Protect your assets and provide support and financial stability for your surviving relatives by hiring an experienced estate planning attorney in Denver, CO to develop a plan for your unique circumstances. At Lewis & Matthews, P.C., our Estate Planning Law Firm can help you establish a will, trust, and power of attorney to ensure your family is taken care of after your passing. We have a Denver office to serve the metropolitan area, and an office in Dillon to serve the mountain communities of Summit and Eagle Counties.
WHO NEEDS AN ESTATE LAWYER IN DENVER
Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is not only for the wealthy. Anyone can benefit from having an estate attorney in Denver and a comprehensive estate plan to ensure the smooth transition of assets from them to their beneficiaries when the time comes. Whether you own properties, several businesses, or company shares, a well-established estate plan made by a Denver estate planning lawyer can make the distribution process less costly and time-consuming. It will also give you more control over the passing of your assets, instead of letting the state dictate everything.
The guidance of an estate attorney in Denver who is well-versed in estate law can help you navigate the legal matters and iron out all the details of your plan.
ESTATE PLANNING IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19
Fear of COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many people to update their existing estate planning documents or write new wills and make other critical estate planning decisions in recent years. If you prefer to continue social distancing, Lewis & Matthews’ estate lawyers in Denver and Dillon are happy to offer clients a virtual estate planning consultation to discuss their estate planning needs. When we are ready to sign the documents, we will schedule an appointment in our office to execute and notarize the documents.
The basic estate planning documents that clients often want to review with our Denver estate planning attorneys are the Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney to address financial matters, a health care power of attorney, and a living will to allow a specified individual to make health care decisions for the client if they are incapacitated. Our team of Denver estate planning lawyers will make sure that your estate plan is tailored to your specific needs.
Estate Planning with Lewis & Matthews P.C.
Since our law firm specializes in both estate planning and family law, we can better customize your plan to suit your unique needs. Our Dillon and Denver estate planning attorneys’ years of experience with Colorado state law will also offer several benefits in making sure your documents are correctly worded and the process is streamlined.
Our Denver estate planning lawyer’s practice areas often include the following:
● Last Will and Testament
● Various Powers of Attorney
● Declaration of Medical Treatment or Living Will
● Living Trust
● Asset Protection
● Others, depending on your needs and preferences
What Is in an Estate Plan?
A comprehensive estate plan made by an estate attorney in Denver should include several legal documents that detail everything from end-of-life care to the distribution of assets upon death. With advice and guidance from our Denver estate planning attorneys, you’ll gain the clarity you need to understand these documents and how they will take effect when the time comes.
● Last Will and Testament – This legal document dictates how the estate of a person will be distributed when they pass away. It includes a list of the assets as well as the beneficiaries set to receive them.
● Living Trust – Like a will, a living trust also details the distribution of the estate to beneficiaries. The assets are transferred to a trust while the grantor is still alive. The main advantage here is that the process no longer involves the probate court, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
● Living Will – In Colorado, a living will is also called the “Declaration of Medical Treatment,” and it details a person’s preferences for end-of-life care. It takes effect when a person is no longer physically and mentally able to convey their wishes.
● Powers of Attorney – A power of attorney is given to a trusted confidant for emergency situations where difficult choices have to be made about your health or finances. This spares your loved ones from unnecessary stress.
● Asset Protection – This is a collection of strategies that legally protect your assets from taxation, seizure, and other losses. Although this is mainly a part of financial planning, it is also an excellent addition to your estate plan.
Apart from having a good estate plan, it’s also important to keep it updated. There may be changes to your situation, preferences, and your assets that may not be reflected in previous plans. Talk to our estate lawyers in Denver to keep your plan current.
How You Can Benefit From Working With An Exceptional Estate Attorney in Denver, CO
Expertise and Knowledge
An estate attorney in Denver like Lewis & Matthews P.C. brings invaluable expertise to the table. Estate planning involves numerous legal complexities, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. A seasoned attorney will ensure that all the necessary documents are in place and comply with state laws, preventing potential legal issues down the road.
Tailored Planning
Every individual’s situation is unique, and an estate attorney can tailor your plan to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re concerned about minimizing taxes, protecting assets, or ensuring guardianship for minor children, an attorney will create a comprehensive plan that addresses your goals. They’ll also advise you on the best legal tools to use, such as revocable trusts or durable power of attorney, to provide maximum protection.
Avoiding Probate
One of the major benefits of working with an estate attorney is the ability to avoid probate. Probate can be a lengthy, costly, and public process. An attorney can help you establish trusts and other legal structures that allow assets to pass directly to beneficiaries, bypassing the probate process entirely.
Ongoing Support
Your life circumstances may change over time, requiring updates to your estate plan. An estate attorney will provide ongoing support, ensuring your plan evolves with major life events such as marriage, childbirth, or financial changes.
What Are Some Common Myths About Estate Planning?
Estate planning with the help of an expert estate attorney in Denver is an essential step for ensuring that your assets, healthcare decisions, and final wishes are respected. However, many myths surrounding the process can deter people from taking the necessary steps to protect their legacy. Let’s break down some of the most common misconceptions about estate planning and set the record straight.
Myth 1: Estate Planning Is Only for the Wealthy
One of the most pervasive myths is that only the wealthy need to worry about estate planning. In reality, estate planning is essential for anyone with assets, whether large or small. An estate plan determines how your property, finances, and personal belongings are handled after your passing, ensuring they go to the people you choose. Without a plan, the court decides how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. Estate planning also addresses healthcare decisions and guardianship for minor children, which is important for anyone with a family, regardless of financial status.
