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Estate Planning

Comprehensive Wills, Trusts & Tax Planning in Durango, Colorado

Free Consultation Call (970) 247-3510

Colorado Estate Planning

The Soignier Law Firm handles all aspects of estate planning, including drafting wills and trusts, planning to minimize the estate tax, dealing with issues of the Colorado Probate Code and trust and estate administration.

Amos L. Soignier has decades of combined experience in preparing estate plans for our clients. We walk our clients through the estate planning process, from analyzing a family's financial circumstances and goals to educating our clients about the range of estate planning options, and to drafting and implementing the estate plan.

We draft estate plans for a wide range of clients, from young families with children, retirees, and seniors, and to business owners.

Estate planning consultation at Soignier Law Office in Durango, Colorado

Wills & Living Trusts

The preparation of wills and trusts, including living trusts, to control the disposition of property upon death, avoid probate, and to protect against incapacity during life.

Wills and Living Trusts

Life Insurance Trusts

The creation of life insurance trusts to keep insurance proceeds out of the taxable estate and to ensure that life insurance proceeds are protected and invested for the protection of the beneficiaries.

Life Insurance Trust Planning

Estate Tax Reduction

The use of estate tax reduction techniques and structures, such as family limited partnerships and sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts.

Estate Tax Planning

Incapacity Protection

The preparation of living wills, health care proxies, and powers of attorney to protect our clients against subsequent incapacity.

Incapacity Protection Planning

Special Needs Planning

Estate planning with special needs trusts for families with special needs children, ensuring proper care and financial protection.

Special Needs Trust Planning

Estate Planning Process

A clear path to protecting your family's future

    We meet with you to understand your family situation, assets, goals, and concerns. This initial meeting helps us identify the best strategies for your unique circumstances.

    We educate you on estate planning options including wills, trusts, tax reduction techniques, and incapacity protection. Together we design a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs.

    We draft all necessary legal documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Each document is carefully prepared to meet Colorado legal requirements.

    We guide you through signing and notarizing all documents, then help you implement your plan including asset transfers and beneficiary designations.

Amos guided us through the entire estate planning process with patience and expertise. He explained everything clearly and made sure we understood all our options. Our family now has peace of mind knowing our children will be protected.

— Estate Planning Client

Estate Planning Questions

Common questions about wills, trusts, and estate planning in Colorado

Do I need an estate plan if I don't have a large estate?

Yes. Estate planning is not just about taxes and wealth. It's about ensuring your wishes are carried out, protecting minor children, avoiding probate, and planning for incapacity. Even modest estates benefit from proper planning.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will directs how your assets are distributed after death and goes through probate. A living trust allows assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate, provides incapacity protection, and can offer tax benefits. Many estate plans include both.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review your estate plan every 3-5 years or whenever you experience major life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset changes, or moves to another state. Colorado law changes may also require updates.

What happens if I die without a will in Colorado?

Colorado's intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not match your wishes. Your estate goes through probate, the process takes longer, costs more, and the court appoints guardians for minor children without your input.

Can I minimize estate taxes with proper planning?

Yes. Techniques such as life insurance trusts, family limited partnerships, and intentionally defective grantor trusts can significantly reduce estate tax exposure. We analyze your situation and recommend appropriate tax reduction strategies.

Start Planning Your Estate Today

To learn more about the estate planning practice of the firm, contact us for a free consultation.

Contact Amos Today Call (970) 247-3510