The Colorado Court of Appeals recently affirmed the probate court’s holding that the former conservator and brother of a woman with mental illness had breached his fiduciary duty and engaged in theft when he converted his sister’s assets to benefit himself and his...
For a parent or grandparent, the realization that your child or grandchild has special needs can be difficult to accept. When you’re able to look ahead, however, you may see great uncertainty about your child’s ability to be able to live on their own, without special...
With any Colorado estate that requires probate court review, a final accounting summarizes receipts and payments during the estate administration process and remaining assets to disburse to heirs. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides standard forms that can help with...
Wrongdoing by trustees and personal representatives can take many forms. It could be outright theft from an estate or a long-term scheme to embezzle funds from a trust. The wrongdoing might be hard to uncover if it involves decisions that routinely favor one...
Giving strategies are as varied as the family. And while lifetime giving has tax advantages, it is often about more than tax planning.For many parents and grandparents, lifetime giving is an opportunity to help adult children with a down payment on a first home or to...
A couple months ago, a Fort Collins couple faced felony theft by exploitation accusations in South Dakota. The couple in their 60s allegedly stole funds from an elderly relative.Unfortunately, this situation in one that is too common. Family members, caregivers and...
The estate tax is a resilient part of the U.S. tax code. Despite calls to abolish the so-called federal “death tax,” it remains. An increase in the gift tax exemption from $5.49 million to $11.2 million (double this figure for couples), however, means...
From an adopted chihuahua to a special cat or bird, pets brighten days for many in various stages of retirement. And in some cases, they may even serve in a support role helping their person through Arrhythmia attacks or other medical conditions.When on a fixed...
With every day that passes, adult siblings who grew up together get farther away from their common upbringing. Over time, many relationships become frayed - and often break down altogether after a parent's death gives rise to an inheritance dispute.What can families...
Since 2004, Colorado has allowed families to use beneficiary deeds to transfer real property (a home in Denver or a family cabin in the mountains) outside of probate. We must again stress that this strategy cannot replace a comprehensive estate plan. Get legal advice...
