Top Lakewood, CO Probate Lawyers Near You
Award-winning Probate attorneys who can help protect your interests during the administration of a deceased loved one’s estate.
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1050 17th Street, Suite 2400, Denver, CO 80265
950 Wadsworth Blvd, Suite 205, Denver, CO 80214
303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 888, Denver, CO 80203
1400 Wewatta St, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80202
3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80205
1801 California Street, Suite 3400, Denver, CO 80202
455 Sherman Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80203
4600 South Syracuse Street, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80237
999 18th St, Suite 3000, Denver, CO 80202
950 S Cherry Street, Suite 1650, Denver, CO 80246
4582 South Ulster Street, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80237
1525 17 th St., Denver, CO 80202
700 N. Colorado Boulevard, #182, Denver, CO 80206
1225 17th Street, Suite 2300, Denver, CO 80202
7991 Shaffer Pkwy, Suite 101, Littleton, CO 80127
1616 17th St, Suite 362, Denver, CO 80202
600 17th St, Suite 2800, Denver, CO 80202
4601 DTC Blvd, Suite 825, Denver, CO 80237
2301 Blake St, Ste 100, Denver, CO 80205
215 Union Blvd, Suite 400, Lakewood, CO 80228
4500 Cherry Creek Drive South, Suite 625, Denver, CO 80246
3900 E. Mexico Ave, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80210
390 Interlocken Crescent, Suite 350, Broomfield, CO 80021
303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80203
1099 18th St, Suite 2600, Denver, CO 80202
Lakewood Probate Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Lakewood
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Lakewood and checks their standing with Colorado bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Colorado and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Colorado and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Lakewood?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Colorado?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts