Estate Planning in Colorado | CO Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What Happens if a Will Is Lost or Destroyed in Colorado (CO)?

Detailed Answer — What happens if a will is lost or destroyed under Colorado law? When someone’s original will cannot be found or is physically destroyed, Colorado law focuses on two central questions: Did the testator (the person who made the will) revoke the will by a deliberate act or clear intent? and Can the […]

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How can a personal representative confirm probate is concluded and a trust is funded? (CO)

Disclaimer: This article explains general Colorado probate and trust concepts and is not legal advice. For decisions affecting your rights, consult a Colorado attorney. Detailed Answer: How a personal representative confirms probate is closed and a trust is funded in Colorado When an estate uses probate and a will pours assets into a trust (a […]

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Which financial powers can be granted through a power of attorney during incarceration? (CO)

FAQ: Financial powers you can grant by power of attorney when incarcerated (Colorado) Short answer: In Colorado, a principal (the person granting authority) generally can give an agent broad financial powers through a properly executed durable power of attorney while incarcerated. Those powers commonly include handling bank and investment accounts, paying bills, managing real estate […]

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What formal requirements ensure a power of attorney executed in prison is legally valid? (Colorado)

How to make a power of attorney executed in prison legally valid under Colorado law Detailed answer — core formal requirements and how they apply in prison This answer explains the usual formal steps that make a power of attorney (POA) legally valid in Colorado and how those steps are applied when the principal signs […]

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How does the diminished value process work if I do not own my car? (CO)

Understanding Diminished Value When You Don't Own the Car — Colorado Quick answer If you do not own the car (for example, it is leased or financed and the lender or leasing company holds title), the legal right to claim diminished value usually belongs to the title owner. That means the lienholder or leasing company […]

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Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? (CO)

Short answer Yes — in Colorado you can often become the personal representative (executor) of your sister’s estate, but whether you will be appointed depends on three things: (1) whether your sister left a will naming someone else, (2) the statutory priority rules for appointment if there is no valid will, and (3) whether the […]

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Do wrongful death proceeds pass in accordance to the Decedent's Last Will and Testament? (CO)

FAQ: How do wrongful death proceeds get distributed under Colorado law? Short answer: In Colorado, most wrongful-death recoveries are for the benefit of the decedent's surviving spouse and next of kin and do not pass under the decedent's will. A separate type of claim called a survival action (the decedent's own claim for pain, suffering, […]

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How to Obtain and Submit an Original Will or Filed Copy During Probate Administration in Colorado

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney to address your specific situation. Detailed Answer During probate administration in Colorado, the executor or personal representative must locate and file the decedent’s original will (or, if necessary, a filed copy). Here’s how: 1. Locate the Original […]

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How Can Beneficiaries in Colorado Challenge a Trustee Who Misuses Trust Funds?

Detailed Answer Under Colorado law, trustees owe strict duties to beneficiaries. When a trustee misuses trust assets—by diverting funds, making unauthorized investments, or failing to account for distributions—beneficiaries can take legal action under the Colorado Uniform Trust Code (CUTC). 1. Understand Trustee Duties Trustees in Colorado must act in good faith, avoid conflicts of interest, […]

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How Can I Obtain Proof of Lost Wages in CO When My Former Employer Will Not Provide Payroll Records?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consider consulting a qualified attorney for help with your situation. Detailed Answer If your former employer refuses to provide payroll records, you can still prove lost wages under Colorado law. Employers must keep payroll records and pay accurate wages. 1. Gather […]

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