Trial Lawyers & Legal Services of Colorado, LLC  – Estate Planning

Basic Information:

While a will is a legal document, an estate plan is a collection of legal documents. More specifically, they often including a will, trusts, an advance directive and various types of powers of attorney. An estate plan can handle other estate planning matters that can’t be covered in a will too.

Key points in complex estate planning:

Complex Estate Planning involves a wide range of considerations and strategies to protect and distribute your assets in accordance with your wishes. Here are some key points to keep in mind when engaging in complex estate planning:

Define your goals: Before starting the estate planning process, take the time to define your goals for your estate. What are your priorities? Who do you want to provide for? What do you want to accomplish with your estate plan?

Consider tax implications: Taxes can play a significant role in estate planning. Depending on the size of your estate, you may need to consider strategies to minimize taxes and preserve your assets.

Trusts: Trusts are a powerful tool in estate planning. They allow you to manage your assets and protect them from creditors or potential beneficiaries who may be unable to handle their inheritance responsibly.

Gifting strategies: Gift-giving can be an effective way to reduce the size of your estate for tax purposes. However, there are limits on the amount you can gift annually, and you should be aware of any potential tax consequences.

Business succession planning: If you own a business, it’s important to plan for its succession in your estate plan. You may need to consider issues like the transfer of ownership, the management of the business after your death, and the potential tax implications. Life Insurance may provide a death benefit to buy out partners & pay off obligations.

Charitable giving: Charitable giving can be an effective way to reduce the size of your estate while supporting a cause that is important to you. There are a variety of charitable giving strategies to consider, such as setting up a charitable trust or making a bequest in your will.

Plan for incapacity: In addition to planning for the distribution of your assets after your death, it’s also important to plan for the possibility that you may become incapacitated. This may involve setting up a durable power of attorney, living will, or healthcare proxy.

Overall, complex estate planning involves a thorough assessment of your assets, goals, and priorities. It’s important to work with an experienced estate planning Attorney and financial advisor to develop a comprehensive plan that meets your needs and ensures that your wishes are carried out.