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Category: Probate

Why Probate Still Matters: Even With a Revocable Trust

Why Probate Still Matters: Even With a Revocable Trust

One of the most persistent myths in estate planning is the idea that having a trust means your estate will not go through probate. That statement is repeated so often online that it feels settled. It is not. In practice, and in Colorado specifically, every estate should expect some level of probate involvement, whether a revocable trust exists or not. As both an estate planning attorney and a probate attorney in Colorado, my position is straightforward: your estate should be…

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What Does a Survivorship Clause Mean in a Colorado Will?

What Does a Survivorship Clause Mean in a Colorado Will?

When clients review their draft wills, one of the most common questions I hear is: “What does the survivorship clause actually do?” It’s a fair question. The wording can feel a little dense, but the concept is straightforward once it’s unpacked. Colorado’s Default Rule: The 120-Hour Survival Requirement Colorado follows the Uniform Probate Code, which says a beneficiary generally must outlive you by 120 hours (five days) to inherit. If someone passes away within that window, the law treats them…

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Homeowners Insurance and Beneficiary Deeds

Homeowners Insurance and Beneficiary Deeds

In Colorado beneficiary deeds, allow homeowners to pass their property to a named beneficiary upon their death. This will happen without the property going through probate. A 2021 case highlights an important issue, however. It comes from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, Strope-Robinson v. State Farm. Does homeowners insurance remain in effect after the owner’s death? The Strope-Robinson Case In this case, Dawn Strope-Robinson inherited a house in Minnesota from her uncle, David Strope, through a beneficiary deed. At…

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Common Law Marriage: Probate & Estate Solutions

Common Law Marriage: Probate & Estate Solutions

In Colorado, common law marriage presents unique opportunities and challenges, particularly when one partner dies without a will (intestate). Common law marriage can affect inheritance rights, but proving such a marriage posthumously can be complex. Understanding Colorado’s common law marriage requirements, along with potential complications in probate and possible alternatives, can offer clarity for those considering or involved in these relationships. Requirements for Common Law Marriage in Colorado Unlike most states, Colorado recognizes common law marriage without a formal ceremony…

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The Risks of Letting Courts Close Inactive Estates

The Risks of Letting Courts Close Inactive Estates

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-12-1009 allows for the closure of estates that have been inactive for three years or more without further accounting. Although this may seem like a convenient way to close an estate, since it requires no action from the personal representative or an attorney, it can lead to significant issues. To illustrate, here’s a closer look at this statute, especially section (3), and its potential pitfalls. Overview of the Statute Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-12-1009 permits courts…

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