Best Denver Estate Planning Attorneys
in 2025 
|
Justin Blow Colorado Estate Matters Ltd |
Call Today 303-713-9147 |
View Profile |
Our Selection Process
Attorney at Law Magazine established Local Legal Authorities in 2019 to help consumers find the best Denver estate planning attorneys for their specific needs. The magazine has been interviewing attorneys since 2009. Every Denver estate planning Local Legal Authority attorney focuses most of his or her time on cases and legal matters within the specific practice area for which they have been listed. Each attorney is highly successful in their practice area and has consumer reviews to confirm it. We hand-selected this list of attorneys because of their passion for justice, their credibility, and their ultimate desire to best represent their clients. No algorithms, patented technology or award-ranking systems helped us create this list. We curated a selection of passionate Denver estate planning attorneys with the relentless desire to represent clients like you to the very best of their ability. Reach out to any attorney you would like to work with today.
Step 1: Identify Your Estate Planning Needs
Whether you need a simple will, a comprehensive trust, or assistance with complex tax planning, defining your goals helps narrow down the type of (Denver) estate planning attorney you need. Be sure to account for your own unique circumstances, such as business succession planning, charitable giving, or guardianship for minors, and seek attorneys well-versed in those areas.
Step 2: Research and Verify Credentials
Next, conduct thorough research on your list of potential attorneys. Look for those who focus on estate planning and have a strong track record in the field. Check their educational background, certifications (such as membership in the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys or National Association of Estate Planners & Councils), and years of experience. You may also want to read client reviews and verify their licensing status with your state's bar association.
Step 3: Schedule Consultations
A consultation is an opportunity to ask about each attorney’s approach to estate planning, their fees, and how they keep clients informed throughout the process. During this meeting, you can evaluate their communication style, professionalism, and willingness to address your concerns. You want an attorney who listens carefully and explains complex concepts so that you can understand them.
Step 4: Evaluate Compatibility and Long-Term Support
Estate planning often involves a long-term relationship, so choose a local estate planning attorney with whom you feel comfortable discussing personal matters. Determine if they offer ongoing support for updating your plan as laws or circumstances change. Ideally, you want someone who can help you as future estate planning needs arise.
Recommendations While You Wait to Connect to an Attorney
- Gather Important Financial Documents: Collect essential documents such as bank statements, property deeds, investment accounts, insurance policies, and retirement account details. A detailed inventory of your assets can help streamline the estate planning process once you connect with a Denver estate planning attorney.
- Identify Key Decision-Makers: Decide who you trust to act as your executor, trustee, or guardian for minor children. It’s in your best interest to choose individuals who are reliable, organized, and capable of handling responsibilities according to your wishes.
- Consider Your Beneficiaries: Think about who you want to inherit your assets. Evaluate whether any special considerations (such as beneficiaries with disabilities, minor children, or blended family dynamics) require additional planning, such as setting up trusts or other special provisions.
- Research Basic Estate Planning Tools: Familiarize yourself with common estate planning tools like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. Understanding these concepts can help you ask informed questions and make confident decisions when working with an estate planning attorney in Denver.
- Outline Your Goals and Priorities: Reflect on your estate planning goals, such as minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, or ensuring specific family members receive particular assets. Write down your priorities so you can effectively communicate them to your attorney.
- Discuss Estate Planning with Family: Begin conversations with your family about your wishes, especially if they involve complex decisions like guardianship for minor children or distribution of significant assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are a Will and a Trust Different?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death and appoints guardians for minor children. A trust allows you to manage and distribute assets during your lifetime and after your death, often helping to avoid probate and provide greater control over asset management.
- What if I Don’t Have Significant Assets?
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. An estate plan helps ensure that your wishes are honored, appoints guardians for minor children, designates healthcare and financial decision-makers, and reduces potential disputes among loved ones, regardless of the size of your estate.
- How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan in Colorado?
It’s best to review and update your estate plan every three to five years or after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, significant changes in your financial situation, or changes in estate tax laws.
- What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Denver?
If you pass away without a will (known as intestate), state law determines how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. This process can be time-consuming and expensive and lead to conflicts among family members. Therefore, it’s in everyone’s best interest to have a will.
- What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
A durable power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone you trust the authority to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Such a document provides that your bills are paid, assets are managed, and financial decisions can be made without the need for court intervention.