After Mom's funeral, the quiet felt different-filled with memories of her laughter in the kitchen and her Sunday phone calls. But when it came time to decide what to do with the family home, her three children realized there were no written wishes to guide them.
Each had a different idea-sell it, keep it, preserve it for the grandkids. The conversations were hard, but slowly, love led the way. Together they found a solution that honored their mom's memory and restored their bond as siblings.
Now, they share their story as a gentle reminder: planning ahead isn't about paperwork or possessions-it's about peace, love, and protecting what truly matters most-family.
Scenarios like this happen all too often. Families are left confused, hurt, and unsure how to move forward when no one plans ahead. The professionals at Althaus Law help Broomfield families keep peace, clarity, and care at the center of every decision.
As Jeff Althaus, founder of Althaus Law and author of You Only Die Once, reminds us, "The conversations behind your documents are just as important as the documents themselves. Talk to your family so they know what to expect. I've witnessed these conversations single-handedly stop fights."
While estate planning may feel complicated, it doesn’t have to be. As Albert Einstein said, “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” So let’s break it down in the simplest way possible—like we’re explaining it to a six-year-old—so it’s clear, kind, and keeps families whole.
“Mommy, Daddy, what’s a will?”
A will is a document that says who gets your stuff when you pass away. More importantly, it’s where you name who will take care of your kids if you can’t. Without one, a judge decides. And that judge might pick someone you wouldn’t choose.
“But what’s a trust? Isn’t that the same thing?”
Almost. A will doesn’t matter until you’re gone. A trust kicks in right away. It protects your family and your stuff now, not later. It also helps avoid probate—the court process that can eat up time and money after someone passes away.
“What happens to me if you’re not around?”
That’s guardianship. Parents get to name guardians to raise their kids if something happens. But here’s the kicker—godparents don’t count. Courts don’t recognize them unless they’re legally named. Without a guardian in writing, a judge makes the choice. That might mean the relative you never imagined—or foster care.
“Who pays the bills if you get hurt?”
That’s where a financial power of attorney comes in. It lets parents choose someone to manage money if they can’t do it. Without it, the court steps in and appoints a stranger, known as a conservator. And yes, that stranger gets paid with your money.
“Who talks to the doctors?”
That’s a medical power of attorney. It names the person who can make healthcare decisions if you can’t. Without it, again, the court picks someone.
“Okay, but what’s a living will?”
Despite the name, it’s not a will at all. It’s a piece of paper that says whether you want life support in an end-of-life situation. It may be the toughest decision you’ll ever make, but it saves your family from having to make it for you.
“So what is probate? Do I have to go?”
Probate is the process that transfers property after someone dies. In Colorado, if you have less than $86,000 in your name and no real estate, you can avoid it. Otherwise, probate is required unless you’ve set up a trust. It isn’t always scary, but it does take time and money.
Here’s the truth: estate planning isn’t about death. It’s about love. It’s about sparing your family from confusion, courtrooms, and conflict. Wills, trusts, guardianships, powers of attorney, living wills—they’re not just legal tools. They’re love letters. They’re the way you keep guiding your family even when you can’t be there. And there’s a quiet gratitude in that—gratitude that your care and foresight today can give your loved ones peace tomorrow.
As Jeff Althaus puts it, “At Althaus Law, our team has a goal of keeping families together. We’ve seen these struggles in our clients’ lives, our friends’ lives, and our own personal lives, and we know how to plan for them to stop fights and keep your family out of court.”
Because after the funeral, the silence shouldn’t come from heartbreak and division. With the right plan, it can come from peace.