Denver Estate Planning Lawyers
Even though estate planning can seem like a complex task and one that many people like to put off or not even think about, a well-thought out plan can bring you great peace of mind and have a long lasting impact on your family’s future.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that estate planning is only for the rich. Estate planning is for everyone. It is a critical step in making sure that your assets are distributed in a way that you want them to be after you are gone. Estate planning also ensures that your wishes are known for how you would want to be cared for if you are no longer able to care for yourself.
While some of these things aren’t much fun to think about, if you can approach them in a logical and informed manner, you will feel much more confident in your decisions and you will avoid a great deal of turmoil and anxiety down the road. Hulse Law Firm estate planning attorneys Denver, CO will help guide you through the planning process and the creation of fundamental estate planning documents. Our attorneys work with clients to inform them about the variety of estate planning options available, and the implications of each as it relates to their specific needs. You will make all the decisions, but we will help you document your wishes clearly, minimize tax ramifications, and avoid mistakes. Just as important and critical to your evolving needs, we will always be available to help you make adjustments as your circumstances and wishes change.
Estate Planning Services
Without an estate plan, the courts could decide who manages your estate, how your assets will be divided, and even who cares for your children. Estate planning ensures that your assets go to the beneficiaries you intend them to go to, and that your end of life wishes are respected and carried out. Our firm will prepare all of the documents you will need for asset protection and planning which include the following:
- Will – stating how your assets will be dispersed and naming your executor
- Trust – specifies how and when assets pass to beneficiaries and avoids probate
- Guardianship – appointing a representative to care for personal and property issues
- Durable power of Attorney – naming someone to take care of your finances if it’s ever necessary
- Living Will – a directive to physicians and family or surrogates to spell out your end-of-life wishes
- Medical Power of Attorney – naming someone to make sure your health care wishes are honored
Hulse Law Firm also provides probate and estate administration for carrying out the wishes in your will and handling assets that will pass through probate.
Estate Planning Issues
You may not have thought about some of the “what if” scenarios should you pass away before you have had a chance to do proper planning. The size of your estate could be greatly reduced by inadequate or improper planning. In addition, from the survivors’ perspective, it’s important that your loved ones know your intentions and plans so they don’t make decisions based on erroneous ideas of what they think you would have wanted. Consider the following:
- Beneficiaries – How will you provide for your family and ensure that your assets are distributed in the way you choose? Do you have children you wish to protect? Blended or extended family members you want to take care of? Perhaps friends, charities, foundations, or intentions for other special people or interests that you would like to leave your personal property or portion of your wealth to?
- Executor – Whom do you want to appoint as your personal representative? This is important as this person will carry out the wishes of your will and handle the legalities of the distribution of your assets.
- Avoiding Probate – Do you want your family to avoid the time and expense of probate?
- Guardianship – Whom would you name to be guardian of your children if something were to happen to you before your children become adults?
- Incapacitation – Whom do you want to designate to make financial and medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated? You can avoid a guardianship being appointed by a court should you be unable physically or mentally to make the decision.
- Special Circumstances – Will you leave behind a disabled child or family member who will need special assistance? Do you wish to keep certain assets in the family if your spouse remarries? How do you protect your assets from creditors?
- Eliminating Family Conflict – How can you reduce the stress for loved ones during what will already be a very difficult time? An estate plan can give instructions as to the disposition of your final remains, distribution of sentimental personal items, and provide other instructions so there is no confusion or controversy as to “what you would have wanted.”
Even if you believe these situations may not ever apply to you, it is important that you understand and consider some of the complexities that might remain for your family should you not properly plan. You will want to feel good knowing that you have a plan in place for your family when you can no longer care for them.
Financial and Personal Benefits
When it comes to estate planning, there are significant financial and personal benefits to being proactive and meeting with Denver estate planning attorneys. You will determine how you want your personal, medical and financial affairs handled, and the firm of Hulse Law Firm will counsel you and prepare the proper documents to do so.
With proper planning, your loved ones will avoid many legal hassles because you will be giving them the right tools to take care of your wishes as you would want them to. You will not be leaving behind bewildered family members to try to sort out your affairs, and you can save a significant amount of your wealth with the proper tax planning. Call Hulse Law Firm today for thorough, informed estate planning with our wills and trusts lawyers in Denver, CO. Your peace of mind, security, and the future of your family are important to us. We will ensure that you are well-informed and confident about the preparations and choices you make.
