As a resident of Colorado, have you considered what will happen to your assets and property after you pass away? While it's not the most pleasant topic to think about, it's important to plan ahead to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of, and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. One way to achieve this is by setting up a revocable living trust, which provides greater control over your assets' distribution and can help avoid probate court.

However, if you pass away without a revocable living trust, Colorado's intestate succession laws will come into play, dictating how your assets will be distributed among your heirs. This can lead to a lengthy and costly process and may not align with your wishes.

To help you out, in this blog post, we'll delve into the specifics of Colorado's intestacy laws, the potential consequences of dying without a revocable living trust, and what steps you can take to ensure that your legacy is protected and your loved ones are provided for.

What Is Colorado Intestacy Law? What Colorado Residents Should Need To Know

legal scale and gavel

Colorado intestacy law is a set of rules that governs the distribution of a person's assets and property after they pass away if they do not have a valid will or trust. In the absence of a will or trust, the intestacy law determines who is entitled to receive the decedent's property based on their relationship to the deceased. If the deceased were married with no children, the surviving spouse would generally inherit the entire estate.

If the deceased were married with children, the surviving spouse would typically receive half of the estate, while the remaining half would be divided equally among the children. If the deceased were unmarried, the assets would usually go to their children, if any.

If there are no surviving children, the assets will go to the deceased's parents, and if the parents are no longer alive, the assets will be distributed to siblings or other family members according to a specified order of priority. In cases where no eligible heirs can be found, the assets may escheat to the state. It's important to note that the distribution process under intestacy law can be complex and may not always align with the decedent's wishes.

To ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, it's advisable to have a will or trust in place or consult with an estate planning attorney to discuss other options.

What Happens If I Die Without Revocable Living Trust In Colorado:

Woman signing Estate Plan

In Colorado, dying without a revocable living trust can have significant consequences for your estate and loved ones. A revocable living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into the trust, which then becomes the owner of those assets.

This type of trust agreement can help you avoid probate and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. Below cited are some of the most potential consequences of dying without a revocable living trust in Colorado:

Intestacy Laws in Colorado:

As mentioned earlier, if you die without a Revocable Living Trust in Colorado, your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of the state. These laws are designed to determine who receives your property if you die without a will or trust.

Probate Process:

If you die without a Revocable Living Trust, your estate will likely have to go through the probate process. Probate is a court-supervised process that involves validating your will (if you have one), paying any outstanding debts, and distributing your assets to your heirs.

The probate process can be time-consuming and expensive, and it can tie up your assets for months or even years. It can also be emotionally and financially difficult for your heirs.

No Control over Distribution of Assets:

When you die without a Revocable Living Trust, you have no control over how your assets, such as your bank accounts or personal property, will be distributed. The court will distribute your assets according to Colorado's intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes.

No Protection for Minor Children:

Small child holding parents hand

 If you have minor children and you die without a Revocable Living Trust, the court will decide who will be their legal guardian. This can be a traumatic experience for your children, and it may not be the person you would have chosen.

No Privacy:

When you die without a Revocable Living Trust, your estate will go through probate courts, which is a public process. This means that anyone can access the court records and learn about your financial affairs, including the value of your assets, the number of your debts, and the names of your beneficiaries.

Increased Costs:

Dying without a Revocable Living Trust can result in increased costs under current federal tax law. The probate process can be expensive, and the legal fees are typically paid out of your taxable estate. This means that your heirs will receive less than they would have if you had established a Revocable Living Trust.

Additionally, if your estate is subject to federal estate taxes based on the fair market value of your assets, the lack of a Revocable Living Trust can result in higher taxes.

If you reside in Colorado, it is crucial to have a well-structured estate plan that includes a revocable living trust. Failing to establish such a trust can result in adverse consequences for your loved ones, including extensive probate procedures, potential legal disputes, and unnecessary tax implications. By transferring ownership of your property to a revocable living trust, you can avoid probate and streamline the distribution of assets to your beneficiaries.

How Can One Set Up Revocable Living Trust In Colorado:

Attorney with Estate Planning

For Colorado residents, dying without a revocable living trust can lead to a complicated and expensive process known as probate. To avoid these challenges, you can set up a revocable living trust in Colorado. Below are the step-by-step procedure for setting up RLT:

Determine the Type of Trust You Want to Create:

The first step is to decide which type of trust is best for your situation. For single individuals, a single trust is likely the best option. For married couples, a joint trust can house property owned jointly by both parties, such as homes and cars.

