Estate Planning News

SPRING 2026 NEWSLETTER

Probate and the Advantages of a Revocable Trust

Probate is the legal process that is used to transfer title of property and assets from a decedent to his or her beneficiaries regardless of whether someone has a will. The first step in a probate administration is the court appointment of the personal representative. As the Denver metro area continues to grow, so do court dockets. As a result, the appointment of a personal representative, even in uncontested matters, can take 6-8 weeks.

One tool to avoid probate is a revocable trust. The administration of a revocable trust generally does not require court involvement and can proceed without delay. However, a revocable trust can only avoid probate if it is fully funded and you have no more than $88,000 of assets in your name at your death.

If you would like to discuss options to create a revocable trust, or if you have a revocable trust that is not fully funded, please contact our office.

Your Rental Property and the Advantages of an LLC

If you own rental property, you can be personally liable for damages or injuries that occur on your property. One option to protect your personal assets from liability is to create a limited liability company (an “LLC”) for your rental property. An LLC will shield your personal assets from your real estate assets owned by the LLC. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you create an LLC for your rental property, please contact our office.

Estate and Gift Tax Update

The annual gift tax exclusion amount is currently $19,000 per person ($38,000 per married couple).

The federal estate and gift tax exemption amount is $15,000,000 per person ($30,000,000 per married couple). This amount will be adjusted annually for inflation.

Firm News

• Hawkins Gordon has been included in the Best Law Firms® 2026 edition for our work in Trusts and Estates.

• Miranda K. Hawkins was named by her peers as one of the 2026 Best Lawyers in America and as a 2026 Colorado Super Lawyer for her work in trusts and estates.

• Jennifer A. Gordon was selected by her peers to the Colorado Super Lawyers list as one of the top 5% of attorneys practicing estate planning and probate in Colorado in 2026.

• Anne M. Zogg has been named Vice-Chair of Metro Volunteer Lawyer’s Advisory Board.

  Visit our website for frequently asked questions regarding estate planning, probate, and taxes, as well as previous newsletters!

  
  

• Visit our website for frequently asked questions regarding estate planning, probate, and taxes, as well as previous newsletters!