Planning for the People
and Things You Love Most
A plain-language guide to estate planning — what it is, why it matters, and how to get started without the stress.
Call Us: (720) 724-8456“Estate planning isn’t about planning for death — it’s about protecting the people you love while you’re still here to do something about it.”
What Is Estate Planning,
Really?
Estate planning is simply making decisions — while you’re healthy and clear-headed — about what happens to your belongings, your money, and the people who depend on you when you’re no longer able to make those choices yourself.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. And it isn’t just for the wealthy. Anyone who owns anything, loves anyone, or has opinions about their own medical care has a reason to have a plan in place.
Without one, the state steps in and makes those decisions for you. That process is called intestacy, and it rarely reflects what most people would actually want.
Protecting Your Family
Decide who receives what, who raises your children, and who makes decisions if you can’t — before a crisis forces those answers.
Avoiding Probate
A good plan keeps your estate out of court — saving your family time, money, and stress during an already difficult time.
Honoring Your Wishes
From the distribution of sentimental items to your medical care preferences — your plan ensures your voice is heard when you need it most.
“The best time to plan your estate was years ago. The second best time is today.”— Osterhout Law, P.C.
The Documents That
Do the Heavy Lifting
A complete estate plan is typically made up of several documents that work together. Each one serves a specific purpose. Here’s what the main ones do — in plain language.
Last Will & Testament
Tells the world what you want done with your belongings. Names an executor to carry out your wishes, and names a guardian for any children in your care.
Living Trust
Holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them to your family after you pass — quickly, privately, and without going through court.
Power of Attorney
Names someone you trust to handle your finances and legal affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. Without this, your family may need to go to court just to pay your bills.
Healthcare Directive
Puts your medical wishes in writing — including end-of-life care preferences — so your family and doctors aren’t left guessing during a medical crisis.
Beneficiary Designations
Your retirement accounts, life insurance, and certain bank accounts pass by beneficiary designation — not through your will. Making sure these are current and coordinated is essential.
HIPAA Authorization
Allows your designated family members to receive information from your doctors and healthcare providers. Without it, even a spouse may be legally blocked from getting updates on your condition.
Will or Trust —
Which Do I Need?
This is the question we hear most often. The short answer is: it depends on your situation. But here’s a simple way to think about it.
A will is essential for everyone. It names your beneficiaries, appoints a guardian for any minor children, and directs your executor. However, a will must pass through probate — the court process — before anything can be distributed.
A trust bypasses probate entirely. Assets held in a trust pass directly to your family without court involvement — faster, privately, and usually at lower cost. A trust also lets you set conditions on how and when assets are distributed.
For most families, the right answer is a trust paired with a will — the trust handles the major assets, and the will catches anything left outside the trust. We’ll help you figure out exactly what makes sense for your life.