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Colorado estate planning services include:
- Wills
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Financial or Property Power of Attorney
- Living Wills or Medical Directives (for end of life and life-support decisions)
- Last Remains Declarations
- Nomination of Guardian
- Colorado Designated Beneficiary Agreements
Thinking about and planning for the future and emergencies can be stressful and uncomfortable. You are asked to make many important decisions that will affect your family and other loved ones. You may need to make decisions that you know will hurt some family members but that are in keeping with your own beliefs and principles. But, no matter how hard it is to make these decisions, it is far better for you to do so now than to leave those decisions to your loved ones to make during a time of grief and emotional stress. A compassionate and patient attorney can help you through the process. I understand these decisions are difficult but can help you by answering your questions, listening to your thoughts and concerns, and explaining the legal ramifications of the different options. In addition to sound legal advice, you are encouraged to talk to your loved ones during the estate planning process to the extent you feel comfortable and secure doing so. The decisions are very personal and ultimately yours to make, but you do not have to make them alone.
Estate planning is more than a will. It also allows you, among other things, to direct who you would like to make financial and medical decisions for you in the event of an emergency or your incapacitation, declare your wishes as to life-support measures, and direct the disposition of your last remains (e.g. funeral, memorial, burial, cremation, etc.)..
Non-married couples , including same-sex couples, should also consider a Domestic Partnership Agreement as part of their estate planning..
Colorado Designated Beneficiary Agreements
Colorado's Designated Beneficiaries Act allows any two competent unmarried unrelated adults to designate each other as their beneficiary and decision-maker in case of incapacity. This law benefits many Colorado residents — elderly couples who do not wish to re-marry due to financial disincentives of re-marriage, unmarried couples (heterosexual or LGBT/gay and lesbian couples), couples who cannot afford traditional estate planning legal services, and any two unmarried unrelated adults who want to designate each other as their beneficiary. This contract covers areas such as inheritance, life insurance benefits, health insurance benefits, hospital and nursing home visitation, wrongful death claims, worker's compensation, medical decision-making, and retirement benefits. For more information on Colorado Designated Beneficiaries and to obtain the necessary form go to www.designatedbeneficiaries.org. BE AWARE: A Designated Beneficiary Agreement is not nearly as comprehensive as a complete estate planning package and may have unintended consequences. You should consult with an attorney before entering into the Agreement.
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