Chayet & Danzo, LLCChayet & Danzo, LLC2026-05-22T10:00:21Zhttps://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1204109/2021/03/cropped-Favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[Guardianship vs. conservatorship: Which does your parent need?]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=537172026-05-22T10:00:21Z2026-05-22T10:00:21ZWhat is guardianship?
A guardianship gives someone the authority to make personal and medical decisions for an incapacitated adult. Courts usually appoint a guardian when a person cannot manage their health, safety or daily care because of physical or mental limitations.
For example, a guardian may help with:
Medical treatment decisions
Living arrangements
Personal care needs
Safety and supervision
Colorado courts require evidence before granting a guardianship. In many cases, a physician or mental health professional must evaluate your parent and provide a thorough written report to the judge.
What is conservatorship?
Unlike guardianship, a conservatorship only deals with money matters. A conservator oversees a person's property and assets. This includes paying bills, managing investments and handling taxes. The conservator must act in the person’s best interests when caring for their estate.
You may consider this when your parent struggles with financial decisions or faces risk of financial abuse. To get a conservatorship, you must prove the following:
The parent lacks the mental ability to handle their property
Their assets are at risk or will be wasted without court intervention
Poor money choices alone are not enough to trigger court action. There needs to be clear proof of a medical or mental problem that affects their ability to manage finances. Medical evaluations may also help if cognitive decline affects money decisions.
Can you have both?
Colorado allows a person to have both guardianship and conservatorship. Sometimes, one person handles both roles. In other cases, the court selects different people for each job. However, the court does not automatically grant both.
The court usually looks at medical evidence to see if the parent cannot handle these duties alone. Additionally, an independent court visitor interviews the parent and reviews the circumstances.
Colorado courts always look for the least restrictive options first, Such as powers of attorney or trusts. Generally, the court tries to protect your parent while keeping as much of their independence as possible.
Understanding your legal options
Every family faces different concerns. Since guardianship and conservatorship affect vital legal rights, it is important to understand how each works. The right choice depends on your parent's specific needs and abilities. It may help to talk with a legal professional who can determine which path fits your family.]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[Is a standard will enough for your wealth? ]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=537162026-05-20T06:58:07Z2026-05-20T06:58:07ZA standard template will work well for simple assets. However, if you own a business, multiple properties or large investments, a basic document may fall short.
Large wealth introduces unique legal challenges that standard forms cannot handle well. You need a dynamic plan that addresses these moving parts. Here are five reasons you may need more than just a standard will.
1. Probate exposes your private affairs
Colorado probate courts review wills in public. Anyone can view your asset details, bank records and heir lists. This exposure hurts your family privacy and competitors or estranged relatives can easily access this sensitive data.
2. Out-of-state property triggers extra lawsuits
If you own real estate outside Colorado, your family faces extra probate court. This burden forces your executor to handle separate court cases in multiple states. This process drains your estate funds quickly.
3. Business operations stagnate without direction
A simple will lacks the clear words to transfer corporate control. This oversight paralyzes daily operations and causes severe financial strain during a transition. Your partners might clash over critical decisions.
4. Blended families face statutory disputes
Colorado law guarantees a surviving spouse a specific share of your estate. Basic wills often fail to balance these legal rights with your children's future. This failure often sparks bitter courtroom battles among relatives.
5. Complex wealth demands better tax planning
Even under current federal exemption thresholds, large estates may face heavy tax bills. Standard documents do not use smart trusts to minimize these asset protection issues. You risk losing a massive portion of your wealth to the government.
Building an estate plan that matches your wealth
You cannot protect a complex financial portfolio with a generic form. Dedicated estate planning attorneys create distinct legal arrangements like revocable trusts to care for your specific assets. They know exactly how to navigate changing Colorado codes. They handle the heavy legal lifting so your family bypasses stressful court hearings and retains everything you built.
]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[Can I disinherit a family member in Colorado?]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=537152026-04-22T12:05:32Z2026-04-22T12:05:32ZSometimes family relationships fall apart. You might want to leave someone out of your will because of past problems. Colorado law lets you disinherit most family members. However, the law protects some relatives and you must follow specific rules.
Colorado's rules for disinheriting family members
The law treats different family members differently when it comes to inheritance rights. For example:
Spouses: Your spouse can claim part of your estate even if your will gives them nothing, though they can choose to take what your will says instead.
Children: You can leave your children out of your will in Colorado, but you must say so clearly or a court might think you simply forgot them.
Clear words: Writing "I leave John nothing" works better than just leaving John out because courts need to know you meant to exclude him.
