Planning for the future of your family and your assets is one of the most meaningful steps you can take. If you are looking for a Denver estate planning lawyer who will go the extra mile to protect what matters most, The Law Office of Andrew Bryant provides compassionate, results-oriented legal guidance for individuals and families across the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado. 

Whether you need a will, a trust, powers of attorney, or a comprehensive estate plan, our firm is ready to fight for your peace of mind.

Why Choose the Law Office of Andrew Bryant for Your Estate Planning?

When it comes to something as important as your family’s future, you deserve an attorney who treats your case with urgency and care. At The Law Office of Andrew Bryant, we are known for our aggressive, get-it-done approach, and we bring that same dedication to every estate plan we build.

  • Recognized excellence: Named to The Gazette’s Best of the Springs list six of the last eight years and recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2023 AV Preeminent and Platinum Client Champion.
  • Client-centered partnership: We do not make decisions for you. We work alongside you to understand your goals and build a plan that reflects your wishes.
  • Deep community roots: Our strong relationships with local judges and legal professionals throughout Colorado Springs and Denver mean your legal matters are handled efficiently and with respect.
  • Compassionate guidance: We understand that thinking about what happens after you are gone can be difficult. Our team walks you through every step with patience and plain-spoken explanations.

Choosing an attorney with the right combination of knowledge, local reputation, and genuine concern for your family makes all the difference when putting an estate plan in place.

What Is Estate Planning and Why Does It Matter?

Estate planning is the process of creating legal documents that spell out how your property, finances, and personal matters should be handled if you pass away or become unable to make decisions for yourself. It is not just for the wealthy. Anyone who owns a home near Wash Park, has a retirement account, or simply wants to make sure their children are cared for can benefit from a solid estate plan.

Without an estate plan, the state of Colorado decides what happens to your assets. Under Colorado’s intestate succession laws (C.R.S. § 15-11-101 through § 15-11-103), your property is distributed to your closest relatives based on a set formula. That formula may not match what you would have wanted. For example, if you have a spouse and children from a prior relationship, the law divides your assets in a way that might not reflect your true intentions.

A Denver estate planning attorney can help you take control of those decisions now, so your loved ones are not left guessing later.

Key Documents in a Colorado Estate Plan

A strong estate plan typically includes several core documents, each serving a different purpose. Understanding what they do is key to building a plan that fits your life.

Last Will and Testament

A will is a legal document that outlines who receives your property after you pass away. In Colorado, a valid will must be signed by the person creating it (known as the testator) and either witnessed by at least two individuals or acknowledged before a notary public, as outlined in C.R.S. § 15-11-502.  Colorado also recognizes holographic wills, meaning a will that is handwritten and signed by the testator can be valid even without witnesses.

Your will can also name a guardian for minor children and designate a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) to carry out your wishes. In Colorado, your personal representative must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind, but they do not need to live in the state.

Trusts

A trust is an arrangement where you transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee, who then manages and distributes them according to your instructions. One of the biggest advantages of a trust is that it can help your loved ones avoid probate, which is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s estate.

Colorado follows the Uniform Probate Code, which does simplify probate compared to many other states. Still, avoiding probate entirely through a trust can save your family time, money, and stress. Trusts also offer more privacy than a will because they do not become part of the public court record.

There are many types of trusts, including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts. A Denver estate planning lawyer can help you determine which type of trust makes sense for your situation.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a document that gives someone you trust the authority to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. In Colorado, powers of attorney are automatically considered durable unless the document states otherwise. “Durable” means the power remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, which is exactly when you need it most.

Setting up a POA is one of the most important steps in an estate plan because it prevents the need for a costly and time-consuming court guardianship proceeding if something unexpected happens to you.

Advance Healthcare Directives

Also called a living will, an advance healthcare directive lets you put your medical treatment preferences in writing in case you become terminally ill or unable to communicate. Colorado residents can also create a CPR directive to specify whether they wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an emergency.

These documents give your family clear guidance during some of the most emotional moments they may ever face. Having your wishes written down removes the burden of guessing from the people you love.

How Estate Planning Protects Denver Families

A thoughtful estate plan does more than distribute property. It serves as a safety net for your family, addressing everything from who raises your children to how your hard-earned assets are preserved for future generations.

Providing for Minor Children

If you have children under 18, your estate plan is where you name the person you want to raise them if something happens to you. Without this designation, a court will decide who takes on that role. For families living in communities like Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, or Aurora, knowing your children’s future is in the hands of someone you chose brings real peace of mind.

