Denver Wills Lawyer

Serving Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County & Adams County, CO

End-of-life planning is never easy to discuss. Many people find it difficult to think about what will happen to their loved ones after they pass away. However, if you do not take the time to organize your affairs through appropriate estate planning, your family may face even greater challenges later.

Planning starts with creating a last will & testament that details your wishes for funeral arrangements, asset distribution, and guardianship if you have minor children. When you work with seasoned estate planning professionals like the attorneys at Curtis Law Firm, you can help ease the burden on your loved ones by providing clear direction and guidance for when you are gone.

Local courts, such as the Denver Probate Court, handle filings and proceedings related to wills and trusts for residents in the Denver metro area. Each county in Colorado may have its own specific procedures, but everyone must follow state law to validate or contest a will. Our attorneys guide you through every step to help ensure you comply with Colorado's requirements, minimizing confusion and delays for your family.

To speak with our experienced Denver wills lawyers, call us at (720) 408-7726 or contact us online today. 

What Is a Will?

Your last will & testament is a legal document that outlines your end-of-life wishes regarding assets you own. It allows you to specify how you want property and other assets distributed to heirs or beneficiaries, nominate a guardian for your minor children (if the other parent is deceased or unable to serve), and provide instructions for burial, cremation, and funeral expenses.

Consider also communicating your funeral wishes separately, since the last will & testament is often not reviewed until after those arrangements have already occurred.

Under Colorado law, you must sign your will in front of two witnesses, and they must also sign the document to confirm it reflects your wishes. While notarization is not strictly required, it can make the probate process faster and smoother. If you die without a valid will, Colorado intestacy laws dictate how your property passes to heirs, which may differ from your intentions. Working with a will attorney in Denver streamlines this process and helps ensure your document remains legally enforceable.

Do I Need a Will & a Trust?

If you have a will or a trust, you may not realize you benefit from having both, as these legal tools serve different purposes and often work best together. Trusts are effective for protecting valuable assets since they help avoid certain estate taxes and can reduce costs associated with probate.

A will works well for passing on items with sentimental value, such as personal property or family heirlooms. Some legal matters, including the nomination of a guardian for minor children, cannot be addressed with a trust alone.

Combining a will and a trust offers more flexibility for individuals in Colorado. For example, a trust can manage real estate or business interests held in multiple counties, making property transfers smoother after death. You can also use a trust to protect assets for minors or individuals who may inherit property responsibly at a later age. Our attorneys explain how each document fits into your overall estate plan, so you can make informed decisions about the best structure for your legacy.

The Process of Creating & Filing a Will in Denver

When you start the process of creating a will in Denver, we first take the time to understand your wishes, family situation, and specific needs. Our approach centers on clear communication, so you stay informed at every step. We clarify which Colorado requirements apply to your document and what information the local probate court will need. After outlining your assets and beneficiaries, we discuss important topics including guardianship for minor children, handling of specific bequests, and distribution methods that comply with Colorado law. During each stage, our team supports you as you make informed decisions and helps prepare your final, signed document according to state guidelines.

In Denver and the surrounding counties, the will must meet Colorado’s legal standards, including the required signatures and proper witnessing. Once the will is complete, you should store your original document in a safe place and share its location with your chosen personal representative or executor. After your death, the personal representative will need to file the will with the appropriate county probate court. The court will then begin the probate process to ensure all debts, taxes, and distributions proceed according to your wishes. By preparing and updating your will with help from knowledgeable attorneys, you reduce the risk of future disputes or administrative delays for your family.

Understanding Colorado Probate & Estate Administration

Probate & Estate Administration is the legal process that ensures your assets transfer to your heirs or beneficiaries as directed by your will or, if you lack a will, according to Colorado intestacy laws. In the Denver area, the probate courts in each county administer estates of varying sizes and complexity. Simple estates often qualify for an informal process, while larger or more complicated cases may require a formal proceeding. The steps in probate usually include proving the will’s validity, appointing the personal representative, paying outstanding debts or taxes, managing estate property, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

Colorado law aims to balance efficiency with protection, reducing lengthy delays for straightforward estates while safeguarding against mistakes or fraud. If someone contests the will or a dispute arises, the court may get more involved to resolve disagreements. Working with an attorney who knows Denver’s probate system helps you navigate deadlines, official notices, and required paperwork, bringing clarity to what can feel like a complex time. Our firm helps clients understand what to expect from local court procedures, guiding you through every stage with clear communication and support.

Choosing the Right Will & Trusts Attorney in Denver

Finding the right legal partner goes beyond legal skill—it requires trust, communication, and comfort with your chosen law firm. At Curtis Law Firm, we focus on meaningful attorney-client interaction, committed advocacy, and a team approach that values your input from start to finish. With over 15 years serving families throughout the Denver metro area, we bring a deep understanding of local court practices and Colorado law. Our clients choose us because we offer fully bilingual services in Spanish, flexible options for both full-service and unbundled representation, and direct access to attorneys rather than assignment to non-attorney staff. We keep you informed, prioritize your privacy, and tailor every recommendation to what fits your unique needs and family dynamics best.

Our dedication to clear, ongoing communication means you always know the status of your case, what comes next, and what options you have as your estate plan evolves. We treat every client with respect, never as a file number, and work to provide support during times of change or uncertainty. By working with a firm that values personalized legal guidance in every will or trust matter, you avoid costly missteps and gain peace of mind about the legacy you leave behind.

Get in Touch with Our Team

Work with experienced professionals like the attorneys at Curtis Law Firm to draft a comprehensive will that minimizes the risk of contestation. Trusts are more difficult to contest, so using both documents together can help protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.

Reach out to our Denver office to schedule a consultation and discuss your needs with a qualified wills and trusts attorney. We are ready to answer your questions and provide practical guidance tailored to your goals and circumstances

To speak with our experienced Denver wills lawyers, call us at (720) 408-7726 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If I Die Without a Will in Colorado?

If you die without a will in Colorado, state intestacy laws decide who inherits your property. This usually means assets go to your closest relatives, starting with your spouse and children, but your actual wishes may not be followed. Having a valid will ensures your voice directs how your estate is handled.

How Often Should I Update My Will or Trust?

Review your will or trust every few years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, birth, or significant changes in financial status. Keeping your estate documents current helps your plan stay in step with your goals and Colorado law.

Are There Any Assets That Do Not Go Through Probate in Colorado?

Some assets, such as life insurance policies with named beneficiaries, payable-on-death bank accounts, and property held in trust, transfer outside of probate. These assets go directly to the named party, making the process simpler and faster for your loved ones.