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 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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

By Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C. ~ “Can I get a power of attorney for my parent?” People call my office and ask this question quite often, so my assistant asked me to write an article about the issues involved in answering this question. We don’t know if your parent wants to appoint you to act […]

By Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C. ~ If someone dies without a Will, his or her assets will be devised pursuant to the laws of the state in which the decedent was domiciled at death. Real estate is governed by the laws of the state in which it is located. So, if you die without a Will […]

There is a growing trend toward keeping our elderly at home and moving them out of nursing homes. One impetus for this change is the high cost of institutional care. Another reason for the change is a change in philosophy; we are beginning to recognize that our elderly have a better quality of life if […]

~ By Tamra K. Waltemath, P.C. ~ The Living Will form is also referred to as the Advance Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment. This advance directive allows adults who have decisional capacity to set forth their written decisions as to the acceptance or rejection of life-sustaining procedures if at some future time, he or she has a […]