Colorado Wills, Trusts, Estates and Probate Lawyer Helps You Plan

Preserving your family's wealth for future generations
Whether you're planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, Buck Hopper can help with all aspects of trusts and estates, including:
Estate planning
Estate tax issues
Choice of appropriate executor
Guardianships
Living wills
Living trusts
Wills drafting
Financial/property powers of attorney
Medical powers of attorney
HIPAA authorizations

Securing your legacy
You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long term well-being and financial security can bring you great peace of mind. Buck Hopper thoroughly analyzes your estate and develops the best strategies for transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones.

Draft your Last Will and Testament
A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your last will provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to somebody besides a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, friend or charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your beloved pet decisions that might not reflect your desires. Richard Hopper can draft valid wills that ensure your intentions are honored.

Changing Your Will
As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You will need to update your will throughout your life. A codicil can address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Advance Medical Directives
Your Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA authorization set the parameters you determine in advance for medical, health care and end of life decisions or intervention should you become incapacitated. This ensures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.

Appointment of a Guardian
If you have minor children, your will allows you to make decisions about their future care. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets' care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your pets.

Probate
Buck Hopper's experience and extensive knowledge about the Colorado probate system, gives him the ability to guide you through the process of probating a will, which can be complex. He assists executors in all steps of the process, including:
Creating a plan of action to probate the estate fairly and expeditiously
Filing the will with the Colorado probate court
Closing and opening bank accounts
Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
Valuing the estate for transfer tax and distribution purposes
Managing and liquidating assets as appropriate
Preparing tax returns
Paying taxes and other debts
Locating beneficiaries
Hiring professionals and experts when necessary
Providing fiduciary and beneficiary representation
Contact an estate planning law firm you can trust, Richard E. Hopper, Jr., Attorney and Counselor at Law
For estate planning services in Boulder and throughout Colorado, call Richard E. Hopper, Jr., Attorney and Counselor at Law at 303.449.5522 or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation.