Practice area · Estate planning
Plan ahead, so your family is never left guessing.
A clear plan names who you trust, protects the people you love, and spells out your wishes in plain language.
Explore estate planning →Colorado estate planning & probate
Estate planning and probate, explained clearly and handled with care.
We help Colorado families put a thoughtful plan in place, and guide loved ones through probate one plain-language step at a time.
Meet with an attorney. No cost and no obligation.
20 years
Practicing in Colorado
Denver office
Serving all of Colorado
One attorney
You work directly with Brian
Practice area · Probate
Steady guidance through probate, when you need it most.
If you’ve been named personal representative, we explain what the role involves and walk with you through each step of the Colorado process.
How we help
- Find out whether probate is needed
- Understand your role and deadlines
- Prepare and file court documents
- Settle and close the estate
Also a practice area
Business Formation
Starting or organizing a business in Colorado? Learn how we can help you set it up with care.
Learn about business formation →Compare your options
Which estate plan fits your family?
A side-by-side look at common approaches, so you can come to your consultation with a sense of what might fit.
Option 1
Will-Based Plan
Best for
Straightforward estates and families who want their wishes clearly in writing.
Typically includes
- Last will and testament
- Financial power of attorney
- Medical power of attorney
- Living will
After a death
Your will usually goes through probate, led by the personal representative you choose.
Option 2
Trust-Based Plan
Best for
Families who want more privacy and to keep trust assets out of probate.
Typically includes
- Revocable living trust
- Pour-over will
- Financial and medical powers of attorney
- Guidance funding your trust
After a death
Assets held in the trust can pass to loved ones without probate.
Option 3
Protective Trust Planning
Best for
Families caring for a loved one with special needs, or planning ahead for long-term care.
Typically includes
- Special needs trust
- Medicaid asset protection trust
- Coordination with your overall plan
- Guidance on benefits eligibility
After a death
Built to help protect eligibility for public benefits. Details depend on your situation.
Fees are discussed during your free 30-minute consultation, before any work begins.
Schedule a Free 30-Minute Consultation
Meet your attorney
Personal attention, from first call to final signature.
You’ll work directly with Brian, who takes time to understand your family, explains each option in plain language, and lets you decide at your own pace.
What you can expect
- Direct access
- Work with an attorney throughout
- Clear explanations
- Plain language, practical options
- Flat fee pricing
- No suprises fees or costs
How it works
Schedule your free consultation
Pick a time online that works for you. You’ll meet with an attorney for 30 minutes, at no cost.
Talk through your options
We listen, answer your questions in plain language, and discuss fees before any work begins.
Move forward with confidence
Sign your plan, or take the next step in probate, with guidance along the way.
Client stories
In our clients’ words
Estate planning
“From my initial reach-out to my final meeting, everything about Colorado Wills & Estates was on point. Brian was very thorough, professional, and organized throughout, and even stayed into an evening to accommodate a scheduling conflict on my end. I never felt rushed or pressured, and all my questions were answered.”
Brady J., Denver, CORelated: Estate Planning → Probate
“Having to deal with a will while you are grieving the loss of your Mom is stress overload. Talking with him was the first time I’d felt better since my Mom died. Brian is both professional and respectful and I was finally able to get peace of mind.”
S S.Related: Probate → Wills & trusts
“His process is outstanding in walking us through all of the necessary elements to be included. He offered helpful insights to our many questions specific to our family situation. He arranged the signing along with a notary, found a location that was very convenient to us. Brian is a wonderful man!”
Mickey C., Littleton, CORelated: Wills & Trusts →
Answers and Guides
Plain-language guides and answers to common questions, organized by topic.
Featured guides
All guides →
Guide · Wills & Trusts
Do I Need a Will or a Trust in Colorado?
What each one does, how they work together, and how to tell which fits your family.
Guide · Probate
What to Do in the First 30 Days After a Loss
Calm, practical first steps for families and anyone named personal representative.
Related FAQ
What does a personal representative do? →
Guide · Special Needs Trusts
Planning Ahead for a Loved One With Special Needs
How a special needs trust can provide support while helping protect eligibility for public benefits.
Common questions
Quick answers to questions we hear often.
General information, not legal advice. For guidance on your situation, schedule a free consultation.
Browse all FAQs →What is probate in Colorado?
Probate is the court process used to handle certain matters after someone dies, such as appointing a personal representative and settling the estate. The right process depends on what the person owned and whether there was a will.
Do I need a trust if I already have a will?
Not always. A will is enough for many families. A trust can add privacy and help some assets avoid probate. The right choice depends on what you own, your family, and your goals.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Colorado law decides who inherits, and the court appoints someone to manage the estate. A will lets you make those choices yourself.
How are fees discussed?
We talk about fees during your free 30-minute consultation, before any work begins, so you know what to expect.
Your next step
Let’s talk through what your family needs.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll listen, explain your options, and discuss fees, with no obligation.