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Elder Law Practice Areas

Protecting Seniors and Families in Durango & the Four Corners

Free Consultation Call (970) 247-3510

Protecting the Rights of Seniors

Soignier Law Firm, LLC specializes in trusts and estates, probate administration and litigation, estate planning, guardianship, and conservatorship. We provide compassionate, knowledgeable legal guidance to support seniors and their families through complex legal challenges.

Whether you need help establishing guardianship for an incapacitated loved one, protecting against power of attorney abuse, or navigating trust administration, our firm brings decades of experience to every case. We understand the sensitive nature of elder law matters and work tirelessly to protect your family's interests.

Law office conference room in Durango, Colorado

Probate Litigation

Will contests, breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of power of attorney, trust litigation, ancillary probates, and joint bank account litigation. We represent families navigating disputes over estates and ensure fiduciaries uphold their legal obligations.

La Plata County Courthouse entrance where probate litigation cases are heard

Guardianship & Conservatorship

If a senior has become incapacitated and has not previously put in place the tools to allow someone else to manage their affairs, a guardianship and conservatorship may become necessary. We guide families through the court process to establish legal authority for financial and personal care decisions.

Durango courthouse where guardianship proceedings are held

Trust Administration

The attorneys at the Soignier Law Firm represent trustees on numerous trusts in fulfilling their fiduciary and administrative duties to the beneficiaries. We also serve as trustees for a select number of our clients, ensuring assets are managed responsibly and distributions are made in accordance with trust terms.

La Plata County Courthouse where trust matters are administered
30+
Years in Durango
20+
Years Experience
5
Practice Areas
La Plata County Courthouse in Durango where power of attorney abuse cases are litigated

Power of Attorney Abuse

The principal gives the agent authority to make legal decisions on their behalf, including handling bank accounts, real estate, and other assets. When that authority is abused—through misappropriation, self-dealing, or unauthorized transfers—we can help protect the vulnerable party and seek remedies through litigation.

Durango courthouse where senior asset protection cases are heard

Senior Asset Protection

Many seniors face threats to their financial security from exploitation, undue influence, and questionable beneficiary changes late in life. We help families safeguard accounts, investments, and real property through court-supervised oversight, conservatorship petitions, and recovery actions when assets have already been improperly transferred.

Our Elder Law Process

A structured approach to protecting your loved ones

  1. Family Consultation

    We meet with you and your family to understand the situation, review existing documents, and discuss your concerns about the senior's welfare and assets.

  2. Needs Assessment

    We evaluate the senior's legal, financial, and healthcare needs to determine the most appropriate protective measures—whether guardianship, trust modification, or litigation.

  3. Legal Protection Plan

    We develop a tailored strategy, file necessary court documents, and coordinate with medical professionals, financial institutions, and family members to implement protective measures.

  4. Ongoing Support

    Elder law matters often require long-term management. We provide continued guidance for trust administration, annual accountings, and modifications as circumstances change.

Amos is amazing! He came on board last minute and did a great job getting back my son's money. I live in Arizona and so it was a challenge to meet but he was willing to go the extra mile so we could get things done! We were so very pleased!

— Kim Miller, Google Review

Elder Law Questions

Answers to common concerns about guardianship, power of attorney, and senior protection

When should I consider guardianship or conservatorship?

Guardianship and conservatorship become necessary when a senior is incapacitated and has not previously established powers of attorney or a living trust. If your loved one can no longer make decisions about their healthcare, finances, or daily living, and no legal tools are in place, the court can appoint a guardian or conservator to manage their affairs. This process ensures their needs are met and protects them from exploitation.

What is power of attorney abuse, and how can you help?

Power of attorney abuse occurs when an agent (the person granted authority) misuses their power for personal gain—such as transferring assets, making unauthorized withdrawals, or failing to act in the principal's best interest. We represent families in litigation to recover misappropriated assets, remove abusive agents, and seek court intervention to protect the vulnerable party.

How does trust administration work?

Trust administration involves managing a trust's assets, filing accountings, making distributions to beneficiaries, and ensuring the trust terms are followed. As attorneys for trustees, we handle the legal and administrative duties, communicate with beneficiaries, and address disputes. For select clients, we also serve as trustees, taking on fiduciary responsibility for the trust's management.

What are the costs for elder law services?

Elder law fees vary depending on the complexity of the case. Guardianship and conservatorship matters typically involve court filings, hearings, and ongoing accountings. Probate litigation is usually handled on an hourly basis, though we discuss fee structures during the initial consultation. Trust administration fees depend on the trust's size and complexity. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and provide a clear fee estimate.

Do you handle cases outside of Durango?

Yes. We serve clients throughout the Four Corners region, including La Plata County, Montezuma County, and surrounding areas. We handle probate, guardianship, and elder law matters in Colorado state courts and can coordinate with out-of-state counsel for ancillary probates or multi-state estates.

Safeguard Your Loved Ones' Rights

Experienced elder law counsel to protect seniors from exploitation and ensure proper care. Free consultation available.

Contact Amos Today Call (970) 247-3510