At Ball Morse Lowe PLLC, our Denver estate planning and Denver probate attorneys provide professional legal counsel and knowledgeable representation to individuals and families involved in the probate process, including estate administration, trust administration, and various probate litigation matters. We represent executors, personal administrators, and trust administrators, advising them on how to appropriately comply with their duties in regard to the deceased party's estate to avoid a breach of fiduciary duties. Our law firm also represents heirs and beneficiaries who disagree with the executor's, administrator's, or trustee's actions, alleging breach of fiduciary duty, or other wrongdoing that results in probate litigation.
The estate administration process can become complicated, depending on the complexity of the estate itself, as well as if any probate court matters arise. Even if the estate administration process does not become complicated, it can be time-consuming and stressful for the personal representative. The probate process has several required steps that a personal representative must take. Unfortunately, even if the personal representative fulfills their obligations and follows probate law as required, this does not mean that all of the family members will be happy. This often leads to more added stress. A probate attorney can help by guiding the personal representative through the estate administration process as well as attending the court proceedings. Having the certainty of legal advice from a probate lawyer can make the probate process less stressful.
A Denver probate attorney can also assist you if the estate qualifies as a small estate or for a summary proceeding. Although small estates do not require the full probate process, that does not mean that everything will be perfect. Small estates have specific requirements, including the requirement that the estate cannot have any real estate. Even in cases where it is possible to completely avoid probate, that does not mean that family members of the decedents will be happy with your actions as personal representative - even if you are following a will.
If you believe you have a small estate, one of our probate attorneys with years of experience can help you with your estate planning needs and answer your questions about how to best protect your assets.
Ball Morse Lowe's probate attorneys can also help with estate administration and trust administration that occurs in other states, in cases when a source of income in Colorado requires a state income tax return for a Colorado resident. This is known as a nonresident estate. Nonresident estates provide Colorado residents a break from the gift tax from property transfers caused by gifts. For example, if an estate or trust from another state provides real estate, money, or other assets to a Colorado resident, Ball Morse Lowe's probate lawyers can assist clients with this type of probate matter to help minimize the tax implications for the beneficiary.
Before the heirs may collect from the estate, the personal representative is required to settle the debts of the estate. Dealing with creditors of the estate is one of the most stressful parts of the probate process. Under probate law, creditors have a specific amount of time to file a claim against the estate. The personal representative must determine whether the claim is legitimate. Depending on the size of the estate - as well as the number of claims - it is the responsibility of the personal representative to settle with the creditors even if the debts cannot be paid in full, and to distribute the payments. If a creditor is not content with the treatment of their claim, they may decide to file an objection, which would start a probate litigation issue.
Regardless of whether a creditor objects or not, settling debts can be quite stressful. A Denver probate attorney can contact creditors on your behalf and work to settle debts. They can also represent you in the event that probate litigation occurs.
Perhaps you are a personal representative who is merely seeking to follow the instructions left in the will of the decedent and need a law office or a probate attorney to help you. Or maybe you are an heir or named beneficiary. Whatever your situation, at Ball Morse Lowe, PLLC, we offer the services of several experienced litigators who do not shy away from taking probate-related disputes to trial, when such a course is in the best interest of our client. We handle probate litigation involving will contests, trust disputes, and other contentious issues. Whether an heir claims lack of testamentary capacity or questions of undue influence are raised, we have the skill to effectively advocate for justice.
Our Denver probate attorneys also assist clients during the estate planning process to minimize both will contests and trust claim litigation by drafting wills and trusts with proper language that minimizes and discourages probate litigation.
From explaining the Colorado probate process to guiding clients through the paperwork and attending the court proceedings, we are here to remove the stress and uncertainty often associated with the probate process.
The personal representative is also required to complete the final tax returns for the estate as well. Even if the estate is small enough that it isn't required to pay the federal estate tax, there is still a legal requirement to complete tax returns for the decedent. Failure to do so would be a breach of fiduciary duties as the personal representative under probate law.
Because of the unique nature of probate law and the probate process, completing tax returns can be tedious, stressful, and difficult - especially if you’re not familiar with the procedures. A Denver probate attorney can help you with the tax returns for the estate.
If you have a larger estate and need to plan to minimize estate taxes or if you are looking to minimize gift taxes or other forms of estate taxes, Ball Morse Lowe is here to help. Schedule your free consultation now.
The attorneys at Ball Morse Lowe have built a respected reputation over the decades for providing sophisticated counsel in complex oil, gas, and energy law matters, business law cases, transactions, estate planning, and family law matters. We take pride in assisting individuals and families with their legal concerns. Personable and responsive, our lawyers craft documents and develop strategies tailored to each client's unique goals and needs.