Named beneficiaries: The person listed on your life insurance or retirement account gets that money no matter what your will says.
Using clear words in all your planning documents helps courts follow your wishes instead of guessing what you wanted.
Steps to disinherit someone effectively
You need to take specific actions to make your disinheritance legally sound. Keep these steps in mind as they can help:
Write in your will that you are leaving out a specific person by using their name
Take them off all beneficiary forms at your bank and insurance company
Know that explaining why you cut someone out might help your case or hurt it
Change your plan after a divorce or family fight
Working with someone familiar with Colorado estate planning law might help you create documents that clearly express your wishes and reduce the chances of successful legal challenges.Disinheriting family members requires precise legal language and comprehensive estate planning. Incomplete documentation or unclear intentions can allow disinherited relatives to challenge your estate and potentially receive assets you wanted to go elsewhere.
]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[3 things people forget to include in estate plans]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=536922026-03-16T19:43:44Z2026-03-16T19:43:44ZDigital assets need specific instructions
Today, we all have digital accounts and online possessions. Most people have dozens of online accounts, from bank accounts to social media profiles and photo storage.
If you don't make a plan for these, your family might never access important photos or financial information stored online.
So, make a list of your usernames and passwords for important accounts and store it securely. Include this in your estate planning documents.
Pet care provisions for furry family members
Many people love their pets like family but forget to include them in estate planning. Without a plan, your pet's future becomes uncertain when you die.
In Colorado, the law treats pets as property. So, if you fail to include specific arrangements in your estate plan, they might end up in a shelter.
Your estate plan should name a dedicated caretaker who has agreed to care for your pet. Include detailed care instructions about feeding schedules, medical needs and exercise requirements.
Additionally, consider establishing a pet trust with sufficient funds for pet expenses to support your chosen caretaker.
Healthcare directives beyond basic living wills
Most people include basic instructions for end-of-life care, but many miss addressing important health situations, like:
Temporary illness: Instructions for care during recoverable conditions
Dementia care: What you want as your memory declines
Organ donation wishes: Details beyond what's on your driver's license
Religious needs: Any faith-based limits on medical procedures
Long-term care preferences: Facility location, quality and amenity priorities
These detailed instructions help doctors and your chosen healthcare decision-maker know what you want when you can't tell them yourself. Without them, family members might struggle to make decisions that truly align with your wishes.
Building a truly comprehensive plan
Estate plans aren’t a set and forget type of document. Ideally, you should check your estate plan every few years or after big life changes like marriage or having children.
Talking with an estate planning lawyer also helps find gaps in your plan. This gives better protection for you and your family during difficult times.]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[How to get Medicaid to cover in-home care]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=536812026-02-12T09:58:34Z2026-02-12T09:58:34ZYou must meet Colorado’s income and asset limits
Colorado Medicaid sets strict financial limits, and you must fall within them before the state will approve long-term care at home. In 2026, a single applicant generally cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets, which typically include bank accounts, investment funds and certain non-exempt property. Your primary residence may remain exempt if you stay within the equity cap and intend to return home, but other resources will count against you.
Income also matters. If your monthly income exceeds the state cap, you may need to use a qualified income trust to maintain eligibility. You also need to understand that Colorado applies a five-year lookback period. Asset transfers or gifts during that window can trigger penalties and delay coverage.
You must meet the level-of-care requirement
Medicaid will not approve in-home long-term care unless you meet the nursing-home level-of-care standard. A case manager conducts an assessment to determine whether you need substantial assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, toileting, eating or medication management. A diagnosis alone does not qualify you. The state evaluates how your condition limits your daily function and whether you require structured support.
You must apply through a Home and Community-Based Services program
Colorado funds in-home long-term care through Home and Community-Based Services programs rather than through basic health coverage. You must submit a long-term care Medicaid application, complete the functional assessment and obtain approval for a service plan that outlines your authorized services. Approval requires both financial eligibility and medical qualification. Note that the process moves only after you complete each step correctly.
You must understand service limits before you rely on them
Medicaid does not provide unlimited or round-the-clock care at home. The state authorizes hours based on assessed need and program structure. Most service plans cover part of the day rather than continuous supervision. That means you must plan for gaps in care if you expect full-time support.
