Articles Posted in Estate Planning

The federal gift and tax application exclusion amount, or exemption, was raised from $5.49 million per individual to $11.58 million per individual last year. This means that a married couple can transfer about $23 million without having to pay a gift tax or estate tax. However, the federal gift and estate tax exemption is set…

With the recent signing of the $900 billion pandemic relief package, individuals have begun receiving stimulus checks in the mail. Because this was the second stimulus check—and there have been talks of a third, $2,000 check—many have questions about whether these checks will impact their Colorado estate plan, and what to do if a deceased…

It is laudable when people start to make estate planning decisions. However, meeting with a Colorado estate planning attorney for the first time can often be an overwhelming experience. Estate planning attorneys are highly-focused in the field, ready to make sure an individual’s assets are prudently managed and ensuring an individual’s loved ones receive inheritances…

The attorney-client privilege and duty of confidentiality are two of the most essential recognized privileges. They protect conversations and dealings between a client and their attorney. Colorado courts have consistently maintained these privileges to ensure full communication between lawyers and their clients, allowing the parties to resolve legal issues effectively. Although the privileges are critical…

Trusts are an essential component of most Colorado estate plans. However, despite their importance, many individuals do not understand the basics of a trust, including their key concepts and terms. While trusts can sometimes be complicated, the following post breaks down the essential aspects and terms associated with a Colorado trust. What is a Trust…

When creating a Colorado estate plan and preparing for the future of an older loved one, there are many angles and aspects to consider. Beyond the regular benefits many aging people can receive from the federal government, additional benefits can be given if the loved one served in the armed forces. Through the Department of…

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to do long term thinking, evaluating their life and their future. Thus, many individuals are starting to create a Colorado estate plan, so their family is taken care of in case of their unexpected passing. Despite this recent estate planning trend, 62% of Americans do not have a…

Since COVID-19 hit the United States, everyone has been in the process of adjusting to our new normal. Social distancing guidelines, stay at home orders, and masked faces are becoming a part of the new daily routine and have brought a slew of changes that have impacted nearly every aspect of life. However, despite some…

Many Colorado residents are members of what is often called the “sandwich generation”- people raising their own children while also taking care of their aging parents, thus being “sandwiched” between the two roles and care taking needs on both sides of the family tree. Being a part of the sandwich generation can be incredibly stressful,…

Creating a Colorado estate plan is essential for everyone, especially for couples who live together and are not married. According to the state intestate laws, the property of people who die without a will passes to their spouse or children. However, no federal or Colorado laws allow unmarried couples to ensure the same smooth transition…