Reducing Family Conflict

When there is no clear plan, disagreements among family members can escalate quickly. Brothers and sisters may argue over who gets the family home. Blended families may face even more complicated dynamics. A well-drafted estate plan sets clear expectations and reduces the chance of painful disputes.

Minimizing Tax Burdens

Colorado does not impose a state-level estate tax or inheritance tax. However, federal estate taxes may still apply to larger estates. As of 2026, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is $15 million per individual. 

Strategic planning, including the use of trusts and lifetime gifting strategies, can help reduce or eliminate your potential tax liability and preserve more of your wealth for your heirs.

Protecting Assets from Probate

As mentioned earlier, probate in Colorado can be a lengthy process. While more than 90 percent of probate cases in the state are handled without direct court supervision, the process still involves filing requirements, waiting periods, and associated costs. 

Proper estate planning, particularly through the use of trusts and beneficiary designations, can help your assets pass directly to your loved ones without going through probate at all.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Even people with good intentions can make mistakes that undermine their estate plan. Here are some of the most common pitfalls:

  • Not updating your plan after major life events. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in your finances can all affect your estate plan. A plan that was right five years ago may no longer reflect your wishes today.
  • Forgetting to update beneficiary designations. Assets like life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts with payable-on-death designations pass directly to the named beneficiary, regardless of what your will says. If those designations are outdated, your assets could end up going to someone you did not intend.
  • Trying to do it all yourself. While Colorado does allow holographic wills and certain DIY approaches, the risk of making a legal error is significant. A small mistake in how a document is worded or executed can make it invalid or create costly disputes down the road.

The cost of working with an experienced Denver estate planning lawyer is almost always far less than the cost of fixing problems that arise from an incomplete or improperly prepared plan.

When Should You Start Your Estate Plan?

The simple answer is now. Many people put off estate planning because they think they are too young, do not have enough assets, or simply do not want to think about it. But life is unpredictable, and having a plan in place, no matter your age or financial situation, gives you and your family a safety net.

You should also revisit your estate plan any time you experience a major life change. Getting married or divorced, buying a home in Littleton or Castle Rock, welcoming a new child or grandchild, or receiving an inheritance are all good reasons to sit down with your attorney and make sure your documents still line up with your goals.

How Denver Estate Planning Lawyers Can Help

Building a comprehensive estate plan involves more than just filling out forms. A knowledgeable attorney takes the time to understand your family, your finances, and your goals. From there, they create a customized plan that addresses your specific needs, whether that means drafting a simple will or building a more complex trust structure.

An attorney can also help you coordinate your estate plan with other financial planning tools, like life insurance, retirement accounts, and business succession planning. And because Colorado has its own specific rules for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate, working with someone who knows the local legal landscape means your plan will be built on solid ground.

At The Law Office of Andrew Bryant, we treat every estate plan with the same level of care and attention that we bring to our family law and criminal defense cases. We listen to what you want, explain your options in plain language, and work aggressively to make sure your plan holds up when it matters most.

Denver Estate Planning FAQs

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from people exploring their estate planning options.

What happens if I die without a will in Colorado? 

If you pass away without a will, Colorado’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed. Generally, your spouse and children inherit your estate, but the exact division depends on your family structure. If you have no surviving spouse or children, the state looks to parents, siblings, and more distant relatives.

Does Colorado have an estate tax? 

Colorado does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax. However, if your estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold, federal estate taxes may apply. Working with an attorney can help you develop strategies to minimize that potential tax impact.

What is the difference between a will and a trust? 

A will takes effect after you pass away and goes through the probate process. A trust can take effect during your lifetime and allows assets to pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate. Trusts also offer more privacy and can include detailed instructions for managing assets over time.

Can I name anyone as my personal representative in Colorado? 

Your personal representative must be at least 21 years old, mentally competent, and not legally incapacitated. They do not have to be a Colorado resident, and they do not need any special legal training, though choosing someone responsible and organized is important for a smooth process.

Why do I need an attorney to create an estate plan in Colorado? 

Having professional guidance significantly reduces the risk of errors that could make your documents invalid or lead to unintended outcomes. An attorney can also identify planning opportunities you may not have considered on your own.

Take the First Step to Protect Your Family’s Future

Your estate plan is your chance to make sure the people and things you care about are taken care of, no matter what the future holds. The Law Office of Andrew Bryant is here to help Denver-area families put the right plan in place with the same aggressive, client-focused approach that has earned recognition throughout Colorado.

Contact The Law Office of Andrew Bryant today to schedule a consultation and start building an estate plan that gives you and your family lasting peace of mind.