Fort Collins Law Blog

Focus on the basics when creating your first estate plan

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Regardless of your age, creating an estate plan is a detailed process that requires your full attention. If you make all the right decisions, it will give you and your loved ones peace of mind. However, if you make any mistakes, it could result in trouble down the road.

When creating your first estate plan in Colorado, it's important to focus on the basics. Here are some things to do:

Create a will: This is where most people start, as a will is the most common estate planning document. With this, you can outline who gets what upon your death. Even if you do nothing else in regard to your estate plan, it's critical to create a will.
Name beneficiaries: This all comes down to whom you want to receive your assets when you pass on. Some people name one beneficiary, while others name several. There is no right or wrong approach, so consider everyone in your life before making a final decision.
Choose an executor: The executor of your will is the person responsible for carrying out your final wishes. This person will review your will upon your death, assist with the probate process and make sure everything is taken care of based on the details of your will.
Create a durable power of attorney: This document gives another person the ability to manage your finances should you be unable to do so as the result of incapacity. This is much better than letting the court decide.
Create an advance health care directive: If you're unable to make your own medical decisions, such as toward the end of your life, you want to know that the right person can step in to do so on your behalf. An advance health care directive allows you to name an agent to ensure that you receive the type of treatment you want.
Name a guardian: If you have any children under the age of 18, have a plan on who will raise them should you and your spouse pass on. The best way to do this is to name a guardian in your will.

Here's what to do when you're in a car crash

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Car Accidents on Monday, November 26, 2018.

Driving safely should be everyone's priority. All it takes is a few seconds, and what was once a safe venture could become a serious collision. People who become distracted, who drive drunk or who are too tired all cause collisions that could otherwise be avoided.

When you're hurt in a car crash, there are a few things you should do. To start with, you need to make sure you get the right information from the other driver (if you and they are in the position to exchange information). Then, you need to go to the hospital and make sure you get treatment, even if you don't think you're injured.

Parenting time is worth protecting after divorce

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Child Custody on Monday, October 1, 2018.

After the dust settles from your divorce, it may take some time to adjust to sharing custody of your child. Many parents struggle to find healthy means of communication with their exes, even though they must work together to provide a good life for their child.

In some cases, one parent or the other may abuse the other parent's right, complicating their relationship with the child or depriving them of their court-ordered custody time. In many instances, this is parenting time interference, which courts don't take lightly. A parent who violates the other parent's rights may face a number of punishments, including loss of privileges and mandatory make-up days for lost custody time.

Make sure you don't make these estate planning mistakes

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Estate Planning on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

When a person first starts to think about planning their estate, it is likely that they feel confused as to where to start. Over the years, different assets in the form of property and insurance or retirement plans can be difficult to plan. You may also be conflicted on how you would like to distribute your assets, especially when you have grandchildren or expect to have grandchildren in the near future.

It is important that you read considerably on some best practices when it comes to planning your estate in the state of Colorado, and that as well as knowing what to do, you learn what mistakes are commonly made so that you can consciously avoid them.

How the child's wishes can affect Colorado custody

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Child Custody on Monday, August 6, 2018.

Across the United States, child custody decisions are made by the courts based upon what the judge determines to be in childrens' best interests. Primarily, this decision-making process seeks to safeguard the children, ensuring that they are not in an environment that is abusive or unsafe.

However, determining what is in the best interests of the child from the perspective of growth and building relationships is highly subjective, and extremely dependent on the child's age.

Travel plans with a child custody order can be challenging

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

There are many things that take special consideration after you go through a divorce involving minor children. One of these is having to plan carefully if you travel with your children. There are some specific Colorado laws that you have to consider in these cases.

If you are planning on traveling with your children and have a child custody order in place, you might have some specific terms that you have to abide by. For this reason, your first step is checking the custody paperwork to find out if you have to notify your ex or the court of the plans or if you have geographical limitations for where you can travel with your children. Here are some other considerations.

Protecting your assets in a Colorado divorce

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in High Asset Divorce on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

The decision to file for a divorce can be a tough one. You may have come to the conclusion that it makes no sense from a financial perspective, but that in order to live a happy and fulfilled life, it is what you must do.

On the other hand, you may not have had any say in whether you had to deal with divorce papers since your partner was the one who filed. In this case, you may be forced to take the necessary steps in order to protect your assets quickly and learn about the best strategies to put in place.

Living arrangements can secure child custody

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Child Custody on Friday, April 13, 2018.

When you are filing for custody in the state of Colorado, it is important to make sure that you have done what you can to increase your chances of getting the result you seek. Whether you are filing for sole custody or for shared custody with the other parent, you will need to show not only that you are a competent and loving parent, but that you have an appropriate accommodation and environment for your child.

Having a suitable living accommodation can make all the difference in a child custody filing in Colorado. In ensuring that you have created a suitable living environment, there are certain factors that you should consider based on your specific situation. These factors are what the judges will use to make their decision. Therefore, it is important that you make these considerations ahead of time.

Creating a Business Contract: 3 Tips

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Business Formation & Planning on Monday, March 5, 2018.

Starting a business is an exciting venture. You get the opportunity to create something from scratch. You create the feeling of the business from the ground up. You build a client base and have all the control.

When you're interested in opening a business, one thing you should be familiar with is a business contract. It's likely you'll need to develop relationships with other businesses, so you need to take time to create a solid contract that holds you and the other party accountable for your actions.

Driving safely saves lives: Avoiding reckless behaviors

On behalf of Wick & Trautwein, LLC posted in Car Accidents on Sunday, February 18, 2018.

There's no question that driving dangerously puts yourself and others in danger. Drivers who are reckless tend to cause accidents. They focus on their own needs and wants instead of following the traffic laws. They may weave in and out of traffic, text and look away from the road or be otherwise preoccupied.

Dangerous driving is a habit everyone needs to break. Getting behind the wheel and doing anything other than paying attention to the road and traffic laws is a risk you shouldn't take. Here are a few things you can do to stay safer.