Start before the crisis forces your hand
Medicaid planning rarely works well under pressure. When you give yourself time to review finances, correct past transfers and prepare for assessment, you increase the likelihood of approval and reduce costly mistakes. If keeping care at home matters to you, start the process before urgency narrows your choices.]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[Protecting wealth and wellness in complex Colorado guardianships]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=536792026-01-23T15:16:46Z2026-01-23T15:12:15ZAdvantages of professional fiduciaries
Managing diversified holdings, including private equity, international assets, and commercial real estate, requires a high level of financial proficiency. A professional private fiduciary or a bank trust department provides a layer of security that individual family members may not be able to offer. Benefits include:
Financial insight: Professionals understand the nuances of diversified portfolios and high-value investment strategies.
Impartiality: Acting as a neutral third party, a professional can mitigate family friction and maintain healthy relationships.
Risk reduction: Professionals carry insurance and understand the legal risks of breaching fiduciary duty, protecting your family from unwitting liability.
By removing the burden of complex financial decision-making from a spouse or adult child, you preserve the family’s emotional bond, allowing you to focus on your loved one’s quality of life while skilled professionals handle the technical demands of the estate.
Meeting Colorado’s stringent reporting standards
Colorado law requires strict accountability for those who manage another person's assets. For high-value estates, the court requires meticulous documentation that can be overwhelming for a layperson to maintain. Required filings include:
JDF 882 (Financial Plan With Inventory): This initial filing requires a comprehensive inventory of all assets and a projected budget for the first year of the conservatorship.
JDF 885 (Conservator’s Report): An annual requirement that includes a complete accounting of past transactions and an updated plan for the coming year.
Beyond these filings, Colorado fiduciaries are held to the “prudent investor standard” under state law, meaning they must manage investments with a high degree of care, specifically prioritizing diversification and risk management to protect the estate’s long-term interests.
These filings are not merely administrative hurdles; they are the court’s primary tool for ensuring an estate is managed ethically. Professional fiduciaries utilize specialized systems to provide the court with organized, transparent data that protects the estate from scrutiny.
Securing a sophisticated legacy in Colorado
Ultimately, a professional fiduciary ensures that a protected person’s lifestyle remains consistent while the family legacy stays intact. Managing Colorado's probate codes requires a deep understanding of state statutes. Skilled legal guidance is essential to ensure your chosen fiduciary structure aligns with your long-term objectives and satisfies all court requirements.]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[What safeguards prevent abuse by guardians or conservators?]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=536642025-12-16T14:16:36Z2025-12-16T13:57:11ZTrust matters when a guardian or conservator manages affairs for you or a loved one in Colorado. Colorado law includes specific rules to help reduce the risk of misuse. These measures are designed to create accountability and promote transparency.
How does the court monitor guardians and conservators?
The court oversees guardians and conservators by requiring regular reports and reviews. You or your loved one may rely on these reports to understand how the guardian or conservator handles care and finances. Guardians report on daily activities, health and the quality of care, while conservators provide information about income, spending and major financial transactions.If you notice potential problems, these records can help you track decisions and financial management. The court may review the reports and a judge could schedule a hearing if there are signs of neglect or financial mismanagement.
What other safeguards help keep guardians and conservators accountable?
Beyond regular court monitoring, Colorado uses additional tools to protect you or your loved one:
Court-mandated training: You can expect that guardians and conservators complete training on ethics, recordkeeping and the rights of the person under care.
Court visitors: The court may appoint someone to check on the individual and verify reports.
Disclosure to interested parties: You should be informed when major actions occur, while private information is kept secure.
These safeguards work together to provide transparency and help you feel more confident about how a guardian or conservator is carrying out their responsibilities.
What should you do if you have concerns?
If you suspect financial mismanagement or other issues, you can raise your concerns with the court or consult an attorney who understands guardianship law. The outcome depends on the facts of your situation. Evidence such as reports, bank statements or witness accounts may support your request for review. You should proceed carefully, since not every concern meets the legal standard for abuse or mismanagement.
Maintaining standards of care
Guardianships and conservatorships exist to protect you or your loved one. Knowing your rights and the safeguards in place can help you advocate for care that emphasizes respect, fairness and transparency.]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[How do you plan a will if you have no relatives in Colorado?]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=536622025-11-21T11:07:18Z2025-11-21T11:03:10ZPlanning your estate without children or nearby family can feel challenging. You want to make sure your assets go where you intend and that someone you trust manages your affairs. Taking time to plan your will can provide peace of mind and help protect the preferences you care about.
What happens if you do not have a will?
If you pass away in Colorado without a will, the state follows intestate succession. The law prioritizes family members, but the outcome might not reflect your personal wishes. The law distributes your assets according to common family relationships:
A surviving spouse may receive a share defined by law, which could include the entire estate or a fixed amount plus a percentage
Children and their descendants typically inherit equally
Surviving parents may inherit if there is no spouse or children
Siblings or more distant relatives may inherit if no parents are living
The estate may pass to the state if no relatives can be found
A court appoints a personal representative to manage property, notify creditors, pay debts and distribute what remains according to law. Without a will, the process may take longer, cost more and sometimes result in assets going to relatives you might not have intended.