Myth 2: A Will Is All You Need
A will is a crucial part of any estate plan, but it’s not the only document required. Depending on your situation, you may need additional legal tools such as trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. A trust can help avoid probate and ensure that assets are distributed quickly and privately. A durable power of attorney allows someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, while a healthcare directive lets you outline your medical treatment preferences. Together, these documents create a comprehensive estate plan.
Myth 3: Estate Plans Are Only for the Elderly
Many people assume that they don’t need to worry about estate planning until they are older. However, life is unpredictable, and having a plan in place can offer peace of mind at any age. Unexpected events like accidents or illnesses can leave you incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. Estate planning ensures that your medical and financial wishes are carried out in such situations. It’s better to create a plan early and update it over time rather than wait until it’s too late.
Myth 4: The Planning Process Is Too Complicated
While estate planning can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the guidance of an experienced attorney, you can create a plan tailored to your unique needs. An estate planning attorney will walk you through the process, help you understand your options, and ensure that your documents are legally sound. This way, you can be confident that your estate will be handled exactly as you intend, without unnecessary confusion or legal battles for your loved ones.
Myth 5: Once You Create an Estate Plan, You’re Done
Estate planning is not a one-time event. As your life circumstances change—whether through marriage, the birth of a child, the purchase of property, or a significant change in financial status—your estate plan should be revisited and updated accordingly. It’s important to review your estate plan with a trusted estate attorney in Denver every few years or after any major life event to ensure it still reflects your current wishes and needs.
Answering the Most Common Questions About Estate Planning
Estate planning is essential for anyone looking to secure their assets and ensure their wishes are respected after they pass away. Yet, many people have questions about the process and what it entails. Here are answers to some of the most common estate planning questions.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning involves creating legal documents that outline how your assets, property, and personal belongings will be distributed after your death. It also includes provisions for your healthcare decisions in case you become incapacitated. Key components of an estate plan include a will, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Having an estate plan in place ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, rather than being left to the state’s default laws. Without an estate plan, your family could face a lengthy probate process, where the courts determine who inherits your assets. An estate plan also allows you to name guardians for minor children, set up trusts for loved ones, and make provisions for charitable donations.
What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?
If you pass away without a will, known as dying “intestate,” the court will distribute your assets based on state laws. This could result in your property being divided in ways you may not have intended. For example, if you have no immediate family, the state may inherit your estate. Having a will ensures that your assets go to the people and organizations you care about most.
Can Estate Planning Help Minimize Taxes?
Yes, estate planning can help reduce taxes on your estate. Tools like irrevocable trusts and charitable donations can significantly lower the tax burden for your heirs. An estate attorney can advise you on the best strategies for minimizing estate and inheritance taxes.
When Should I Start Estate Planning?
It’s never too early to start estate planning. While many people wait until later in life, accidents and illnesses can happen at any time. Having a plan in place ensures your wishes are respected no matter what happens. It’s also important to update your estate plan after major life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or significant changes in financial status.
Should I Hire an Estate Attorney?
Yes, hiring a trusted estate attorney in Denver ensures that your plan is legally sound and comprehensive. Our team of experts will guide you through the process, help you avoid mistakes, and provide peace of mind that your estate is properly handled.
Turn to Our Excellent Estate Planning Law Firm
When it comes to the estate planning process, it’s vital to work with a team of experts who can create a plan customized to your needs, assets, and distribution wishes. To get started creating or updating your estate plan, get in touch with the team at Lewis & Matthews, P.C. As a top-tier estate attorney in Denver, CO, we prioritize delivering comprehensive support regarding the passing of your assets, legal estate planning documents, and additional details about this process.
Testimonials
Hear from our clients!
Meet the Team
Find out more about the people that make Lewis & Matthews, P.C. a success.
Jennifer Lewis – Managing partner Jennifer Lewis has helped countless people with family law, criminal law, estate planning and probate proceedings, personal injury and medical malpractice claims, zoning and land use planning, and general civil litigation.
Ms. Lewis received her license in 1988. Since then, she has practiced law in both federal and state courts in Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado.
Ms. Lewis believes in a practical, but patient and compassionate approach to helping clients navigate the often-difficult challenges they face concerning family law matters.
Amanda Huber – As a legal assistant, Amanda helps with the daily tasks of sending legal correspondence and documents, preparing court filings, and scheduling, among other tasks. Amanda joined the firm in 2022 and has helped clients in all phases of their divorce.
Prior to joining Lewis & Matthews, Amanda worked at an upscale country club in San Diego, where she was born and raised.
Outside of work you can find Amanda wine tasting, gardening, and spending time with her beloved cat, Waffles.
Jackie Flanagan – As an office manager, Ms. Flanagan has been managing the day-to-day tasks required to run the firm smoothly for the last five years. Her unique insights as a long-term resident of Colorado have also been a valuable resource for the firm.
Counties We Serve
To ensure you receive a comprehensive estate plan and that your wishes will be respected, work with Lewis & Matthews P.C. Our Denver estate planning attorneys will help you every step of the way. Here are the counties we serve:
Greater Denver Metro Area
Address: 1325 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 503, Denver, CO 80222
(303) 329-3802
Summit County and Eagle County
Address: 114 Village Place, Suite 206, Dillon, CO 80435
Phone Number: (970) 468-0240
