Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost?

The attorneys in our firm generally charge an hourly fee for services. This means that you are only charged for the time it takes the attorney and staff members to provide services to you. This is a common way for attorneys to charge. Sometimes, flat fees are offered for limited services or estate planning packages.

Are you meeting people in person?

We do meet clients in person. However, we have found, over the last few years, that telephone consultations are often more efficient. A lot of what we do is verbally educate clients. Most of the time, there is not a visual component to that education process. Although we are happy to meet you in person, we have consistently found that the final cost of legal fees has been less for clients who choose to move forward via telephone consultation when possible. Also, clients have been reporting that being able to take notes while talking with the attorney has been easier than taking notes when meeting the attorney in person.

Can’t I just download documents from the internet?

Sometimes documents downloaded from the internet can work. However, it is often hard to know whether the documents will effectuate your wishes until it is too late to remedy the situation. The value of working with our attorneys is getting an understanding of the legal processes and practical considerations. Legal services are like most services; although you can sometimes do them yourself, it is generally more efficient and the end product is generally better, when you work with someone who focuses their time on a specific activity like legal services.

Why do I have to fill in a questionnaire before a legal consultation?

Not all legal services require clients to fill in a questionnaire. However, clients will often be asked to fill in a questionnaire or to make an inventory of assets for estate planning or for probate and small estate administration consultations. We know it is daunting to gather information and to make decisions about what you want. And, it is common for clients to state that they wish to wait to make decisions until after talking with the attorney. The reason we ask for the questionnaire is so that we can tailor your consultation to your specific needs. Clients do have an opportunity to make changes to their wishes after the initial consultation, but questionnaires allow the attorney to be more efficient and focused on the information you need for your goals, assets, and wishes during the initial consultation.

Do I need a trust?

Not every client needs a trust. Unfortunately, this question is not a simple “yes” or “no” answer and depends on many factors including your family circumstances, individual wishes and goals, and assets. Answering this question generally requires a consultation with an attorney.

Does every person need a will?

If a person dies without a will Colorado law defines the heirs of the deceased person. Sometimes clients determine, after consultation with an attorney, that they do not need a will. Making that determination requires a consultation and discussion of your individual family circumstances, wishes, and assets.