When a loved one or dear friend dies, not only is it an emotional time, but it may also be confusing as to how to administer the estate. Probate is the legal process to distribute the decedent’s property and other assets. In Colorado, probate can range from simple to...
Probate & Estate Administration
The importance of choosing the right personal representative
Part of estate planning is naming a personal representative. This person administers aspects of the estate after the passing of the decedent. This role is vast and can be complex, depending on the situation. It is important that an estate’s owner takes the time to...
Can you avoid probate?
People often put probate in a bad light, but it can be beneficial in many situations. However, if you want to avoid probate because you want your family to get the inheritance quickly or you do not want your business to become public record, then there are some things...
Understanding probate
After a person dies, their affairs must be tended to properly. The process of probate allows for this to take place under the observation of a probate court. Many people often misunderstand probate and think of it as a bad thing. Gaining knowledge about what probate...
How can I handle giving an unequal inheritance?
As a parent, you want your children to be happy with the inheritance you leave them. Although ideally, children would receive an equal share, there are many reasons why this might not be possible. If you have reasons to leave unequal inheritances to your children, you...
The probate timeline: What to expect
People often paint probate in a negative light, but it is a beneficial process. It helps to solidify your loved one’s wishes and enables the executor to take the time to properly close the estate. If you have recently lost a parent and feel incredibly lost about what...
Is probate necessary in all cases?
When a close friend or loved one passes away, there are a host of loose ends to finalize. One of the most difficult may be that of settling the estate and ensuring all property and assets get to their intended beneficiaries. Depending on the unique circumstances...
Common estate disputes and how to resolve them
Disagreements among beneficiaries in matters regarding estates are frequent after the death of the property owner. Different issues arise regarding asset distribution, whether the deceased left a will or not. In most cases, these disputes get to high intensities that...
Probate court in Colorado
One myth seems to prevail more than any other when it comes to probate: Your estate does not have to go through it if you have a will. This is often not the case in Colorado. Probate laws may seem tedious and frustrating, but they exist to protect your estate and...
What are Colorado’s intestate succession laws?
If you die without a will in Colorado, or if the state deems your will invalid, your estate goes to the state, thereby rendering it "intestate." If the state assumes control of your estate, it will distribute your assets and wealth in accordance with intestate...