Estate planning in Colorado
A clear plan for the people you love.
Wills, trusts, and the documents that go with them, explained in plain language so you understand what your plan does and why.
Meet with an attorney. No cost and no obligation.
Who we help
Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy.
If you have people you care about, a plan helps make sure they’re looked after the way you intend.
Young families
Name a guardian for your children and decide who would manage what you leave them.
Blended families
Provide for a spouse and for children from earlier relationships, each the way you intend.
Retirees and empty nesters
Update older documents, plan for long-term care, and make things simpler for your children.
Families caring for a loved one with special needs
Set aside support for the future while helping protect eligibility for public benefits.
Ways we can help
The tools that make up a thoughtful plan.
Most plans combine a few of these. In your consultation, we’ll talk through your family and goals and recommend only what fits.
Schedule a free consultation →Wills
A will names who receives your property, who will handle your estate, and who would care for your minor children.
Learn about wills →Trusts
A living trust can help your family avoid probate, keep matters private, and manage what you leave over time.
Learn about trusts →Special Needs Trusts
Set aside resources for a loved one with a disability while helping preserve eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
Learn about special needs trusts →Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
Plan ahead for the cost of long-term care and help preserve savings for your family. Medicaid looks back five years, so planning early matters.
Learn about Medicaid asset protection →
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 ConsultationWill or trust?
The question we hear most, side by side.
Both are good tools. The right choice depends on your property, your family, and how much you want to keep out of court.
| Question | A will | A living trust |
|---|---|---|
| Does it go through probate? | Yes, in most cases. | Usually not, for assets held in the trust. |
| Is it private? | It becomes part of the public court record in probate. | Generally stays private. |
| Does it help if I can’t manage my affairs? | No. A will only takes effect at death. | Yes. A successor trustee can step in. |
| Can it name a guardian for children? | Yes. | No. Trust plans include a short will for this. |
| Upfront effort and cost | Lower. | Higher, and assets need to be moved into the trust. |
General information, not legal advice. Every family’s situation is different.
Read the guide: Will or Trust? →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 with guidance, then leave knowing what each document does and what comes next.
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 Brian throughout
- Clear explanations
- Plain language, practical options
- No surprises
- Fees discussed before work begins
Client stories
In our clients’ words
Thoughtful planning starts with careful listening and clear explanations.
“Brian was efficient and knowledgeable. He explained why we were setting up things in my will the way we did in simple, understandable terms! I did not feel rushed. Also, he is great with details!”
Diane B. “My wife and I went to Brian to set-up our will and a variety of other estate planning instruments. We are not the typical family, with cross-border issues, business ownership issues, and a variety of other non-standard inheritance issues. Over the years we’ve been with Brian, not only has he delivered on everything we wanted (and some things we needed, but didn’t know about), but he did it in a calm, professional, goal-oriented manner that set our minds at ease. He’s also now done work for our extended family, and a couple friends, all of whom rave about his style, and the results they got. If you have a complex estate (or even if you don’t), Brian is the right guy to get every single piece of your estate planning done. Just an absolutely stellar experience.”
Eric S. “This is a solid 5/5 stars. Brian has been absolutely wonderful to work with. When I first contacted him regarding getting a trust started for my father, he was more than accommodating. He took his time and answered all of my questions and was extremely respectful. Once we started the process, he has maintained the same respect and communication. I really appreciate everything he has done for us. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you Brian!”
Vanessa A. “A trusted financial advisor recommended Brian Musell at Colorado Wills and Estates to my wife and me since this was the year that we decided to get our affairs in order. Brian’s straightforward process and skillful guidance helped us make informed decisions. He patiently addressed our questions and concerns, earning our trust. We couldn’t be more satisfied with his work. If you’re considering creating a Will or Trust, I highly recommend speaking with Brian. He will delight you.”
Bill M. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Brian Musell at Colorado Wills and Estates numerous times, and I must say, he is an outstanding attorney whose expertise goes well beyond estate planning. While Brian is highly regarded as one of the top Trusts and estate planning attorneys in Colorado, his skills span across various legal specialties. Brian’s approach is a perfect mix of professionalism and approachability, creating a trusting environment for clients dealing with complex legal matters. His ability to simplify intricate legal concepts ensures that clients understand their estate plans thoroughly, empowering them to make informed decisions confidently. Brian’s meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving guarantee tailored solutions that prioritize clients’ best interests. What truly sets Brian apart is his talent for demystifying complex legal ideas, making sure clients fully comprehend the implications of their estate plans. His patient and empathetic approach reflects his dedication to meeting each client’s unique needs, crafting solutions that perfectly align with their best interests. In addition to his exceptional skills in crafting comprehensive estate plans, Brian’s keen eye for detail and proactive approach ensure that clients’ legacies are protected. Based on my firsthand experiences, I wholeheartedly recommend Brian Musell as a go-to resource for expert legal advice on estate related issues or assistance in other legal areas. Brian’s unwavering commitment to client success and satisfaction makes him a standout choice for confidently navigating the complexities of the legal landscape.”
Phil 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. I’ve already referred a few of my personal friends & family members and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him/them to anyone in the market for such things.”
Brady J.Denver, CO “Having Brian handle my estate planning was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only is he knowledgeable about all the intricacies of estate law, he is compassionate and thoughtful. He guided me through all the decisions I needed to make with kindness while being completely thorough. I would certainly recommend Brian for any estate planning needs.”
Selinda H.Denver, CO “Brian Musell is a very professional, knowledgeable, responsive, efficient, thorough, conscientious and capable attorney. He was very available to answer any questions all through the process of preparing my will and trust, and was always pleasant. I am 100% satisfied with his work, and highly recommend him.”
Claudia W. “Brian was wonderful to work with. His knowledge, kindness, and professionalism were exactly what we were hoping for. He is highly recommended!”
Jaime C.
Estate planning guides and answers
Plain-language reading on wills, trusts, and planning ahead, written for Colorado families.
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Common questions
Estate planning questions we hear often.
General information, not legal advice. For guidance on your situation, schedule a free consultation.
Browse all estate planning FAQs →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 often should I update my estate plan?
Review your plan every three to five years and after a major life change, such as a marriage, divorce, birth, death, move, or significant change in property.
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.