If you’ve taken the step of getting a financial power of attorney (POA) in place for a parent, you’ve already done something important. A POA allows you to help manage your parent’s finances if they become unable to do so—or even just need a hand as they age. But many adult children walk away from signing the documents and wonder: Now what? Here are some practical steps you can take to make sure the POA is actually usable when the…
In Colorado, a Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) grants an agent the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal. Unlike a Living Will, which provides specific instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment, an MPOA allows an appointed agent to make decisions in real time based on the principal’s medical condition and available treatments. Under Colorado law, an MPOA agent has the ability to override the instructions outlined in a Living Will. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it also…
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…
Estate planning is a fundamental aspect of securing your legacy. It ensures the management of your assets according to your wishes. Part of this planning often includes appointing a trusted individual as your agent through a General Durable Power of Attorney (POA). This legal document grants your chosen representative the authority to manage your financial affairs. This includes dealing with banks on your behalf. There may come a time, however when your bank refuses your POA, leaving you and your…
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…