Caton Law, LLC Caton Law, LLC 2026-10-30T15:36:42Z https://www.caton-law.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1104635/2022/12/cropped-SDC-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Caton Law, LLC <![CDATA[What is an estate planning checklist?]]> https://www.caton-law.com/?p=47689 2026-10-30T15:36:42Z 2026-10-30T15:36:42Z Estate organization and long-term preparation Your personal list can help you take a full inventory of your life, from your physical property and bank accounts to your digital assets and sentimental heirlooms. By using a checklist, you can outline what you own, what you owe and who you want to inherit your assets. This level of organization is essential because it prevents confusion among your beneficiaries and can significantly reduce the time and expense of the Colorado probate process.

Key documents to include in your estate plan

Your checklist should cover several legal documents that work together to protect you. At the center is a will, which specifies how to distribute your assets and names who should care for your minor children. You may also consider a trust to manage assets during and after your lifetime. Beyond the transfer of property, you must also include "incapacity planning" documents, such as a medical power of attorney and a financial power of attorney. These documents empower you to designate someone you trust to make healthcare and financial decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. Additionally, a living will can clarify your preferences regarding end-of-life care, ensuring your medical team and family members respect your wishes.

The importance of regular reviews and updates

Estate planning is not a "one-and-done" task; it is a growth process that should reflect your current life circumstances. You should revisit your legal documents after major life events, such as:
  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Birth of a new child
  • Relocation
  • Changes in tax laws
A significant increase or decrease in your net-worth also warrants a review. By updating your plan regularly, your documents stay authentic and fully align with your current relationships and intentions.

Contact [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] today

Navigating the nuances of Colorado estate law requires a deep understanding of your unique goals. While a checklist is a significant starting point, seeking legal help is essential to ensure your documents will stand up in court. To discuss your Denver estate planning needs today, you may schedule a consultation with the firm by using their online form.]]> On Behalf of Caton Law, LLC <![CDATA[What happens if you die without a will in Colorado?]]> https://www.caton-law.com/?p=47667 2026-08-03T10:30:19Z 2026-08-02T03:15:29Z Losing a loved one is hard enough without wondering who will inherit their property. When someone dies without a will, Colorado law makes that decision for the family. Understanding these rules can help you see what may come next and why planning matters.

How Colorado decides who inherits

If you die without a will, Colorado's intestate succession rules (C.R.S. § 15-11-102) determine who receives your property. Your spouse may inherit everything if all your children are also your spouse's children. Blended families follow a different formula. Your spouse could receive a set statutory amount plus half of the remaining balance. Children from a prior relationship may split the other half. These dollar amounts adjust upward for inflation over time. If you leave no spouse or children, your parents inherit first. Siblings come next. When no relatives exist, your property could pass to the state through a process called escheat.

Some assets skip these rules

Certain assets may transfer outside intestate succession to designated individuals. Here’s what you need to know:
  • Life insurance: Proceeds go to your named beneficiaries.
  • Retirement accounts: A 401(k) or IRA passes to the person you designated.
  • Joint property: Property titled in joint tenancy transfers to the remaining owner.
  • Payable-on-death accounts: Bank funds transfer to the named person.
Reviewing beneficiary designations promptly after a death may prevent unnecessary complications for surviving family members.

Why dying without a will causes problems

Intestate estates still go through probate, which can take months. The court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. Family members may disagree about who should serve or who deserves what. Unmarried partners and stepchildren generally receive nothing under these rules. The final outcome might look very different from what you would have chosen.

An estate plan puts you back in control

Without a will, state formulas decide who inherits, how blended families divide assets and what happens when no heirs exist. Probate can add delays and disputes to an already painful time. A will or broader estate plan lets you make those choices yourself.  Knowing this now can help you protect the people who matter most. If your family situation involves prior marriages or contested assets, an attorney's input may help.]]>