Estate Planning Attorney

Many people don't think about having an estate plan until they have a family for whom they want to provide. While it's absolutely essential to have an estate plan if you have minor children or significant wealth, it's important to have one no matter your family or financial circumstances. An estate plan isn't just a plan for your family's future, but for your own.

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

You may think about estate planning as simply a way to pass your property to someone else after your death. In reality, it is about taking control of your own future as well as securing the future of those you love. An estate plan can help you:

  • Arrange for someone you trust to make financial and medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so yourself
  • Make your wishes for your own medical treatment known if you become unable to communicate
  • Name a guardian of your choice for your minor children if you and their other parent are unable to care for them
  • Avoid or minimize the probate process
  • Minimize taxes and maximize the assets that go to your loved ones
  • Ensure that any assets you leave to your minor children will be managed by someone you trust
  • Protect assets that you want to leave to loved ones from being squandered, mismanaged, or taken by their creditors
  • Provide for family members with special needs without jeopardizing their eligibility for needed government benefits
  • Leave assets to individuals who are not related to you or to charities you want to support
  • Plan for a smooth transition of your business to a successor
  • Manage the disposition of assets you may own in other states or countries

If you die without an estate plan, Colorado law dictates what happens to your property. If you become incapacitated by accident, illness, or injury, Colorado law likewise dictates how decisions are made about and for you. The law tries to approximate what most people would want, but this is almost never ideal. Just as a "one size fits all" garment rarely fits most people perfectly, letting the law do your estate planning by default means it is unlikely that your wishes will be truly honored. In some cases, the law could bring about a result you would never choose. That's why it is important to have an estate plan designed around your specific needs.

Customized Colorado Estate Planning

Attorney Michelle Glover of Artisanal Law understands that every family is unique, and crafts estate plans around the specific circumstances and goals of each client. With an extensive background in finance, Michelle is well-equipped to address the needs of families with businesses and significant or complex assets. As a former Naval officer, she is attuned to the planning issues facing military families, including planning for assets in multiple jurisdictions.

Michelle recognizes that logistical details, such as difficulty finding transportation or child care, can keep people from taking the step of making a much-needed estate plan. Michelle regularly travels to her clients for meetings in order to reduce barriers to crucial planning. Artisanal Law strives to provide clients with old-fashioned service paired with the most up-to-date planning tools and information.

Artisanal Law serves clients in El Paso, Teller, Douglas, Elbert and Pueblo counties in Colorado. To learn more about Artisanal Law's unique approach and commitment to clients, we invite you to contact the firm to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.