WE ARE THE SAFEGUARDS OF YOUR LEGACY

Mason Law & Planning Group – Monument Location

16055 Old Forest Point STE 301, Monument, CO 80132

Phone: (719) 428-4495

Email: contact@mlapg.com

 

Comprehensive Estate Plan

Why Estate Planning Matters in Monument

Estate planning in Monument, CO, is not reserved for people who own vast estates or hundreds of assets. In fact, it’s the everyday family or small business owner in Monument who benefits the most from having a plan in place. Whether you’re living near Fox Run, Jackson Creek, or Palmer Ridge, ensuring that your family is taken care of and that your wishes are carried out gives you confidence now and peace of mind for the road ahead.

More than just deciding who gets what, estate planning helps prevent avoidable confusion, legal conflict, and tax implications. Without a plan, Colorado state laws will dictate how your assets are divided, which might not reflect your wishes. Our estate planning attorneys help you put your voice on paper so there’s no guesswork later.

Here’s what comprehensive estate planning can offer:

– Keep your assets within the family or to the individuals or causes you care about most

– Appoint a trusted guardian for your children or dependents

– Name someone you trust to handle your affairs if you become incapacitated

– Avoid delays and reduce the burden of probate on your loved ones

– Minimize estate taxes and keep more resources in your family’s hands

– Prevent misunderstandings or disputes between heirs and beneficiaries

When things are spelled out clearly and legally, your family avoids headaches and heartaches. Estate planning doesn’t eliminate grief, but it removes the uncertainty that often comes along with it.

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Monument Is a One-of-A-Kind

Personalized Plans with Monument Estate Planning Attorneys

Our Estate Planning Services

Practice Areas Offered at Mason Law and Planning Group

We offer a wide range of estate planning services to help you prepare for every eventuality. Our experienced Stratmoor Hills estate planning attorneys are here to guide you through the process, providing advice and support every step of the way.

1. Probate

Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away. It often involves validating the will, paying off debts, and distributing assets. We guide families through Colorado’s probate process with care and focus, helping reduce stress and prevent costly errors.

2. Asset Protection

Protecting your wealth from lawsuits, creditors, or unexpected liabilities is a critical step—especially for business owners or professionals. Our team uses proven legal tools to help shield your assets while still giving you control and lawful flexibility.

3. Succession Planning

If you run a business or hold family assets, succession planning is a must. We help you build structured plans so transitions happen on your terms—with the people you trust stepping into place at the right time.

4. Charitable Giving

Many of our clients want their legacy to include causes they care about. Charitable giving strategies, such as donor-advised funds or charitable trusts, can open doors for lasting impact with thoughtful tax advantages.

5. Wills

Wills are a basic but powerful tool. A will lets you say exactly who should receive your assets after you pass and who should take care of any children still under 18. Our attorneys can help you write a will that aligns with your values and your family’s needs. If you already have one, we can review and update it to reflect current circumstances.

6. Estate and Gift Taxes

Our attorneys understand how estate and gift taxes affect Colorado clients. We help families minimize tax burdens, make wise transfers, and prepare gifts that align with current tax law and your bigger vision.

7. Trusts

Trusts are a versatile part of your estate plan, especially for clients who want extra flexibility or privacy. A trust can protect your assets from probate, streamline distributions, and maintain control even after your passing. Whether you need a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, special needs trust, or family trust, we’ll walk through which makes the most sense for you and your goals.

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FAQ’s

Answers to Common Questions About Estate Planning in Monument, CO

What Happens During an Estate Planning Consultation?

Your first estate planning consultation is all about understanding your goals. We’ll ask about your family, your assets, and anything else you feel is important. From there, we’ll talk about your options clearly, without legal jargon. There’s no pressure to decide anything on the spot—you’ll leave with a solid understanding of what an estate plan can look like for you and next steps if you choose to move forward.

Anytime there’s a major life change, your estate plan should be reviewed. This includes getting married, divorced, or widowed, having a child, purchasing a home, starting or selling a business, or inheriting assets. Even if nothing has changed, we recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years to make sure it still reflects your wishes under current laws.

No. A will still goes through the probate process, though it can guide the court’s decisions, making things smoother. If you’re looking to skip probate, strategies like living trusts might be a better fit. Our estate planning attorneys can explain how this works, so you can decide what makes sense based on your goals.

The timeline varies. For simple plans, it can take a couple of weeks from the first meeting to the final signing. More complex planning, especially involving trusts or businesses, can take longer while we make sure all the pieces align. We’ll always be upfront about timing and work at a pace that’s right for you.

Yes, but we don’t recommend it. Online forms might look easy enough, but they may not follow Colorado law or account for your full picture. A few missing words or incomplete signatures can mean your plan won’t work when your family needs it most. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney helps you avoid the kinds of mistakes that could cost your loved ones time, money, or legal headaches later.

A will directs how your property will be distributed after you pass and names guardians for your children. It kicks in after death and goes through probate. A trust is a legal arrangement that holds and manages assets. It can help you avoid probate, provide privacy, and create more long-term control. Both tools are often used together in a well-rounded estate plan.

Blended families bring unique dynamics. A standard plan may not reflect everyone’s needs or intentions. Our attorneys work closely with clients in second marriages, those with stepchildren, mutual children, and separate assets, to design plans that protect everyone fairly and reflect family relationships. We’ll make sure your plan strikes the balance that works for your situation.

It’s never too late—though starting sooner can give you more options and better outcomes. Even if you’re later in life, have health concerns, or feel overwhelmed by paperwork, a trusted attorney can help create a plan that protects your wishes and secures your family’s future. No situation is too complicated to start the conversation.

Yes. Planning ahead allows you to shape how resources are used for things like assisted living, home care, or medical expenses. We explain how tools like long-term care insurance, trusts, and powers of attorney can maintain independence, manage assets, and reduce financial stress on your loved ones as needs arise.

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Helping Clients & Their Loved Ones Preserve Time, Money & Peace of Mind with Estate Planning in Monument, CO