Ball Morse Lowe PLLC is committed to providing excellent service and sound solutions to our clients in a cost-effective manner. From our offices in Norman, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Stillwater, Frisco, and Denver, our attorneys provide services throughout the Oklahoma City, DFW, and Denver Metros and in other states, including Texas, North Dakota, Ohio, Colorado, California, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
Ball Morse Lowe is a recognized law firm that serves clients across Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado.
Our lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of practice areas, including family law, estate planning, litigation, real estate, oil, gas and energy, business & commercial, and much more.
Our firm is devoted to providing each client with all the resources of a large firm but with the individualized attention of a small practice. Unlike many other firms, we have the ability to conduct investigations, hire expert witnesses, and utilize cutting-edge technology to help you build the strongest case possible.
The lawyers at Ball Morse Lowe can help you seek what's needed in your case. Our team is standing by to assist you, so call us at (877) 508-4265 to get started with a free consultation with our client intake team.
Call Ball Morse Lowe today at (877) 508-4265 to receive your consultation with our client intake team.
Abbi Slaton
Attorney
Barry Roberts
Retired
Bria Winston
Partner
Brian Hill
Partner
Cameron Williams
Attorney
Chris Michael
Partner
Christian Folks
Attorney
Corey Stone
Attorney
David Morse
Partner Emeritus
Doug Johnson
Senior Attorney
E. Parker Lowe
Partner
Glenn Brown
Partner
Grant P. Scowden
Attorney
J. Brad Torgerson
Senior Attorney
Jordan LePage
Senior Attorney
Julie Gragg-Landes
Attorney
Karen Pearson
Of Counsel
Kassandra Quintela
Attorney
Matthew A. Fornof
Attorney
Melissa Gardner
Attorney
Nathaniel Routh
Attorney
Patrick Lane
Partner
Sid Earnheart
Of Counsel
Stephanie Moser
Partner
Steve Scott
Attorney
Taylor Brown
Attorney
Tyler Cunningham
Attorney
Tyler D. Crowe
Attorney
Will James
Attorney
Zachary T. Ball
Partner
Abigail Mejia Zapata
Legal Assistant
Ana Borders
Legal Assistant
BreAuna Shaw
Client Advocate
Charlton Rigsby
Client Relationship Lead and Legal Assistant
Cooper Bean
Legal Assistant
Desiree Thierry
Legal Assistant
Elonda Smiley
Legal Secretary
Eric Morrison
Director of Human Resources
Eric Patrick
Chief Operating Officer
Jaden Robinson
Front Office Assistant
Janell McCully
Client Advocate
Kelsey Schoen
Senior Title Coordinator
Kimber Taylor
Billing and Operations Manager
Lexinor Etienne
File Manager
Lilian Al-Dehneh
Director of Finance
Nick Benton
Marketing Coordinator
Ruth Stockman
Legal Intern
Sabrina Lehman
Legal Assistant
Samantha Wright
Legal Assistant
Troy Leonard
Bookkeeper
Whitney Ball
Senior Legal Assistant
* Meetings with attorneys by appointment only *
I cannot thank Karen Pearson and her team enough for all the support they've shown me throughout my unfortunate divorce. With all the twists and turns thrown at my situation both in my personal life, but also my military career. This team always made me feel as though my case took priority. I will forever be grateful for them and highly recommend either of them to represent you as you drudge through your specific situation. Thank you again to Ball Morse Lowe team for everything you did on my behalf.
Ball Morse Lowe, PLLC offer exceptional knowledge in the oil and gas industry among many other things. I have worked with Senior Attorney, Chris Michael, multiple times and he continues to exceed expectations. If you are looking for a group of hard working, time efficient, diligent, and ethical attorneys, Ball Morse Lowe, PLLC and specifically Chris Michael would be a great choice.
I felt like I mattered. I felt like what I had to say was important. Glenn was thoughtful, encouraging and understanding. She helped me navigate the process and validated my thoughts about things I was not sure. Thank you Glenn!!! It was great working with you!
I turned to Ball Morse Lowe PLCC when I needed my mother's estate probated in Oklahoma. It involved mineral rights and I live in California and my mother had not lived in OK for over 60 years. I wanted a firm that would do this correctly and be reasonable in cost. Brian Hill was a pleasure to work with. He and his staff were professional, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They made the experience of probate painless, explained things as we went along, and were clear in their expectation of what they would need from me to move the process forward. I am so glad I found them and appreciate deeply all they accomplished on my behalf.
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