Denver Will Attorney

Legacy Law Group Colorado helps Denver-area clients create and update wills. We’ll talk through who you want to inherit property, whom you would nominate to care for minor children, and who you trust to handle your estate. Then we’ll review your deed and beneficiary records with you so you can see which decisions belong in the will and which need a separate step.

What can a Colorado will do?

A will records how you want property that passes through your estate to be distributed after your death. It can also nominate a personal representative, sometimes called an executor, and name whom you would prefer as guardian for minor children. A nomination is different from a court appointment.

For example: Suppose you want a child to inherit your house and your retirement account. If you hold the house with a surviving joint owner or the account names a different beneficiary, the words in your will may not control those transfers. Bring the deed and the current beneficiary confirmation rather than relying on what you remember signing.

Explore our will and living trust comparison or our guide to financial and medical powers of attorney in Colorado. The Colorado Judicial Branch explains what to do if someone has already died. Legacy helps with planning ahead and does not handle probate cases.

Should I make a new will or review the one I have?

• First will: Write down the people you want to provide for, whom you would nominate to act, and any decision you’re unsure about.
• Marriage, divorce, a new child, or a loss: Bring the signed plan and the dates of the changes. Review names, backups, account beneficiaries, and any agreement that affects your choices.
• A move, new home, or different ownership: Bring the old will and recent deeds or account confirmations. Ask what changed outside the will and what the plan should now reflect.
• A new concern about an inheritance: Tell us what support the person may need and whether there are benefits or other circumstances we should consider before drafting.

You do not have to decide whether an amendment or a replacement is best before the meeting. Bring the signed documents you have; we can review the options with you.

From the first meeting to a signed will

1. Share the decisions you want help with. Start with a short list of property, the people you want to provide for, and the questions you want answered.
2. Review what the will should cover. We’ll discuss your choices and check how they fit with any existing trust, ownership records, beneficiary designations, and other planning documents.
3. Read the draft before you sign. Check names, gifts and backups. Ask how the signing will be handled and what the fee covers before you go ahead.
4. Know what to do afterward. Confirm where to keep the original, who should know where it is, and which separate account or property updates are still yours to follow up on.

How is a will signed in Colorado?

For an ordinary written will, Colorado law generally requires a signature and either two qualifying witnesses or an acknowledgment before a notary or other authorized officer. The law also addresses different forms of wills and circumstances. Ask an attorney to check the requirements for the document you plan to sign, especially if you are relying on an older, handwritten, electronic, or out-of-state will.

See Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-11-502 for the rule governing witnessed or notarized wills. If you are changing a signed will, bring it to your appointment so we can review the proper way to make a change and how to keep track of the final document.

What should I bring to a meeting with a will attorney?

• Your current will, any signed updates, and any trust or power of attorney you have.
• A rough list of assets and debts, with recent deeds or beneficiary confirmations if you can find them.
• Names of the people you would choose as personal representative, guardian, and backups, if those roles apply.
• Any recent changes in your family, where you live, or how you own property.

It’s fine to start with what you have. You don’t need to include account passwords or full account numbers in a first inquiry.

See how to start an estate planning consultation. If you aren’t sure whether a will is the right first step, we’re happy to talk that through with you.