Located in downtown Glenwood Springs, Colorado. We strive to provide effective, professional, and compassionate legal services at a reasonable price. Our role is to understand your family, your property and values, and to plan your legal affairs in accordance with your informed wishes. We have extensive experience in assisting personal representatives and estate beneficiaries.
The attorneys at Strautman Estate Law specialize in complex estate and tax planning for individuals and families, and estate administration (probate and trust estates). For further information please see Practice Areas. DISCLAIMER: This website is for informational purposes only and any information obtained at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.
Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual circumstances. Contacting Kerst & Strautman, P.C. by telephone, e-mail or other communication does not create an attorney-client relationship.
The attorneys at Strautman Estate Law specialize in complex estate and tax planning for individuals and families, and estate administration (probate and trust estates). For further information please see Practice Areas. DISCLAIMER: This website is for informational purposes only and any information obtained at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.
Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual circumstances. Contacting Kerst & Strautman, P.C. by telephone, e-mail or other communication does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Services
Christopher L. Silversmith moved to Colorado in 2015 and brought with him extensive experience in Estate Planning, Domestic and International Taxation, and Probate.
Christopher received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Miami (B.B.A. 2002), where he also minored in Philosophy.
Following graduation, Christopher pursued business work at a prestigious international school in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC.
During the year he spent in our nation's capital, he recognized the numerous benefits of having a law degree and moved back to Florida to continue his studies at Barry University School of Law in Orlando (J.D. 2008).
Christopher received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Miami (B.B.A. 2002), where he also minored in Philosophy.
Following graduation, Christopher pursued business work at a prestigious international school in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC.
During the year he spent in our nation's capital, he recognized the numerous benefits of having a law degree and moved back to Florida to continue his studies at Barry University School of Law in Orlando (J.D. 2008).
As estate planners, our role is to understand your family, your property, and your values and to plan your legal affairs in accordance with your informed wishes.
We have many longstanding clients, and we have counseled a number of local families for generations.
A typical estate plan will involve at least three documents: a will (or a will and revocable trust), a power of attorney for financial matters, and a power of attorney for healthcare matters.
The central function of these documents is to (i) make arrangements for the management of your personal, healthcare, and financial affairs if you become incapacitated; (ii) provide instructions for the efficient transfer and management of your assets after your death, and (iii) provide instructions for the care and financial maintenance of your children, descendants, or other beneficiaries.
We have many longstanding clients, and we have counseled a number of local families for generations.
A typical estate plan will involve at least three documents: a will (or a will and revocable trust), a power of attorney for financial matters, and a power of attorney for healthcare matters.
The central function of these documents is to (i) make arrangements for the management of your personal, healthcare, and financial affairs if you become incapacitated; (ii) provide instructions for the efficient transfer and management of your assets after your death, and (iii) provide instructions for the care and financial maintenance of your children, descendants, or other beneficiaries.
Probate refers to the process of settling the affairs of a decedent.
As part of the process, the deceased person's financial affairs are settled, debts and taxes are paid, and heirs are established as a matter of law.
After taxes and claims are paid, the decedent's property is transferred to his or her heirs.
A decedent who left a will usually appoints an executor to administer his or her estate.
In Colorado, an executor is known as a "personal representative."
If the decedent died without a will, a family member or close friend will typically administer the decedent's estate.
As part of the process, the deceased person's financial affairs are settled, debts and taxes are paid, and heirs are established as a matter of law.
After taxes and claims are paid, the decedent's property is transferred to his or her heirs.
A decedent who left a will usually appoints an executor to administer his or her estate.
In Colorado, an executor is known as a "personal representative."
If the decedent died without a will, a family member or close friend will typically administer the decedent's estate.
A trust is formed when an individual known as a trustee is appointed to manage, invest, spend or distribute money and other property for the benefit of the trust's beneficiaries.
A "settlor" may form a trust under a will or under a stand-alone agreement.
Many people consider forming a trust to avoid probate.
Probate avoidance may or may not be a worthy objective, but a trust has many other practical uses.
After a trust is formed, the trustee is duty-bound to comply with the terms of the trust agreement and applicable state and federal laws.
A "settlor" may form a trust under a will or under a stand-alone agreement.
Many people consider forming a trust to avoid probate.
Probate avoidance may or may not be a worthy objective, but a trust has many other practical uses.
After a trust is formed, the trustee is duty-bound to comply with the terms of the trust agreement and applicable state and federal laws.
A "guardian" is an individual authorized by a court to make personal decisions on behalf of a minor or an incapacitated adult; conversely, a "conservator" is appointed to make financial decisions.
After a guardian or conservator is appointed, he or she will have ongoing duties to the protected person and reporting duties to the court.
The need for a guardian or a conservator may arise for many reasons.
A non-parent may need authority over another person's minor child to register for school, receive life-insurance proceeds, or apply for benefits.
After a guardian or conservator is appointed, he or she will have ongoing duties to the protected person and reporting duties to the court.
The need for a guardian or a conservator may arise for many reasons.
A non-parent may need authority over another person's minor child to register for school, receive life-insurance proceeds, or apply for benefits.
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