When thinking about building wealth and saving for the future, many investors are looking for ways to diversify their portfolios. For some, this means bonds, securities, and gold. Others are looking for something a little more interesting. Collecting rare instruments, vintage watches, fine wines, classic cars, minerals, sports memorabilia, and comic books are all ways to merge your passions with your wealth-building endeavor. But, are they really a good investment?

Estate Planning, Family HeirloomsChristopher GordonJanuary 14, 2019

Using a Revocable Living Trust to Transfer Real Estate

If you have been reading our blog, you have heard us talk about revocable living trusts (RLTs) before. If you haven’t, or if you don’t quite remember the ins and outs of a RLT, we will go through a quick review before moving on to our main topic of the day: should you place your real estate into a revocable living trust?

Estate Planning, Revocable Living TrustChristopher GordonJanuary 4, 2019

What Constitutes a Valid Will in Colorado?

Recently, a court in France ruled that a text message sent shortly before a man’s death in 2016 altering his will was not enforceable. The court decided that a text message altering the terms of a legally executed will cannot be verified, and so is not considered a valid will. However, a court in Australia found the opposite to be true in 2017, in part because the deceased man used the words “my will” in the text message. These conflicting messages raise the question: what constitutes a valid will in Colorado?

Estate Planning, Colorado WillChristopher GordonDecember 31, 2018

Three Common Mistakes When Naming an IRA Beneficiary and How to Fix Them

Despite the fact that retirement accounts can be among the most valuable assets in a person’s estate, they are often overlooked during the estate planning process. Especially if your IRA was initiated by your employer, it may end up a bit “out of sight, out of mind” until the day when you begin taking mandatory distributions.

Estate PlanningChristopher GordonDecember 26, 2018

How to Leave Your Home to Your Kids

If you are like most people, your home is the largest and most valuable asset in your estate. It is likely that you have spent years building equity in your home, making lifelong memories, cutting the grass, and working against a mortgage or two. With all of the time and money you have spent on your home, it is essential that you take the time to ensure that your hard-won asset passes down to the next generation.

Estate PlanningChristopher GordonDecember 14, 2018

The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Family This Year

The holiday season is a time for family, for thinking about what is most important in your life, and for showing those you love how much they mean to you. While it may not be the most festive thing on your mind, estate planning may be the most important gift that you can give to your family this year.

Estate PlanningChristopher GordonDecember 7, 2018

Estate Planning for the Blended Family

A blended family is one with children from more than one partnership. For many families, this may be a second marriage in which one or both partners have children from a previous relationship. In some blended families, the second marriage also results in children. Blended families are very common, but the default laws in Colorado likely do not reflect how you want to provide for your loved ones after you pass.

Estate PlanningChristopher GordonDecember 2, 2018

Give Thanks with a Thoughtful Estate Plan

Thanksgiving is the first spark of the holiday season, and before we head into the merriment, joy, and yes, sometimes stress, we are given the opportunity to pause and consider what we are thankful for.

Christopher GordonNovember 22, 2018

Asset Protection: When a Will Won't Work

When people hear the phrase “estate planning,” their minds usually jump to a will. While a will is generally the simplest form of estate planning, it does not do what most people think it can. Often, a will drafted with an attorney or using an online or DIY form does not do what the drafter thought it would when he or she put it together.

Christopher GordonNovember 10, 2018

Financial Protection for the Newly Divorced

If you have recently gone through or are currently navigating a divorce, you may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and tired of meeting with lawyers. It seems like there is so much to do: separate assets, sell or move homes, negotiate a custody agreement, and settle daily living expenses. It is a lot, but there is one more thing that is often overlooked and is equally as important: updating or creating an estate plan.

Christopher GordonNovember 5, 2018

Facing a Dementia Diagnosis? Legal Steps to Protect You and Your Family

A dementia diagnosis is scary. You and your loved ones may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious about what lies ahead. The period after receiving a dementia diagnosis is time best spent with family and friends.

Christopher GordonOctober 29, 2018