not have a Will, the laws of the State of Colorado determine who is entitled to your assets and they determine who has priority to be your personal representative (executor).  How long is my Will good for?  Wills do not expire.  Unless you change or revoke a […]

When someone is impaired by mental illness, physical illness or another disability, and they have not previously appointed someone to act for them through a health care power of attorney, or they have revoked their health care power of attorney, they may need a court-appointed guardian.  A guardian is someone who is appointed by the […]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  To all of you who have read my articles, I hope my articles have given you food for thought. To all of you who have become my clients, thank you for your support. I appreciate your business and the opportunity to be of service to you.  I hope you and […]

How do seniors choose an attorney?  You must pick an attorney who specializes in the type of law you need.  These days all attorneys are specialized because we cannot keep current on every type of law.  It is important to choose an attorney who has handled the type of legal matter that you are dealing […]

We all 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 of money to be used to […]

“My daughter is insisting I move in with her,” complains Martha. “She just wants to control my life and take away my freedom,” she continues. Jenny, Martha’s daughter worries that her mother keeps falling, and fears one day she will break her hip or hit her head.

A beneficiary deed is used to transfer real estate upon your death, without the necessity of  probate.  The Colorado legislature passed the law authorizing the use of beneficiary deeds on May 12, 2004 and the law took effect on August 4, 2004. This law was enacted so that people who have a small estate that […]

By Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C.  ~ 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 […]

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I want to thank you for your continued support, especially the last two years during the pandemic.  I hope you and your families are well and have had no health emergencies. Many people have died in the last two years, over 800,000 in […]