Flat-Fee Estate Planning Services In Denver
Do you know what will happen to your assets when you pass away? Do you have a plan to protect your family? At the Denver-based law firm of GEM Family Law, experienced estate planning attorney Alex Kirven will help you and your family plan for the future.
Each client we meet will receive a plan that is customized to meet their exact specifications. We develop basic plans on a flat-fee basis. Clients of our firm receive direct attention from an experienced estate planning attorney. At GEM Family Law, we work with all our clients to make sure they have a core estate plan, including:
- A will for distributing assets and naming guardians for minor children
- Powers of attorney (medical and financial)
- A living will for end-of-life care
- A disposition of last remains to carry out their last wishes for burial, religious services, etc.
- For clients who have a strong desire to avoid probate or to hold their assets in trust for their beneficiaries, a revocable trust
With thoughtful and careful planning, you can provide your loved ones with the guidance and support they will need after you are gone. We can also assist you with updating an existing plan if your situation has changed.
Helping Colorado Clients Protect Their Assets
The reality is that for most clients, a simple will is not going to be the best way to protect their assets. It is essential that you know exactly what needs to be done to carry out your wishes in the most efficient manner possible. Our vast experience in estate planning allows us to fully explain your options and work with you to develop the proper plan for your situation.
Some of the various issues we help with include, but are not limited to:
- Special needs trusts
- Spousal lifetime access trusts
- Intentionally defective grantor trusts
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts
- Annual gifting trusts or “Crummey trusts”
- Charitable trusts
- Estate tax reductions
We understand complicated estates and complex family dynamics, and we are here to offer you tailored advice that allows you to protect the future of your family. Regardless of the complexity of your situation or the specific concerns you may have, we are here to help you develop an estate plan that best protects your assets.
Helping Business Owners Plan For Succession
If you own a business, our attorneys at GEM Family Law, can provide you with guidance on how to ensure that your business is passed onto the next generation of your family in the most seamless way possible. There are a variety of legal tools and estate planning measures that you can use to provide a clear succession plan and protect your business assets. Our attorneys can assist you with various measures that help protect your business and legacy, including:
- Formations of business entities
- Partnerships and operating agreements
- Trusts
- Succession planning
Reviewing your specific situation can help us find the right path forward. We know how important your business is to you and your family. We will allow you to have confidence in knowing that the future of the company is clearly defined, allowing all parties to have a plan to follow at such a challenging time.
Common Estate Planning Questions
Our lead estate planning attorney, Alex Kirven, has worked with many clients over the years on a host of issues related to estate planning and probate. We wanted to take a few moments to provide you with some basic information as you begin your estate planning journey.
When do I need an estate plan?
Do you have children? Do you own property in Colorado or another state? Do you have a job with a retirement account? Do you have specific directions that you want to follow in the event that you cannot make your own health care decisions? Do you have anything that you want to give to a specific person when you pass away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is time to create an estate plan. Life is unpredictable at best, and waiting could potentially result in your family having to make difficult decisions at one of the worst moments of their lives. You can help guide them through this process, making everything easier if you have a plan in place.
Why can’t I just use forms on the internet to create my estate plan?
Forms for wills, trusts and other estate planning documents are very common online. Some of them may even be tailored specifically for Colorado law. But these documents do not explain how to best carry out your wishes. They are one-size-fits-all, with no ability to customize them to deal with your concerns and needs.
Meeting with an estate planning attorney will provide you with an opportunity to talk directly about your situation. You will be able to learn more about all the options and develop the right portfolio for you and your family. You can get peace of mind knowing that you have done everything possible to make things easier for your family.
How much will my estate plan cost?
At GEM Family Law, we create basic estate planning documents on a flat-fee basis. That means when you meet with us, you will know exactly what it will cost to hire us to develop your estate plan. We clearly communicate what those costs are ahead of time, explain what is included in that flat fee and also explain what our hourly rates would be for more advanced estate planning work.
Assisting With Probate And Estate Administration
In addition to helping with estate planning, our team is also ready to help with any aspects of probate and estate administration, including any litigation that may result from the passing of a loved one. We know that this is a difficult time for our clients, and we will do everything possible to make this less challenging and confusing for you. To learn more about this aspect of our practice, please see our page on probate and estate administration.
Guardianships And Conservatorships
We help families protect vulnerable loved ones in guardianships and conservatorships. Whether you need assistance determining the right action to take in your situation or have questions about various aspects of the process, we can help. To learn more, please see our page on guardianships and conservatorships in Colorado.
Want To Discuss Your Options With An Estate Planning Attorney? Free Consultations Available
Please reach out to our firm today to arrange a time that works best for you. Our office is located in Denver, and we have a host of options available for scheduling a meeting. Call 720-443-4892 now or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.
