A will is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect the people you love and put your intentions in writing. Whether you’re starting a family, buying a home, building savings, or caring for aging parents, a properly drafted will helps ensure your wishes are honored — and that the people you trust are empowered to carry them out.
At Gitkind Law Firm, we help clients throughout Boulder County — including Boulder, Louisville, and Lafayette — create wills that are clear, legally sound, and designed to work alongside the rest of an estate plan. Our practice focuses on Wills, Trusts, Estates, and Probate, so your will is never treated as a standalone document — it’s built to fit the bigger picture.
A well-prepared will gives you control over key decisions, including:
Without a will, Colorado’s intestacy rules decide who receives your property — and those default rules may not match your family structure, your relationships, or your values. A will reduces uncertainty and helps your loved ones move forward with a clear roadmap.
In Colorado, a valid will generally must be:
Colorado also recognizes holographic wills — wills entirely in the testator’s own handwriting and signed — though these come with risks if the language isn’t precise. Working with an experienced wills lawyer ensures that the document is properly prepared and unambiguous, so there’s no room for dispute later.
Many people assume a will is all they need. For some families, it is. For others — especially those who value privacy, own real property in multiple states, want added control, or want a smoother plan in the event of incapacity — pairing a will with a trust-based plan may be a better fit.
A revocable living trust can, if properly completed, avoid court involvement and make it easier for a successor trustee to step in if you become incapacitated.
Even when a trust is used, a will is typically still part of the plan — for example, as a “back-up” to catch assets that were never titled properly. The right approach depends on your goals, your assets, and your unique concerns.
Your will should evolve as life changes. It’s wise to review it after major events such as:
If your will is outdated, it can create confusion, unintended outcomes, and unnecessary stress for the people you care about most. Clients throughout Boulder, Louisville, and Lafayette often reach out after one of these life changes — and it’s always a good time to review.
Technically yes — Colorado recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills under certain conditions. But DIY wills frequently contain ambiguities or errors that lead to family conflict, court involvement, or unintended outcomes. For a document this important, working with a wills attorney is worth it.
No. A will still goes through the probate process. If your priority is reducing court involvement, your attorney can discuss whether a revocable living trust makes more sense for your situation.
Colorado’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your property — and the outcome may not reflect your wishes, especially in blended families or non-traditional relationships. A will ensures your intentions are documented and followed.
If you’re looking for a Wills Attorney in Boulder County — serving Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, and the surrounding area — we’re here to help you put a plan in place with clarity and confidence. We want to hear your specific and unique challenges — so please contact us for your initial consultation, at no charge.
Gitkind Law Firm, P.C. 801 Main St., Suite 230, Louisville, CO 80027