Who can manage your estate?
Once you understand how intestate distribution works, the next step is selecting an executor—the person responsible for carrying out your will. You might choose a trusted friend, a professional fiduciary or an attorney. The most important consideration is finding someone who can manage your estate responsibly, follow your stated preferences and coordinate with the court if needed.
Can you include beneficiaries beyond family?
Even if you have no close relatives, you can name friends or charities as beneficiaries though certain assets may avoid intestate rules, including:
Life insurance policies with named beneficiaries
Retirement accounts with named beneficiaries
Joint accounts
Property held in trusts
Knowing these options can help ensure your belongings reach the people or causes you care about most.
What other planning tools can help you?
In addition to a will, powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions can provide guidance if you cannot manage your affairs. Regularly reviewing your plan can help it remain aligned with your current circumstances and intentions.
Taking control of your legacy
Even without a nearby family, you can create an estate plan that reflects your values and preferences. Thoughtful selection of executors and beneficiaries, along with an understanding of Colorado’s intestate succession laws, may help reduce surprises and provide clarity. Planning your will carefully can offer reassurance and a sense of control during uncertain times.]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[3 key benefits of a Colorado Transfer-On-Death deed]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=536612025-10-17T20:26:21Z2025-10-17T20:26:21ZYour property can bypass probate
If you own your house and you want to pass it down to one of your children after your death, a TOD deed can help you with this. Unlike a will, your TOD deed can offer direct transfer of ownership to its designated beneficiaries without the need of probate court.
Additionally, if you own multiple real estate property (e.g., retail space, restaurant, condominium, ranch) you can choose to pass them on to multiple beneficiaries as well.
Your TOD deed can be updated any time
A TOD deed can provide you with the flexibility you need to revoke it or make changes to its content at any given time, so long as you follow your state’s proper legal procedures.
For example, when you made your original document, you only had two real estate property listed on it. After a few years, you purchase new ones and you want to include them in your deed. Since your TOD deed is not irrevocable, you are free to do so.
Your property will remain yours until you pass away
A valid TOD deed only takes effect upon the owner’s death. This means that even if you name a beneficiary in your document, you will still retain full ownership of your listed property as long as you are alive.
Upon your death, your legal document will take effect, and your property (plus its interest) will be transferred to your beneficiary or beneficiaries.
By thinking ahead, you can secure your family’s future
Every person deserves to pass on with dignity and peace in their mind. By carefully drafting your TOD deed and following the legal process involved, you can be certain that your loved ones can receive the inheritance that you wish to give them after your passing.]]>On Behalf of Chayet & Danzo, LLC<![CDATA[Your rights after a conservatorship is established]]>https://www.coloradoelderlaw.com/?p=536602025-09-25T15:52:12Z2025-09-25T15:52:12ZWhen someone you love becomes subject to a conservatorship, it can feel stressful and confusing. You may wonder what decisions you can still influence or how to ensure your family member is treated fairly. Understanding your rights under Colorado law gives you confidence and helps protect your loved one.
Know how you can participate
Even after a conservatorship is in place, you have a voice. You can:
Attend court hearings and share your perspective on key decisions
Request updates from the conservator about finances or medical care
Petition the court to review the conservator’s actions if you believe they are not acting in your loved one’s best interest
Participating in this way ensures you stay informed and involved in your family member’s care.
Monitor the conservator’s responsibilities
Under Colorado law, the conservator must act in the best interest of the person under conservatorship. You have the right to:
Review financial records and care plans
Receive notice of significant decisions
Ask the court to investigate if you suspect mismanagement or abuse
Regular oversight can help prevent errors and protect your loved one from exploitation.
Request adjustments when circumstances change
Situations often evolve, and the conservatorship may need updates. You can:
Ask the court to appoint a new conservator if the current one cannot perform duties properly
Seek changes to allow more independence for your family member
Request court guidance to resolve disagreements between family members and the conservator
Courts take these requests seriously and consider the best interest of the person under conservatorship.
Stay engaged and informed
By attending hearings, reviewing reports and communicating with the conservator, you can help ensure your loved one receives proper care. Understanding your rights gives you the tools to support them effectively.If you have questions or feel uncertain about your rights, consider speaking with an attorney. Legal guidance can clarify your options and provide reassurance while protecting your loved one.]]>