Colorado Springs Estate Planning & Elder Lawyers

"We Solve Family Problems
Before They Happen"

Start Planning Your Future

We understand that discussing estate planning and future security can be sensitive for families, leading to family disputes and other challenges. That’s why at Hammond Law Group, we’re here to help ease the process and provide proactive solutions that ensure your family’s peace of mind.

Through our unique Legacy Protection Plan (LPP) program, we foster an ongoing partnership with you, providing a yearly free attorney review. Enjoy the convenience of a simple trust amendment each year, updated financial powers of attorney, and exclusive client workshops – (12 per year) designed to empower you with comprehensive trust knowledge and prepare successor trustees for the unexpected.

As your trusted advisors, we’re committed to preventing family turmoil before it arises. With our LPP program and 100% focus on estate planning and elder law, you’re in capable hands.

Experiences with Exceptional
Estate Planning in Colorado

“My father used Hammond Law Group to prepare a Living Trust. After he passed away, we were very impressed with how easily we were able to close out his estate. The process of preparing our living trust has been very straight-forward and Hammond Law Group thoroughly explained the process and the documents.”

Steven

“I have been a client for nearly 10 years. Thank you for helping put into place a new trust and helping my husband and I have a great sense of security that our wishes are laid out succinctly. Each of your staff members are personable, funny and very easy to work with.”

Michelle

“Living Trust – we are very thankful we have our pets cared for if we are no longer living. We first attended the workshop on estate planning which got us on the right track.”

Linda

“We’ve worked with Catherine’s firm for a few years and are consistently impressed with her professional estate planning expertise, and also with her caring attitude. We feel like we’re more than just business clients. We highly recommend her.”

Dan

Steven

Michelle

“Living Trust – we are very thankful we have our pets cared for if we are no longer living. We first attended the workshop on estate planning which got us on the right track.”

Linda

Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate planning, and why do I need a lawyer for it?

Estate planning is arranging your affairs to ensure your wishes are followed in case of death or incapacity. It involves creating legal documents to manage assets, provide for loved ones, and make healthcare decisions. Engaging an estate planning lawyer is essential due to the complexities of laws, personalized needs, tax implications, and the creation of legally binding documents.

Our lawyers at Hammond Law Group can help you avoid probate, address family dynamics, and provide peace of mind that your wishes will be respected. We also offer ongoing support to update the plan in response to changes in laws and life circumstances.

What documents are typically included in an estate plan?

An estate plan typically includes several important documents to ensure your wishes are carried out in the event of your passing or incapacitation. These documents often include:

Will: A legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death and names an executor to carry out your wishes.
Trust: A legal arrangement that holds and manages your assets for the benefit of certain individuals or entities.
Power of Attorney: Grants someone the authority to make financial decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.
Advance Healthcare Directive: Also known as a living will, or healthcare proxy, this document outlines your medical preferences and designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unable to.
Beneficiary Designations: These apply to assets like life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts, specifying who receives these assets upon your death.

Our Colorado Springs estate planning attorneys can help you draft your documents ensuring they are legally binding and meet your intentions.

What is a will, and how is it different from a trust?

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children and an executor to oversee the distribution process.

A trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity that holds and manages assets for the benefit of specific individuals or purposes. Unlike a will, a trust can take effect during your lifetime (a living trust) or after your death. Trusts can help avoid probate, provide more privacy, and allow for more detailed control over asset distribution.

What services do elder law attorneys in Colorado Springs provide?

Our elder law attorneys in Colorado Springs provide a range of legal services tailored to the needs of older individuals.

These services may include:

Medicaid Planning: Helping clients navigate Medicaid eligibility and benefits to cover long-term care costs.
Estate Planning: Crafting comprehensive plans that consider issues specific to seniors, such as incapacity, asset protection, and healthcare directives.
Guardianship and Conservatorship: Assisting with legal arrangements when an elderly person cannot make decisions and needs a guardian or conservator.
Long-Term Care Planning: Creating strategies to manage the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care.

Social Security and Retirement Planning: Advising on strategies to maximize Social Security benefits and manage retirement funds.

What is guardianship, and when might it be necessary for an elderly individual?

Guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a court appoints an individual or entity to make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person, known as the ward. This might be necessary for elderly individuals when they are unable to make decisions about their personal care, medical treatment, or finances due to cognitive decline, illness, or other factors. Guardianship ensures that the ward’s best interests are protected and that necessary decisions are made on their behalf.

When should I start considering long-term care planning for myself or my loved ones?

We recommend considering long-term care planning as early as possible, ideally before the need arises. Planning ahead allows you to make informed decisions, ensure financial stability, and have a say in your future care preferences.

Early planning also provides more options and flexibility for implementing strategies that can help protect assets and ensure quality care. Whether you’re considering your own needs or those of a loved one, starting the conversation and planning process sooner rather than later can lead to a more secure and well-prepared future.

Start Planning Your Future