A power of appointment adds a layer of adaptability to your estate plan. It allows you to name someone who can later decide how to allocate specific assets, offering both flexibility and responsiveness to changing family dynamics or tax considerations. This can be especially helpful in blended families or when future circumstances are hard to predict.
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…
Testamentary trusts also known as contingent trusts are powerful tools in estate planning. This type of trusts offers individuals the ability to maintain control over their assets after their passing. Often overlooked or misunderstood, testamentary trusts provide a means to distribute assets according to specific wishes, and protect beneficiaries. Most often this type of trust is used by families with minor children or young adults. What are Testamentary Trusts (a.k.a. Contingent Trusts) ? A testamentary trust (or contingent trust) is…
The passing of a loved one is a challenging time. Legal and financial matters can further complicate the situation. Many individuals opt for estate planning tools such as revocable trusts to simplify the distribution of assets after their passing. While a fully funded revocable trust may offer benefits such as avoiding probate; it’s essential to understand certain advantages of the probate process can be lost in this approach. Namely, protecting the estate from creditors’ claims by barring them from making…
Estate planning is essential for preserving generational wealth. And, the absence of a will can have dire consequences. When someone dies without a valid will, the fate of their assets is left in the hands of Colorado laws. On the other hand, proper estate planning allows Colorado residents to protect their assets while ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth from one generation to the next. Below are some of the reasons dying intestate can lead to the erosion and destruction…