Practice Areas

Nicole’s passion is in the planning of estates. She prefers to help clients plan appropriately from the outset, instead of trying to fix things at the last minute or having to remedy situations that occur due to poor planning or lack thereof.

There are several different methods of planning an estate. These are will-based plans, trust-based plans and other techniques an attorney can use depending on the type of assets and the client’s goals. Certain situations, such as those involving individuals with disabilities who have special needs or assets located in other countries, require specialized techniques. Years of experience in planning enable Nicole to help families in nearly every situation.

Regardless of the foundation of the estate plan, everyone needs a financial power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney to ensure someone will be able to act on their behalf with respect to their finances and healthcare needs if they cannot act for themselves. Most clients also want to give their healthcare agent some direction if they become terminally ill or are in a coma. A living will, also known as a healthcare directive, allows them to do this.

The use of trusts in Colorado for estate planning is an increasing trend over the past several decades; however, it is important clients understand both the advantages and disadvantages of the use of trusts. A proper attorney-drafted trust can provide many benefits and simplify the process of transitioning assets but there are some situations in which they are not the best tool.

Nicole and her team help families create plans that accomplish what they want to happen in the event of their incapacity or death. Without this comprehensive advanced planning however, the legal challenges families may face can be insurmountable.

Even with a solid, well thought out plan, a trust will still need to be administered and managed by a Trustee. A trustee has many fiduciary obligations and responsibilities of which they may not even be aware. Serving as Trustee can be a significant undertaking, especially if an estate has a high net worth, is financially complex, or the subject of a dispute. Nicole and her team can help you manage the financial details and fiduciary responsibilities of the Trustee’s job.

The probate court is needed to create conservatorships, guardianships and to transfer assets of a decedent either with or without a will.
A conservator is appointed to manage an incapacitated individual’s financial affairs. A guardian needs to be appointed to manage an incapacitated person’s healthcare matters. In order to settle a person’s estate after their death, a personal representative will be appointed to manage all of the decedent’s financial affairs and distribute their assets according to their will or according to the intestate laws if they did not have a will.

If you need to be appointed a conservator, guardian or personal representative, you are already managing enough and may appreciate some assistance to avoid the stress of the probate process.
Probate matters can be time consuming, complex and sometimes frustrating. The procedural issues can lead to disputes between family members, issues with creditors or undue concern for loved ones.
Nicole and her team can help you navigate the probate system, removing this legal burden from your shoulders.

Pre and post marital planning is commonplace in today’s world. The preparation of a good martial plan must incorporate good estate planning. Nicole has years of practical experience helping couples ensure their marital and estate plans work seamlessly together and do not create unforeseen conflicts in the future.

Nicole specializes in working with blended families. These families need to carefully consider both practical and philosophical aspects of planning their estate, taking into consideration equality as well as the future relationships of the next generation.

Estate planning and administration can often unearth or lead to family disputes. Not every dispute needs to go through the court system. Nicole is a certified mediator and offers mediation services for any type of dispute. Using a facilitative mediation style, Nicole acts a neutral mediator. 

With her vast experience in estate planning, family issues, adoption, charitable giving, and business to bolster her ability to best amplify your interests, articulate your concerns, and work with all parties, Nicole will work tirelessly to find mutually profitable resolutions outside of a court room.

If you have gotten to the point where you are simplifying and de-cluttering your life, do not forget to do the same with your finances. Just as getting rid of old clothes and furniture makes things easier for you now and for your loved ones after you are gone, so does consolidating your financial “clutter”. Years of experience has given Nicole insight into how to best organize your financial life now and prepare for the time when you will be passing your financial assets and personal belongings to your loved ones. She will help you do this in the most efficient and painless way possible. If you need help determining how best to go about your de-cluttering and streamlining, Nicole can provide inspiration and valuable guidance.