Take Inventory of Your Property:

The next step is to take inventory of all your assets, including physical property, cash, stocks, bonds, and any other property. This is also an excellent time to gather all relevant documents, such as deeds and certificates of stock ownership.

Choose a Trustee:

When choosing a trustee, it's important to consider whether you want to appoint a co-trustee to work alongside you or instead of you. A co-trustee can provide an additional level of oversight and help manage the trust's assets. If you choose to appoint a co-trustee, make sure it's someone you trust implicitly.

The trustee is responsible for managing the trust's assets, including such property as real estate, investments, and personal property. Whether you choose to serve as the trustee yourself or appoint someone else, it's crucial to ensure that the individual is honest, reliable, and financially savvy.

If you choose to serve as the trustee, it's important to name a successor trustee who can distribute the property and manage the trust's assets after your passing.

Create the Trust Document:

You can create a trust document yourself using an online program or seek the help of a professional. The document should outline the trust's terms, such as the trustee's powers, who the beneficiaries are, and how trust assets are to be distributed.

Get the Trust Document Notarized:

Once you have completed the drafting of your trust document, it's important to ensure that it's legally binding by getting it notarized. In order to do so, you will need to sign the document in the presence of a notary public. The notary public will then affix their official seal and signature to the document, indicating that they have witnessed your signature and that you are the person you claim to be.

By getting your trust document notarized, you are providing an additional layer of protection to your estate plan. Notarization ensures that the document is authentic and that all parties involved have acted in good faith. This can help prevent disputes and legal challenges down the line, giving you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out as you intended.

Fund the Trust:

Once you have created a trust, the next step is to fund it by transferring ownership of your assets to the trust. This can help ensure that your assets are protected and managed according to your wishes and that they are distributed to your beneficiaries in a timely and efficient manner.

Funding a trust involves transferring ownership of assets such as real estate, investments, bank accounts, and personal property to the trust. This can be done by changing the title of the assets to the name of the trust. However, it's important to note that the process can be complex and requires careful consideration to ensure that it's done correctly. To ensure that your trust is properly funded, it's advisable to seek the help of an experienced attorney.

By following these steps, Colorado residents can create a revocable living trust to protect their assets and ensure that their wishes are carried out. Additionally, beneficiary designations should be updated and reviewed with your tax advisor or law firm as needed. This will ensure that your property is distributed according to your wishes when the time comes.

By setting up a revocable living trust, Colorado residents can also save their loved ones from the hassle and expense of probate court, which can be quite costly and time-consuming.

FAQs

What are the advantages of a revocable living trust?

A revocable living trust offers several advantages, including:

Probate Avoidance:

Assets held in a Colorado revocable living trust can avoid the time and expense of probate.

Privacy:

The terms of a revocable living trust remain private, unlike a will which is a public record.

Flexibility:

The trust can be amended or revoked at any time during the lifetime of the person creating the trust.

Asset Protection:

The assets placed in the trust can be protected from potential creditors or lawsuits.

Continuity:

The trust can provide for the management of assets in the event of incapacity or disability, ensuring that affairs are handled according to the person's wishes.

Avoidance of Conservatorship:

A trust can help avoid the need for a conservatorship, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Avoidance of Will Contests:

A revocable living trust can be more difficult to contest than a will.

Distribution of Assets:

Assets held in a trust can be distributed to beneficiaries more quickly and efficiently than assets subject to probate.

Protection of Minor Beneficiaries:

A revocable living trust can provide for the management and distribution of assets to minor beneficiaries, ensuring that their needs are met and their inheritance is protected until they reach adulthood.

Do I need a revocable trust in Colorado?

Whether or not you need a revocable trust in Colorado depends on your personal circumstances and estate planning goals. A revocable trust can be an effective tool for avoiding probate and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. Additionally, a revocable trust can provide privacy and flexibility in managing your assets during your lifetime, as well as protection from incapacity.

However, a revocable trust may not be necessary for everyone, and other estate planning tools, such as a will or beneficiary designations, may suffice. It is important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

How does a living trust work in Colorado?

A living trust in Colorado is a legal document that allows you to transfer your assets into a trust during your lifetime, with a designated trustee managing the assets. The trust can be modified or revoked during your lifetime, and it avoids the probate process when you pass away. It can also provide privacy and flexibility in managing your assets. To create a living trust in Colorado, you need to draft a trust agreement and transfer your assets into the trust.

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